In reaction to the situation in Ukraine, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) are urging organisations in the UK to ensure their cyber defences are bolstered.  Their recent press release advises businesses to follow guidance regarding the steps to take when the cyber threat is raised. Whilst there is no need to be alarmed, we would encourage you to read this along with the updated cyber security guidance.

The NCSC is not aware of any specific threats. Their advice includes reviewing key elements of your cyber security strategy, as listed below.  It’s worth noting that NCSC’s own Cyber Essentials Certification, covers the 5 most basic elements of cyber security and would be a wise first step for businesses who are starting to review their cyber defences.

NCSC advise includes reviewing:

• patching systems;
• improving access controls and enabling multi-factor authentication;
• implementing an effective incident response plan;
• checking that backups and restore mechanisms are working;
• ensuring that online defences are working as expected, and;
• keeping up to date with the latest threat and mitigation information.

As always, we strongly recommend a multi-layered approach to your cyber security defences.  Human error often proves to be the weakest link so we advocate phishing training & testing of your team.  This ensures they have the skills required to be vigilant to the threats and play their part in supplementing the other elements of your defence.