Government urges businesses to step up cyber defences

The government is urging businesses across the UK to strengthen their cyber defences.

As part of a wider push to shore up the UK's cyber defences, organisations are being urged to sign up to a Cyber Resilience Pledge. 

The pledge will launch later this year and sets out three concrete actions that organisations can take to improve cyber security. These include making cyber security a board-level responsibility; signing up to the National Cyber Security Centre’s free Early Warning Service; and requiring Cyber Essentials certification across their supply chains.

Ministers have already written directly to some of the UK’s leading companies inviting them to sign up to the Cyber Resilience Pledge.

Cyber Security Minister Baroness Lloyd said: "Cyber security is now fundamental to economic growth, job creation and the resilience of the services people rely on every day. 

"The UK has a world‑class cyber sector that is creating skilled jobs and protecting our economy – and government is doing more by investing in its own defences, legislating to require more of essential services and setting clear national standards. 

"As threats evolve, businesses of all sizes need to step up and take practical action now. The Cyber Resilience Pledge is a clear call for companies to strengthen their defences, protect their customers and play their part in keeping the UK secure and competitive."