BUSINESSES are to be given tips on how to beat computer hackers by IT boffins at Kidderminster College.

The college's ICT services department is running a free, two-hour security awareness seminar, for small to medium-sized companies, in Kiddermin-ster Library, in Market Street, on Monday, April 3.

Graham Mason, head of ICT at the college, said: "Businesses need to protect themselves and their customers and, in a lot of these cases, following simple guidelines or having an information security management system in place will stop disruption to business."

The college is carrying out a research project to see how Wyre Forest companies deal with their information security, including the seminar, which would normally cost £300.

To book a place on the seminar or for an informal discussion about improving business data security, contact Mr Mason on 01562 512053 or e-mail

gmason@kidderminster.ac.uk