Calls for UK organisations to review cybersecurity amid conflict in Middle East
Security chiefs warn of heightened indirect cyber risks, particularly for UK firms with Middle East supply chains
A fresh alert has been issued by security chiefs calling for UK organisations to review their cybersecurity posture in response to the conflict in the Middle East.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which makes up part of GCHQ, has advised UK organisations to take action following events in the Middle East.
Jonathon Ellison, NCSC director for national resilience, said: “In light of rapidly evolving events in the Middle East, it is critical that all UK organisations remain alert to the potential risk of cyber compromise, particularly those with assets or supply chains that are in areas of regional tensions.
“Today, the National Cyber Security Centre has published an alert outlining the current cyber threat to the UK and the practical steps organisations should take in response.
“This includes engaging with our guidance to reduce the likelihood of falling victim to an attack where the cyber risk is heightened, and how critical national infrastructure organisations can prepare for and respond to severe cyber threats.
“Organisations are strongly encouraged to act now, following the recommended actions to prioritise and strengthen their cybersecurity posture.”
The NCSC said as a result of the conflict in the Middle East, there was “likely no current significant change in the direct cyber threat from Iran to the UK, however due to the fast-evolving nature of the conflict, this assessment may be subject to change”.
It said there was “almost certainly a heightened risk of indirect cyber threat for those organisations and entities who have a presence, or supply chains, in the Middle East”.
The NSCS said: “Iranian state and Iran-linked cyber actors almost certainly currently maintain at least some capability to conduct cyber activity.”
It urged organisations to “prepare to respond to the risk of collateral impacts in the UK from Iran-linked hacktivists by reading previously issued advisories on DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attacks, phishing activity and ICS (industrial control systems) Targeting”.
The NCSC added: “For organisations exposed to higher risk, for example those with offices or supply chains in the region, you should adjust your cybersecurity posture accordingly.
“The NCSC continues to encourage UK organisations to sign up to its early warning service, to receive timely notifications of security issues affecting their networks.
“In addition, given this is an evolving situation, CNI (critical national infrastructure) organisations may wish to pre-emptively review the NCSC’s recently published guidance on actions to take now to prepare CNI organisations for severe cyber threat.
“For physical and personnel security risks, please refer to guidance issued by the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA). In particular, following the sabotage guidance will help you protect your site from physical threats.”
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
