Quickly exit this site by pressing the Escape key Leave this site
We use some essential cookies to make our website work. We’d like to set additional cookies so we can remember your preferences and understand how you use our site.
You can manage your preferences and cookie settings at any time by clicking on “Customise Cookies” below. For more information on how we use cookies, please see our Cookies notice.
Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.
Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.
Sorry, there was a technical problem. Please try again.
This site is a beta, which means it's a work in progress and we'll be adding more to it over the next few weeks. Your feedback helps us make things better, so please let us know what you think.
We have already seen an increase in cyber attacks emerging at a national level against a variety of targets since the beginning of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the UK.
We encourage companies and individuals to consider amplified security measures at this unprecedented time and adhere to the following advice:
Ransomware
Ransomware attacks in particular are on the rise. Ransomware is a malicious form of malware that encrypts your files and prevents you from accessing your computer, data or systems. It can spread throughout a network, potentially having a huge impact on an organisation.
Victims are often then asked to make a payment in order to gain access to files again. There is no guarantee paying will get access back, therefore it's important to regularly back up your business critical files and data, meaning you can recover your data without having to pay a ransom.
For more information on protecting your business from Ransomware see the guidance from the National Cyber Security Centre here: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/mitigating-malware-and-ransomware-attacks
Home working
Due to the advancement of the coronavirus and subsequent advice from the Government, employees are increasingly encouraged to work from home or remotely, where possible. While this won't be new to some, companies will likely have an increased number of employees working from home than normal and for a longer period of time.
Follow our tips to stay secure whilst working remotely:
Find out more about working from home here: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/news/home-working-increases-in-response-to-covid-19
Phishing
Cyber criminals are exploiting the coronavirus as an opportunity to send phishing emails claiming to have important updates or encouraging donations, impersonating otherwise trustworthy organisations.
Ensure you and your staff remain vigilant and informed on spotting suspicious emails. Don't click on links if you're in any doubt, or contact the sender directly to verify.
Guidance on phishing emails can be found here: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/suspicious-email-actions