The North West Cyber Resilience Centre has appointed a new head of cyber and innovation, Dan Giannasi.
Giannasi joins the centre after serving for 15 years with Greater Manchester Police and the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit, most recently at the rank of detective inspector.
He will work closely with the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit’s new head of fraud and cybercrime Chris Maddocks. Their role will include supporting all five police forces in the North West to provide accessible, consistent, government-backed support and training to businesses of all sizes across the North West.
During his time in law enforcement, Giannasi worked across a range of investigative roles including public protection, digital investigations and cyber crime.
He said: “My passion for cybercrime came from having a passion for technology. Working in cybercrime I have managed investigations and developed connections across forces across the UK. I hope to see businesses across the region improve cyber awareness and grow their resilience to the latest online crimes. I am proud to be from the region, and I’m looking forward to leading the Cyber Resilience Centre.“
The North West Cyber Resilience Centre is part of the wider Cyber Resilience Centres network established across the UK.
So far, 2022 has already seen the NW centre launch its Funded Cyber Security Programme for business in Greater Manchester, with plans to expand this support into Merseyside, Cheshire, Lancashire and Cumbria over the next 18 months.
Dan will be joined in his new role by a second new gace at the centre, new client relationship manager Niomie Haynes as our new Client Relationship Manager. Haynes was previously worked as team manager for the fraud prevention team at The Very Group.
Haynes added: “I have seen first hand the impacts cybercrime can have on businesses and individuals and I feel passionate about supporting others to help them protect their business. Cybercrime is ever-evolving and educating ourselves and staff is going to be key to future proofing businesses in the region.”
