Confex promotes cyber security service to members

Confex is offering cyber security services to its members to protect its supply chain.

The Cotswold-based buying group has identified cyber security as one of its seven strategic pillars and has partnered with the cyber security platform provider Cyber Tzar to offer support to its 241 members across the UK at ‘attractive market rates’.

“As wholesale moves further and further online and our systems grow in importance, combined with the rise in the level of cyber threats, as highlighted in this year’s King’s Speech, Confex is proud to announce its partnership with Cyber Tzar to enhance the security of our systems and those of our members,” said Confex CEO Tom Gittins.

Charles Andrews, chair of Cyber Tzar, added: “For Confex, its members and suppliers, this initiative will raise the bar for security and will protect the entire supply chain.”

With supply chains spanning complex networks and connecting systems, a single cyber breach in just one area can swiftly lead to the entire chain being compromised.

“Businesses believe they are protected by their existing IT security systems; however, this is not the case across their supply chain. It is estimated that 90% of businesses do not know the cyber risk of their suppliers, which means everyone in the supply chain is at risk,” Andrews pointed out.

“Cyber security vulnerabilities can come from all kinds of sources, such as third-party compromises, malicious software updates, embedded hardware flaws, insider threats and outdated or unpatched systems. As automation increases, the landscape is continually changing and it is vital that businesses stay ahead and eliminate potential risks.”

The partnership is already under way, with Cyber Tzar actively scanning Confex systems, identifying vulnerabilities and working with the IT team at Confex to fix them.

“This ongoing collaboration will allow us to stay ahead of emerging threats and maintain robust security measures,” said Gittins. “Thanks to this agreement, our members can start using this service at attractive market rates to help protect their systems, and of course, the entire supply chain.”

In other news, over 70 suppliers showcased their products to Confex members at its recent foodservice event, held at Stratford-upon-Avon Racecourse. More than 2,000 on-the-day deals were available.

Gittins commented: “What began just after the pandemic as quite a small gathering of our foodservice-only members and suppliers has now become a major date in the Confex calendar. Each year there are more brands exhibiting and more members attending, and today we’ve achieved record numbers. It’s been brilliant to see so many different conversations taking place, all focused on future growth.”