The National Cyber Security Service (NCSC) has launched an Early Warning Service to alert organisations to potential cyber attacks on their networks.
It is a free service that automatically filters through trusted threat intelligence sources to provide specialised notifications to organisations so they can investigate malicious activity and take protective steps.
It can provide access to information feeds unavailable elsewhere and different types of alert covering possible network compromises, how assets have been associated with undesirable activity, and networks running vulnerable services that may need updating.
NCSC said the launch follows a successful trial with users from a number of sectors.
Its deputy director for incident management, Eleanor Fairford, said: “When it comes to defending against online threats, having relevant, timely alerts you can trust about malicious activity is vital for any organisation.
“The NCSC’s new Early Warning Service delivers on this, by providing organisations specialised alerts about potential cyber threats affecting their networks.
“We encourage organisations to sign up for this service to help them resolve security issues quickly and reduce the risk of serious harm being done.”
Certification and steps
NCSC has also unveiled a new tool to achieve certification under its Cyber Essentials scheme. It takes them through a series of questions related to the criteria and provides tailored advice.
Along with this, it has updated its 10 Steps to Cyber Security guidance – marking its 10th anniversary – taking into account developments such as the growth of cloud services and rise of ransomware attacks.
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