Official portrait of Steven Barclay. Photo credit: Parliament Official Portraits, https://members.parliament.uk/member/4095/portrait

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster speech at CYBERUK

In a speech at the CYBERUK conference in Newport today, Steve Barclay, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, underlined the importance of cyber security in all sectors, but gave crucial examples of public sector organisations that prove how important the Government Cyber Security Strategy is.

In today’s speech, Barclay mentioned how “in one attack in the UK, the National Crime Agency alerted a public sector organisation to an ongoing breach of its systems. Within hours, the NCA had identified the compromised services and located the exfiltrated data, which it later managed to take down; so that no personal information got out.”

The requirement for increased security in the public sector, in a world where cyber threats are ever developing as security measures improve is backed up by the National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) new online tool that enables key organisations in the public sector to check for any potential vulnerabilities in their cyber defences.

Barclay, who also serves as Downing Street Chief of Staff, also said:

“Some authorities estimate that in 2020, ransomware attacks may have cost the UK economy a minimum of £615 million.

Over the past year, the National Crime Agency has received on average one report from victims of a Russia-based group responsible for ransomware attacks in the week. One report a week. Indeed, some authorities have estimated that over the last year global ransomware payments are up 144%, and the average demand is $2.2 million.

Being a responsible, durable, effective cyber power cannot be achieved by government alone. So, we want to work with industry, universities, schools, and individual citizens getting involved.”

NCSC have also announced a new email security tool for organisations across the country to use. Paul Maddison, NCSC Director for National Resilience, said:

“Email plays a central role in how organisations communicate every day so it’s vital that technical teams have measures in place to protect email systems from abuse.

Our new Email Security Check tool helps users identify where than do more to prevent spoofing and protect privacy and offers practical advice on how to stay secure.

By following the recommended actions, organisations can help bolster their defences, demonstrate they have taken cyber security seriously and make life harder for cyber criminals.”

This new tool is currently only available for charities, education organizations and, importantly, public sector organizations to try out as a pilot. This will allow local authorities to further develop their cyber security, something that Sir Jeremy Fleming, GCHQ Director, spoke about in a speech yesterday about the importance of the public sector in keeping citizens safe in cyberspace, with emphasis on maintaining resilience and continuing to deliver the services that they are there to deliver.

 

Photo credit: Parliament Official Portraits, https://members.parliament.uk/member/4095/portrait

PSE August/September 2023

PSE August/September 2023

London mayor assisting with creative COVID recovery

Our  August/September 2023 edition of PSE brings you expert comment and analysis on a range of key public sector topics, from EV infrastructure to Digital transformation and reducing carbon emissions.

 

Learn how the role of local government in leading the data revolution or read all about the Manchesters landmark housing scheme, alongside so much more…

Videos...

View all videos
#PSE365: Public Sector Events

Be A Part Of It!

PSE365: Public Sector Virtual Events

PSE has created a full calendar of events to address the most important issues that influence the delivery of public sector services. 

 

Over 365 days you’ll have the opportunity to hear from a range of highly motivating, informative and inspirational speakers. These speakers will equip you with knowledge and unique insight to enable you to overcome the challenges that you face.

 

See our full events calendar and register now! 

Public Sector Executive Podcast

Ep. 44
LGBT in the workplace
with Carl Austin Behan

In episode 44 of the Public Sector Executive Podcast, host Dan Benn was joined by former Lord Mayor of Manchester, Carl Austin-Behan OBE. Carl spoke about everything ranging from his time in the RAF, being Manchester’s first openly gay Lord Mayor, and the important work he does now, with the LGBT Foundation.
 

More articles...

View all