NCSC CEO Says UK Should Not Underestimate Security Threats

The NCSC CEO, Dr Richard Horne, has launched the NCSC’s 8th annual review and shared some key thoughts on the state of cyber security in the UK. Including advice on how to stay even more secure. To give you a snapshot, we’ve summarised some important takeaways from his speech in this article.  

What is the NCSC? It’s a UK government organisation that provides advice and support to the public and private sectors on how to avoid computer security threats. It serves as the UK’s national technical authority for cyber threats and information assurance. 

Our technology dependence makes us vulnerable 

In his speech, Dr Horne mentions that the UK has an advanced digital economy with many critical systems and services relying on a digital infrastructure. But this makes us vulnerable to hostile, malicious attacks. He notes that “hostile activity in UK cyberspace has increased in frequency, sophistication and intensity”.  

Therefore, implementing cyber security best practices is essential.  

Dr Horne says:  

“We need all organisations – public and private – to see cyber security as both an essential foundation for their operations and a driver for growth, to view cyber security not just as a ‘necessary evil’ or compliance function but as a business investment, a catalyst for innovation and an integral part of achieving their purpose”.  

The importance of getting the right security controls in place 

Cyber Essentials is a government programme that requires organisations to implement several security controls. Insurers noticed a 92% reduction in Cyber Insurance claims as a result. For those of you looking to achieve Cyber Essentials or looking for a Cyber Insurance provider, we recommend you consider CyberSmart.  

Dr Horne also highlights that cyber security regulations, such as “the new Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, are crucial steps towards hardening the UK’s cyber defences.” 

Dr Horne rounds off his speech by stressing the fact that we can’t just talk about being resilient, but we have to actually act. We must bolster our security practices and recover quickly if any attacks get through. He reminds us that organisations and the UK, as a whole, need to work as a team in this fast-evolving cyberspace.  

Read the full speech here. 

Improve your security 

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