Cyber Essentials scheme is a UK government-backed initiative designed to help organisations, large or small, shield themselves from common cyber threats. It outlines a straightforward set of technical security controls that, when appropriately implemented, can reduce an organisation’s attack surface. This is particularly vital for NHS and healthcare organisations. They handle NHS data that needs robust protection.

Cyber incidents can result in catastrophic consequences. Cyber risks faced by public sector organisations need a plan. NCSC developed the cyber assessment framework (CAF) to help organisations achieve and demonstrate cyber resilience, specifically in, specifically by identifying the important functions at risk of disruption due to cyber incidents.

In a time when cyber threats continuously evolve, a security standard or framework is essential for protecting digital assets. The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), developed by the PCI Security Standards Council, empowers organisations to safeguard cardholder data globally. PCI DSS offers technical guidance and practical steps to effectively protect cardholder data and overall payment infrastructure.

PCI DSS refers to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard created by the PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC), an independent entity founded by major payment card brands, including Visa, JCB International, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. PCI DSS is designed to protect cardholder data and ensure security of payment infrastructure.

As threats evolve with every new technology, security must evolve, too. When it comes to payment data, the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) covers the payment card industry. PCI DSS v4.0.1 contains some typographical errors and added guidance to improve the security controls while maintaining the core of the previous version.

Every day, we hear about security threats and attacks on organisations. These threats can range from ransomware and data breaches to leakage of sensitive data. There is no denying that cyber threats have been on the rise, and many organisations have fallen victim to these attacks, leading to financial and reputational losses. Hence, it is crucial to implement policies and processes that can help respond to these attacks.

NIS 2 aims to enhance the security of networks and information systems in the EU. Its main goal is to level up the cybersecurity game across Europe. It requires organisations in critical sectors to take cybersecurity seriously. The transposition of the NIS2 Directive into national law by member states emphasizes the deadline for compliance and the implications for cybersecurity regulations within each country’s legal framework.

We have seen how cyber attacks have disrupted organisations and businesses repeatedly. Mitigating emerging threats is crucial more than ever, and many organisations are at the forefront of combating them. One such organisation is the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). NIST has released many Special Publications (SP) regulations, each containing guidelines for improving organisations’ security postures.

The Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT), an online tool, is undergoing significant changes. From September 2024, the DSPT will now align with the National Cyber Security Centre’s Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF) to enhance cybersecurity measures across the NHS. This shift will impact many NHS organisations and require adjustments to their data security and protection toolkit strategies.

NIST, or the National Institute of Standards and Technology, is a U.S. federal government agency that creates frameworks and publications to manage organisations’ security requirements. NIST has released many Special Publications (SP), each containing several guidelines and security controls. One of the most comprehensive frameworks under NIST is the SP 800-53. Initially designed for federal agencies, this framework has become increasingly relevant for businesses of all sizes.