A Lanarkshire cyber security business is aiming to help local charities protect themselves against cyber attacks.
Ascent Cyber was founded by Stephanie Hill, from Wishaw, and business partner Matt Ridley, from Lesmahagow, in 2019 while they were studying at Glasgow Caledonian University.
Three years on, the company is still going strong and aims to help as many people as possible protect themselves against cybercrime.
Now, Ascent has teamed up with a number of industry professionals as part of the Scottish Tech Army to offer support to charities that may not fully understand the risks of cybercrime.
The Scottish Tech Army was founded in 2020 at the start of COVID, when millions of people had to change the way they work and do things.
Speaking to Lanarkshire Live, Stephanie said: "The Scottish Tech Army is a team of IT specialists.
"At the start of COVID, many of us came together to offer support to businesses and charities who maybe need support within IT.
"At Ascent, we focus on cyber security and help people stay protected within the world of cyber and IT.
"It is a growing issue and cybercrime can affect anyone so it's important to understand how to protect yourself.
"When we started the business at university, we wanted to change the way people see businesses like ours and be a lot more approachable to people who maybe don't have a great understanding of the IT sector.
"We have been recognised for our customer support too, winning best customer support at the Scottish Cyber Awards in November.
"We were up against some big competition so it was great to be recognised as a small company."
As well as helping people look after their cyber security, Stephanie and Matt are also helping prepare the next generation for a career in cyber.
Lecturing at New College Lanarkshire, where both first met, they help deliver the Cyber Essentials scheme.
This allows students to volunteer and helps businesses have a more robust security approach.
Stephanie added: "Going back to the college where we first met while studying is a real honour and a privilege.
"We do some lecturing and hopefully inspire the next generation of cyber security workers.
"The lecturers have been great with us and offer lots of support, we are really thankful for all their help."
You can visit the Ascent Cyber website here.
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