The good news? You don't have to face this challenge alone. The UK offers a wealth of free services and resources designed to bolster your defences and provide peace of mind. Let's explore some of the key players and tools available to help you protect your business from cyber attacks.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC): Your First Line of Defence
The NCSC is at the forefront of the UK's cyber security efforts, and their Active Cyber Defence (ACD) programme offers a fantastic array of free tools and services for eligible organisations. Think of them as your national cyber security guardians!
- MyNCSC: Consider this your central hub, providing easy access to many of the NCSC's ACD services. It's a great starting point to explore what's on offer.
- Early Warning: Imagine getting an alert if malicious activity is detected targeting your network. Early Warning (video) does just that, providing crucial time to investigate and respond.
- Exercise in a Box: Practice makes perfect, even in cyber security. This toolkit offers realistic cyber incident scenarios, allowing your team to rehearse your response and identify areas for improvement.
- Mail Check: Email remains a prime target for cybercriminals. Mail Check helps you assess your email security compliance, identify vulnerabilities, and prevent the abuse of your email domains. (video)
- Web Check: Your website is often the public face of your organisation. Web Check helps you identify and fix common security weaknesses, from invalid certificates to software vulnerabilities. No deep technical expertise required!
- Check your Cyber Security: This straightforward service performs simple online checks on your public-facing IT to pinpoint common vulnerabilities. If issues are found, clear, step-by-step guidance is provided. This includes specific checks for:
- Email security: Quickly assess your email domain's security to prevent spoofing and protect sensitive information.
- IP address & website: Identify common weaknesses in your public IP address or website that could be exploited by cybercriminals.
- Web browser: Ensure your web browser isn't outdated and vulnerable to malicious attacks.
The NCSC also offers valuable guidance tailored to different types of organisations, including the self-employed, sole traders, and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Their free Cyber Action Plan provides a personalised roadmap to enhance your security based on your specific needs. Investing in your team's awareness is crucial, and the NCSC's free online training for staff offers a convenient way to educate them on essential cyber security best practices.
For organisations looking to demonstrate their commitment to cyber security, Cyber Essentials, a government-backed certification scheme, provides a clear framework and helps protect against common attacks. The Cyber Advisor scheme further supports SMEs by offering reliable and cost-effective advice on implementing the technical controls required for Cyber Essentials.
In the unfortunate event of a cyber incident, the NCSC maintains a list of assured commercial cyber incident response (CIR) companies ready to provide expert assistance. They also promote cyber incident exercising (CIE) to help organisations test and refine their response plans in a safe environment. Stay informed by signing up for the NCSC subscription centre to receive updates and newsletters.
Police CyberAlarm: Community-Powered Cyber Defence
Police CyberAlarm is a unique and award-winning free tool from your local police force, backed by the Home Office. It acts as a community-based cyber threat monitoring system. By joining, your business contributes to a collective understanding of the cyber threats targeting the UK. In return, you receive regular reports of suspicious activity and known vulnerabilities aimed at your organisation, empowering you to take proactive steps.
To learn more and register for this valuable service, visit
Cyber Resilience Centres (CRCs): Local Support for Stronger Defences
The National Cyber Resilience Centre Group (NCRCG) and its network of nine regional Cyber Resilience Centres (CRCs) across England and Wales offer invaluable local support. These police-led, business-focused centres provide free membership and a range of services designed to strengthen the cyber resilience of businesses in their region. By connecting with your local CRC, you gain access to long-term support and resources tailored to your specific needs.
Find your local Centre and explore their services at the National Cyber Resilience Centre Group website.
The Protect Network: Regional Expertise on Your Doorstep
The Protect Network, comprised of the ten Regional Organised Crime Units (ROCUs) across England and Wales, are trusted partners of the NCSC. Their dedicated cyber security teams work directly with businesses, organisations, and communities to raise awareness of cyber threats and promote preventative measures. ROCUs can provide support and guidance in the event of a cyber incident, acting as a crucial first point of contact and leveraging their direct link to the NCSC. Their counterparts in Scotland and Northern Ireland offer similar support.
Taking the First Step Towards a Safer Future
Ignoring cyber security is no longer an option. The potential consequences are simply too significant. Fortunately, the UK provides a robust ecosystem of free services and expert guidance to help organisations of all sizes build strong cyber defences.
Take the time today to explore the resources mentioned above. Start with the NCSC's offerings, consider joining Police CyberAlarm, connect with your local Cyber Resilience Centre, and understand the support available through the Protect Network. By proactively engaging with these services, you can significantly reduce your risk, protect your valuable assets, and build a more secure and resilient future for your organisation. Don't wait until it's too late – fortify your fortress now.
Source: Action Fraud
