The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is the British government’s primary technical authority on cyber security. It is a part of the GCHQ (Government Communications Headquarters) and its purpose is to ensure the UK is safe and secure online. The NCSC was established in October 2016 by the Home Secretary following the Government’s Cyber Security Strategy 2011. Its goal is to reduce the UK’s vulnerability to cyber attacks and to support the government in its digital transformation programme.
The NCSC’s key priorities include working to protect individuals and organisations from online threats by raising cyber security standards in both public and private sectors. It provides advice and practical help to protect against cyber threats including guidance to organisations on how to respond to an attack. It also works to deter attackers and disrupts their activities, as well as develop partnerships with international organisations to collaborate on tackling cyber threats.
The NCSC provides support to government departments, industry bodies and other organisations on cyber security. It carries out research into cyber security trends and emerging threats, as well as providing awareness materials and training sessions around cyber security best practices.
The NCSC is made up of numerous teams, including the National Incident Management Team, the Cyber Policy Team, the National Technical Authority for Information Assurance, the Public/Private Partnership, the Security Architecture & Standards Team and the National Security & Counter Terrorism Team.
The NCSC works with industry partners to help them protect from threats and create an open and accessible digital world. It also works to ensure the UK’s digital economy is secure and resilient by providing guidance and advice on cyber security risk management, as well as promoting industry standards and best practices.
