Insights
Experts from the National Cyber Security Centre look back on the events that shaped charity cyber security in 2020
Cub Llewelyn-Davies - Charity Sector Lead at the National Cyber Security Centre - looks back at the events of 2020 and the important work the NCSC is doing to help charities tackle cyber crime.
2020 has been one of the most challenging years the charity sector has ever had to endure. But amidst this turmoil, we have seen new ways of working emerge: as charities digitise in order to explore creative ways of delivering services through these unprecedented times.
As we head towards 2021, many areas of the UK are now coming out of a full lockdown. And with the prospect of a vaccine being rolled out, it feels as though a corner is being turned.
This is not to ignore or make light of the very real challenges that remain for many people in our communities: rather there is a growing hope that these obstacles too may be overcome through people joining together to help one another in the face of adversity.
These challenges are the reason that charities exist, and amidst the great difficulties of this year, there have been many inspiring stories of charities adapting in order to deliver their vital services when they were needed most.
When looking back over the year from a cyber security perspective there is also a great deal for us to celebrate. Organisations have consistently demonstrated that the move from physical to digital need not be something to fear - as long as charity leaders consider the risks and apply appropriate cyber security controls.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is extremely proud to have been able to help so many organisations address the cyber security challenges they have faced during 2020.
From our Small Charity Guide through to our Moving from Physical to Digital project, we have aimed to provide clear, straightforward guidance to answer the questions of those working in the sector.
We have delivered a number of online webinars and awareness sessions on topics ranging from fraud prevention through to cloud security. In our podcast being released this month, we will be talking to Mary Stevens Hospice about their experience of a cyber attack, and the lessons they have learned as a result.
The NCSC mission remains “..to make the UK the safest place to live and work online”, so if there are additional cyber security challenges you are facing, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us through enquiries@ncsc.gov.uk and we will endeavour to help where we are able.
It just remains to say wherever you are and however you choose to spend it, all of us in the Charity Team at NCSC would like to wish you a peaceful and Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
Hear one charity's cyber attack story and how they dealt with it
Join us on the 11th of April for our webinar with Dell we will explore how AI is already impacting people and communities, the meanings of AI safety and AI literacy, and how charitable organisations can take action on digital and AI inclusion.