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- Policy and influence
- Cyber security
Cyber security
As the professional body for information technology we are committed to making the digital world secure for everyone.
As a member of the UK Cyber Security Council, BCS works alongside government and other professional bodies to increase public trust and shape standards in this critical field.
The UK government is currently consulting on regulating the professional standards of practice and competency in cyber security through legislation. The government recognises that its previous approach is not delivering the requisite change quickly enough.
The top three key actions the UK Government is taking as a result of the review:
Strengthening UK cyber legislation, in particular through the Network and Information Systems (NIS) Regulations, to ensure organisations take appropriate action to secure their services
Identifying ways in which it can mandate large companies to appropriately assess and address the cyber risks they face
Embedding clear professional standards and pathways developed by the UK Cyber Security Council (UKCSC) as the professional authority
BCS cyber security position
BCS recommends that cyber security practitioners along with other information technology professionals in responsible roles should be professionally registered, and whenever possible hold an approved Chartered designation.
This includes specialisms such as data science, artificial intelligence, software engineering and health informatics. Standards of professionalism in such strategically essential information technology specialisms need to be supported and recognised by government to at least the same extent as cyber security.
Consultation response
BCS worked with members to respond to the government consultation 'Embedding standards and pathways across the cyber profession by 2025'. We recommended professional registration and, where possible, approved chartered designation of cyber security practitioners and other IT professionals in responsible roles.
Embedding standards and pathways across the cyber profession by 2025
Embedding standards and pathways across the cyber profession by 2025 (Full version - PDF)
Cyber security papers
- Proposal for legislation to improve the UK’s cyber resilience
BCS briefing: Proposal for legislation to improve the UKs cyber resilience (PDF) - 2022 cyber security incentives and regulation review
BCS briefing: 2022 cyber security incentives and regulation review (PDF)
To get involved please contact policyhub@bcs.uk with suggestions and for more information.
What else is BCS doing?
We publish opinion and thought leadership pieces from a diverse range of voices bringing ethical perspectives, professionalism and technical insight to the cyber security debate.
A community of IT professionals and enthusiasts who are passionate about information security. Anyone interested in the cyber security can come to a meeting across the UK where everyone is welcome, members and non-members alike.
Visit the Information Security specialist group (ISSG) website
Our specialist groups organise events.
Qualify in a digital apprenticeship role to gain the knowledge and competencies to become a valuable member of the team. BCS offers apprenticeships in cyber security.
