Two of the leading cybersecurity in the UK (NCSC and NPSA) have presented new guidelines, specifically designed to support researchers and startups in protecting innovation in the country.
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GCHQ's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has worked with MI5's National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) to create two online hubs providing guidance on best practice.
The UK has a thriving research and startup sector. Universities are expected to contribute £265 billion to the national economy, of which £63 billion comes from research and knowledge dissemination.
The country has a technology sector worth more than $1 trillion, ranking third in the world after the United States and China. According to government data, the UK is home to more than a third of Europe’s “unicorn” companies. In addition, more than 40% of new venture capital raised in Europe in the past five years has come from companies based in the country.
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However, this success has attracted the attention of government agencies, competitors and financially motivated cybercriminals, as the NCSC warned.
Ensuring reliable research is divided into three sections, depending on the target audience: academia in general, senior university executives, and industry stakeholders who may collaborate with academic institutions.
There are also supporting videos, marketing campaign materials, and advice for academics on how to protect sensitive information when traveling.
The Secure Innovation first launched last year as a Five Eyes project.
There are also handy resources that detail how to conduct background checks on prospective partners, how to secure information when working abroad, and a set of threat scenarios and mitigation measures designed to illuminate the issue more clearly.
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Security guidance is essential to ensure sensitive data and systems are protected from unauthorized access and potential threats. Start by using strong, unique passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication where possible. Regularly update software and hardware to patch vulnerabilities and minimize risks. Be cautious about opening suspicious emails or clicking on unknown links, as these are common phishing. Additionally, train team members or end users on how to recognize and respond to potential security threats.
Source: infosecurity-magazine
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