14/Nov/2019
The proportion of UK universities reaching the government-backed standard for cyber security has almost trebled in a year. According to new figures, in the past 12 months, the percentage of UK universities achieving Cyber Essentials has increased from 14% to 40%. Cyber Essentials is a certification scheme run by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which is part of GCHQ.
This dramatic increase in universities was revealed in the latest annual Cyber Security Posture Survey from Jisc, an organisation which works to highlight the importance and potential of digital technologies for UK education and research. Established in 1966, Jisc was previously known as the Joint Information Systems Committee.
The survey also found that:
- almost a third of colleges have gained the Cyber Essentials certificate;
- nearly three-quarters of higher educational providers have now recruited staff for dedicated cyber security roles;
- two-thirds (66%) of providers have appointed a strategic cyber security lead.
Sarah Lyons, NCSC Deputy Director for Economy and Society, commented: “It is extremely encouraging to see such a significant rise in universities and colleges investing in their cyber security. Given the NCSC assessment that it is a realistic possibility that the cyber threats facing universities will increase, we will continue to work closely with the education sector to enable more institutions to achieve this industry recognised standard.”
The NCSC works closely with academia to improve its security practices and to help protect education establishments from cyber threats.
The full NCSC press release is available via the link.
