Case Study UK Chamber of Shipping: Strengthening cyber resilience for a nationally and internationally influential organisation.
Combining KnowBe4 security awareness training, simulated phishing exercises and Cyber Essentials certification to build human and technical resilience against advanced cyber threats.
Client Overview
The UK Chamber of Shipping is the trade association and voice of the UK shipping industry, representing members across a highly regulated and internationally connected sector. The organisation works closely with Government, Parliament and international bodies, placing it at the centre of industry influence both in the UK and globally.
Given its role and profile, the UK Chamber operates in an environment where information security, resilience and trust are essential to its credibility and ongoing operations.
The Challenge
As an organisation with direct connections to UK Government and international stakeholders, the UK Chamber of Shipping is of heightened interest to external threat actors. This risk was realised when the organisation was previously subjected to a cryptolocker attack, during which malicious actors attempted to encrypt critical files using malware.
While files were successfully recovered from backup with minimal disruption, the incident highlighted the need to strengthen cyber security beyond technical controls alone. The organisation recognised that long-term resilience would require a broader, more proactive approach, including staff awareness and alignment with recognised security standards.
The Solution
VTG partnered with the UK Chamber of Shipping to improve cyber resilience through a combination of people-focused security awareness and formal security certification.
Cyber security awareness training was delivered using KnowBe4, combining structured learning with simulated, scenario-based phishing exercises. This approach helped identify areas of risk and reinforce preventative behaviours across the organisation.
Alongside this, VTG supported the UK Chamber in achieving Cyber Essentials certification, a UK Government-backed scheme designed to protect organisations against the most common cyber threats. The certification provided additional assurance to partners and stakeholders while helping formalise the organisation’s security posture.
Beyond individual initiatives, VTG worked as a trusted IT and security partner, supporting recovery, preventative controls and ongoing best-practice guidance. This included ensuring systems remained up to date with security patches and aligning technical controls with the human element addressed through training.
“I don’t think you can ever be complacent with cyber security; you just have to keep trying to be up there in terms of best practice. Everyone understands that with threats such as cryptolockers and GDPR compliance, it’s just enormously important.”
“VTG training really drilled home the importance of preventative behaviours. Making our people aware of the issues has been a huge game-changer in terms of our cyber resilience.”
UK Chamber of Shipping
Following the introduction of security awareness training and the achievement of Cyber Essentials certification, the UK Chamber of Shipping reported increased confidence in its cyber security approach.
The organisation now benefits from improved staff awareness, stronger preventative behaviours and greater assurance that both technical and human risks are being actively managed, providing a more resilient foundation for the future.
Impact Delivered
Client Satisfaction
Cyber Essentials
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