Free NCSC training helps charities prevent cyber attacks

Cyber criminals have been working overtime during the pandemic. And small charities are particularly at risk. Fraudsters specifically target smaller charities because staff and volunteers often receive less training than other organisations. 

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) are here to help. They are offering charities free access to a new e-learning package that will drastically boost cyber security.

Cyber Security for Small Organisations and Charities shows charities the vital steps they need to take to reduce the risk of the most common cyber attacks, including ransomware and phishing.

The e-learning package helps small organisations to identify possible weaknesses in their online infrastructure and act to strengthen them, focusing on five essential areas:

• Backing up an organisation’s data correctly
• Protecting an organisation against malware
• Keeping the devices used by employees secure
• The importance of creating strong passwords
• Defending an organisation against phishing

The training gives small charities the chance to become confident with cyber security, without spending money or hiring new personnel.

Sarah Lyons, Deputy Director for Economy and Society at the NCSC, explains the importance of the training: “Cyber security can feel like unknown territory for some small organisations, and with so much advice available it can be difficult to know where to begin.

“Our e-learning package is a brilliant place to start, and I’d encourage small businesses to take advantage of it and learn how they can boost their cyber defences.”

Digital Infrastructure Minister Matt Warman adds: “The internet has kept thousands of small charities going through the pandemic, but cyber attacks remain a significant threat if organisations do not take steps to protect themselves. I would urge charity bosses to take advantage of this excellent resource to help them build back safer from coronavirus and keep online criminals locked out.”

The e-learning package is the latest resource from the NCSC. Earlier in 2021, the NCSC released their Cyber Action Plan, which offered bespoke advice to small organisations as part of their cross-government Cyber Aware campaign.