The North West Cyber Security Cluster, founded in 2014, is a group of SMEs from the cyber security and IT industry across Lancashire, Cumbria and Merseyside. The cluster currently involves and liaises with 20 businesses with a wide range of strengths and services, all with a common goal to raise standards across the industry and provide first class services to protect businesses from cyber threats. NWCSC’s goals involve establishing a minimum certification level for entry to the group, thereby raising industry standards and meaning a step closer to high accreditation becoming the norm for businesses in the cyber security sector. Founded and chaired by Xyone Cyber Security and in collaboration with Security Lancaster, one of 12 centres of excellence for academic research in this industry, the North West Cyber Security Cluster strives to provide complete protection through collaboration.