Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Security
  • /
  • NCSC and ICO challenge myths around reporting cyber attacks

Security

NCSC and ICO challenge myths around reporting cyber attacks

In a new joint blog post, the UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) have identified six misconceptions that can discourage organisations from reporting attacks - particularly ransomware attacks - and is setting out to dispel them.

Image copyright Shutterstock

The misconceptions include the mistaken belief that reporting cyber attacks to the authorities makes it more likely the incident will become public, and that paying a ransom automatically makes the incident go away.

With cyber attacks continuing to cause significant disruption, the NCSC and ICO are concerned about incidents which go unreported because every 'hushed up' case that isn't shared or fully investigated makes other attacks more likely as no one can learn from them.

Advertisement
ADS S &P RT

However, being open with the authorities will give victims access to expert support and advice and will be taken into account favourably by the ICO when considering their regulatory response.

The six ‘myths’ which the NCSC and the ICO have identified as commonly held by organisations that have fallen victim to cyber incidents are:

  • If I cover up the attack, everything will be ok
  • Reporting to the authorities makes it more likely your incident will go public
  • Paying a ransom makes the incident go away
  • I’ve got good offline backups, I won’t need to pay a ransom
  • If there is no evidence of data theft, you don’t need to report to the ICO
  • You’ll only get a fine if your data is leaked

Eleanor Fairford, NCSC Deputy Director for Incident Management, said: “The NCSC supports victims of cyber incidents every day, but we are increasingly concerned about the organisations that decide not to come forward.

“Keeping a cyber attack secret helps nobody except the perpetrators, so we strongly encourage victims to report incidents and seek support to help effectively deal with the fallout.

Advertisement
ODU RT 2

“By responding openly and sharing information, organisations can help mitigate the risk to their operations and reputation, as well break the cycle of crime to prevent others from falling victim.”

 

 

 

Advertisement
Northrop Grumman Northrop Grumman
Home Secretary announces major policing reforms

Security Events

Home Secretary announces major policing reforms

21 November 2024

An ambitious programme of reform to policing has been unveiled by the UK's Home Secretary, marking the start of a new partnership between government and policing.

Recruitment bias preventing STEM professionals returning to work

Aerospace Defence Security Space

Recruitment bias preventing STEM professionals returning to work

21 November 2024

Bias in the recruitment system is still preventing talented STEM professionals on a career break from returning to employment, according to a new survey by STEM Returners.

Base Materials

Defence Security

Base Materials' Subtec 11500 first with DNV TAC

20 November 2024

Leicester based Base Materials has become the first syntactic foam subsea buoyancy manufacturer to receive DNV type approval (TAC) on its Subtec 11500 material and Approval of Manufacture (AoM) for the complete range of Subtec materials.

TEKEVER gets €70m funding boost

Defence Security

TEKEVER gets €70m funding boost

20 November 2024

Provider of AI-centric Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), TEKEVER, has raised €70 million in a funding round led by Baillie Gifford, the investment manager and early backer of Airbnb, Spotify and SpaceX and the NATO Innovation Fund (NIF), a standalone venture capital fund, backed by 24 NATO allies, that deploys €1 billion in deep tech to advance ...

Advertisement
ODU RT 2
Allen-Vanguard and Metis Aerospace to deliver advanced counter-drone capabilities

Defence Security

Allen-Vanguard and Metis Aerospace to deliver advanced counter-drone capabilities

18 November 2024

Allen-Vanguard, a provider of customised solutions for defeating Radio Frequency (RF) based terrorist and extremist threats, has entered a strategic collaboration with domain knowledge experts in passive RF detection, Metis Aerospace.

UK and allies warn of cyber attack vulnerabilities

Defence Security

UK and allies warn of cyber attack vulnerabilities

13 November 2024

The UK and international allies issued an alert yesterday, showing an increase in cyber attackers initially exploiting previously unknown vulnerabilities to compromise enterprise networks.

Advertisement
ODU RT