Startups offered help to keep innovations secure

New guidance from the NCSC and the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure has been released to help fledgling technical companies consider key questions around security.

Launched during the NCSC’s flagship CYBERUK event, the guidance encourages companies to take steps to strengthen their defences against criminals, competitors and hostile state actors.

The ‘Secure Innovation’ package of guidance was developed in consultation with emerging technology companies and highlights the importance of laying strong security foundations that can evolve as startups grow, in a cost-effective and proportionate manner.

Startups are urged to consider the security implications for their business as they grow, specifically when choosing partners to collaborate with and expanding into new markets.

The introduction of the guidance is the result of companies working in emerging technologies becoming increasingly likely to be an attractive target to a wide range of actors, including those backed by foreign states seeking technological advancement.

Ian Levy, NCSC Technical Director, said: “The UK has one of the world’s best startup ecosystems, which makes companies working in emerging technologies a target for hostile actors. That’s why alongside CPNI we have created bespoke guidance which aims to show these companies what good physical and cyber security looks like and how to implement it. Putting good security in place now is a sound investment for these companies, helping lower the risks of future disruption and enhancing their attractiveness to investors.”