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Cyber Incident Response: Your last line of defence - get better prepared
All staff Cyber threats and incidents Cyber incidents can have a significant impact on staff, both professionally and personally. … Read more
Guest blog by Mark Brett, Socitm Honorary Life Member / Pro bono Cyber security and resilience advisor The Microsoft … Read more
Introduction At the start of 2022, Socitm published our Public Sector Digital Trends 2022 report. In it we talked … Read more
All staff Cyber threats and incidents Cyber incidents can have a significant impact on staff, both professionally and personally. … Read more
If you would like to share any thoughts and feedback, or provide case studies and resources for inclusion in Cyber@Socitm, please contact our team using our contact us page.
Cyber security is the practice of protecting computer systems and networks from theft, damage, or unauthorised access. In today’s digital landscape, cyber security is crucial because organisations and individuals rely heavily on technology for daily operations and data storage, making them vulnerable to various cyber threats. For UK local governments, this is particularly critical due to the sensitive information they handle, including citizens’ personal data and essential public services. Cyber threats to local government bodies include ransomware attacks that can disrupt services, supply chain attacks, and advanced persistent threats (APTs) that can compromise systems and infrastructure. The increasing use of cloud services and Internet of Things (IoT) devices by local councils introduces further vulnerabilities, which threat actors can exploit.
The importance of robust cyber security for UK local governments cannot be overstated. A cyber attack can lead to severe disruptions in public services, financial losses, and erosion of public trust. For instance, ransomware attacks can cripple essential services, while data breaches can expose citizens’ sensitive information, leading to legal and reputational damage. Local governments need to implement comprehensive security measures, such as staff training, robust data protection protocols, and incident response plans, as well as complying with data protection regulations such as the GDPR, to minimise the impact of these threats. Furthermore, with the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, such as AI-driven attacks, it is essential for local authorities to stay informed about emerging threats and to adapt their security measures accordingly.
Cyber Security is crucial for local governments and their digital infrastructure. Local authorities can use cyber security to support their digital transformation initiatives and protect themselves and the citizens they serve:
Cyber@Socitm addresses several public sector practitioners to provide tailored information covering likely cyber threats and incidents, support and guidance, opportunities and resources for the following stakeholders: