BUSINESS experts stressed concerns about cyber crime at a conference.

Online security in the digital age was the hot topic at a meeting at the Harwell Campus near Chilton yesterday.

Businesses from across the region came together to learn how to protect themselves against cyber crime, which includes hacking and phishing scams.

Addressing attendees yesterday, headline speaker Nicola Blackwood MP said: “Cyber attacks cost British industry £34 billion per year and often hit smaller businesses the hardest.

“It is encouraging to see so many from the business community here today, taking this issue seriously and working together to get ahead of the game when it comes to cyber risks.”

The event at the European Space Agency was organised by Oxford and Thames Valley Cyber Security Clusters; a group of organisations that focus on tackling cyber security.

Ms Blackwood, MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, formerly chaired the Commons Science and Technology Committee.

Her speech was followed by representatives from businesses as well as those from Thames Valley Police, who provided tips on how to deal with cyber crime.