New centre launches to tackle digital threats

A university is set to launch a new centre for research into cyber security and artificial intelligence (AI).

The Centre for Cyber Resilience and Artificial Intelligence (CYBRAI) at the University of Wolverhampton is due to be officially opened on Friday.

Bosses said it was aimed at addressing the "growing regional and national needs for expertise" in the field.

They said the centre would serve as a hub to bring together academics, businesses and the government to tackle challenges in the digital environment.

AI was expected to be one of the centre's main areas of work, they said, bringing potential defences against threats as well as boost economic growth.

Bosses believe the technology has the potential to automate repetitive tasks, and free up to as much as 20% of employees' time.

"The establishment of CYBRAI underscores the university's commitment to addressing the critical challenges and opportunities presented by the digital revolution," said pro vice-chancellor Prof Prashant Pillai.

"This centre will be a vital hub for research, innovation, and skills development in cyber resilience and AI, not only for our region but with national and international impact."

It is estimated that 43% of businesses and 30% of charities, in the UK, experienced a cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months, according to data from The Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025.

This equates to about 600,000 businesses and 60,000 charities.

Recent high-profile cyber incidents include those involving retailers Marks and Spencer, the Co-op and Harrods.

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