Government Warns Firms to Prepare Physical Contingency Plans for Cyber Attacks

Firms Told to Have Paper Plans for Cyber-Attack Contingency In the wake of a recent surge in cyber attacks, the government has advised chief executives across the country to have physical copies of their contingency plans at the ready. The warning comes as the National Cyber-Security Centre (NCSC) reported an increase in nationally significant attacks this year. According to Richard Horne, chief executive of the NCSC, organisations need to "have a plan for how they would continue to operate without their IT, and rebuild that IT at pace, were an attack to get through." This advice is aimed at preventing chaos and disruption caused by hackers taking down computer systems. The warning follows a series of high-profile hacks this year, including those on Marks and Spencer, The Co-op, and Jaguar Land Rover. These attacks have led to empty shelves and production lines being halted as the companies struggled without their computer systems. In September, Jaguar Land Rover's factories were stalled due to a cyber attack, with production at their Solihull site coming to a standstill. Similarly, Marks and Spencer and The Co-op suffered disruptions after falling victim to hacking attempts. The government's advice is seen as a precautionary measure to ensure businesses are prepared for potential cyber attacks. Having physical copies of contingency plans will enable companies to quickly respond to an attack and continue operating without their IT systems. "This is not just about having a plan on paper, it's about being able to put that plan into action," said Horne. "We want organisations to be prepared for the worst-case scenario and have a clear understanding of how they would recover from a cyber attack." The NCSC has reported an increase in nationally significant attacks this year, with many businesses still reeling from the aftermath of previous hacks. The government's advice is aimed at preventing similar disruptions in the future. In addition to having physical copies of contingency plans, organisations are being urged to regularly review and update their plans to ensure they remain effective. This includes identifying vulnerabilities in IT systems and implementing measures to prevent attacks. The warning comes as businesses continue to grapple with the threat of cyber attacks. With more companies relying on technology to operate, the risk of disruption is higher than ever. As Horne noted, "Cyber security is not just a technical issue, it's a business continuity issue." The government's advice is seen as a step in the right direction towards preventing chaos and ensuring businesses are prepared for potential cyber attacks. *Reporting by Bbc.*