This week, the National Cyber Resilience Centre Group (NCRCG), Cyber Resilience Centre (CRC) network, and National Ambassador partners are joining together to spread awareness of cyber resilience in charities and third sector organisations, as part of Cyber Security Awareness Month.
Every organisation in this country is potentially a target for cyber criminals, including our nation’s charities which are providing vital, and often life-changing, support to the end users and communities they serve. There are over 169,000 charities in the UK which could be impacted on by cybercrime. It is therefore essential that they have a robust cyber posture and appropriate cyber protections in place to safeguard their ability, and the ability of those in their supply chains, to continue delivering this crucial work.
The CRC network is set up to deliver exactly the kind of support and advice that charities and third-sector organisations need to strengthen their cyber resilience. Experts at each centre deliver affordable, high-quality and easy-to-understand guidance to small and medium-sized charities and businesses in their localities. Importantly, these specialists are aware of threats specific to the sector and are well-versed in the business demographics of the area.
Sara Ward, Executive Officer at Black Country Women’s Aid in the West Midlands, whose team received security awareness training from the West Midlands Cyber Resilience Centre, said:
“The training was excellent and led by cyber security experts who had the most up-to-date and relevant information. It was informative and related to real-life examples that enabled us to gain a greater awareness of this insidious crime. The trainers created a safe space for us to be honest, share our experiences and understand the ease at which our information can be obtained.
“At times we have felt like fools at the ways criminals have charmed, persuaded and been completely convincing in getting our information; but we are not fools, we were just not as aware of the lengths that they will go to. Once they have our information we now know how difficult it is to get it back or have control over it.
“I can’t explain to you how strong some of the expert’s real-life examples were and how relevant they were to us. They understood where we are as a charity and how we fit into the cybercrime equation. The training has definitely influenced a culture change across our organisation. We all went away with a greater understanding of our responsibilities around cyber security. The information we hold about our clients and about ourselves is precious – we know that now more than ever. It was simply excellent!”
An independent school in Beaconsfield, who received an internal vulnerability assessment from the South East Cyber Resilience Centre, said:
“The whole process was well organised, from the initial scoping meetings, through the actual assessment itself which was carried out remotely over a period of a few weeks, to the provision of a clear report on the results. We also had a follow-up online meeting to discuss the outcomes and seek advice on next steps. A few key vulnerabilities were discovered which we have been able to address, giving us peace of mind that an extra layer of protection has been applied to our network.”
Detective Superintendent Nick Bell, CEO of NCRCG and National Policing Director for the CRCs, said:
“Cybercrime is something that impacts small and large charities, businesses and organisations across the country – it is not limited to one size of organisation, one location or one sector. Our nation’s charities are doing crucial work for the communities they operate in and, as such, we want to do what we can to help them be safe and secure from the threat of cybercrime – allowing them to continue to focus on what they do best. At NCRCG and across our CRC network, we are committed to strengthening the cyber resilience of charities and third sector organisations, ensuring they have access to the affordable, high-quality and straightforward advice they need.”
For more information, please contact Nicole at press@nationalcrcgroup.co.uk.