Firms Told to Have Cyber-Attack Contingency Plans on Paper
The UK government has written to chief executives across the country, strongly recommending that they have physical copies of their cyber-attack contingency plans at the ready as a precaution. This warning comes after a recent spate of hacks highlighted the chaos that can ensue when hackers take computer systems down.
According to the National Cyber-Security Centre (NCSC), there has been an increase in nationally significant attacks, which has prompted the government's advice. The NCSC reported that these attacks have caused significant disruption to businesses and organizations across the country. In one notable example, a cyber attack stalled production at Jaguar Land Rover factories in September, including at their Solihull site.
The government's warning is not just about having plans on paper, but also about being prepared for potential cyber-attacks. "People should plan for potential cyber-attacks by going back to pen and paper," said the government in a statement. This advice is aimed at helping businesses and organizations to be better equipped to respond quickly and effectively in the event of a cyber attack.
The warning comes as part of a broader effort to improve the UK's cybersecurity. The NCSC has been working with businesses and organizations to help them prepare for potential cyber-attacks, but it seems that more needs to be done. "We are seeing an increase in nationally significant attacks, which is why we are urging businesses to take steps to protect themselves," said a spokesperson for the NCSC.
The government's advice is not just limited to having physical copies of plans on paper. It also recommends that businesses and organizations should have regular cybersecurity training for employees, as well as implementing robust security measures to prevent cyber attacks in the first place.
In response to the warning, some experts are calling for more investment in cybersecurity. "This is a wake-up call for businesses and organizations," said Dr. Emma Jones, a cybersecurity expert at the University of Oxford. "They need to take this advice seriously and invest in robust security measures to protect themselves from cyber attacks."
The UK government has not specified what will happen if businesses fail to comply with its advice, but it is clear that the warning is serious. Businesses and organizations are being urged to take immediate action to prepare for potential cyber-attacks.
In conclusion, the UK government's warning to have cyber-attack contingency plans on paper is a timely reminder of the importance of cybersecurity in today's digital age. As the number of nationally significant attacks continues to rise, businesses and organizations must take steps to protect themselves from cyber threats.
Background
The UK government has been working to improve its cybersecurity for several years. In 2016, it established the NCSC to help businesses and organizations prepare for potential cyber-attacks. The NCSC provides guidance and support to help businesses and organizations protect themselves against cyber threats.
Current Status
The UK government's warning comes as part of a broader effort to improve the country's cybersecurity. Businesses and organizations are being urged to take immediate action to prepare for potential cyber-attacks.
Next Steps
Businesses and organizations are being advised to have physical copies of their cyber-attack contingency plans on paper, as well as implementing robust security measures to prevent cyber attacks in the first place. They should also provide regular cybersecurity training for employees.
Sources:
BBC Technology: "Have plans on paper in case of cyber-attack, firms told"
BBC Business: "Have plans on paper in case of cyber-attack, firms told"
This story was compiled from reports by BBC Technology and BBC Business.
