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 responses
The BCS’ Information Security Specialist Group (ISSG) welcomed the government’s draft Cyber Governance Code of Practice, which sets out what steps directors need to take to protect their organisations. But the panel felt a mandatory, rather than voluntary Code of Practice might be more effective.
Cyber security code of practice
BCS responded to a government consultation on the cyber resilience of the UK's critical national infrastructure (CNI). We asked the BCS Information Security Specialist Group (ISSG) for their input into the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee's call for a written response.
Cyber resilience of the UK's critical national infrastructure
The Government plans to introduce the Code on a voluntary basis. Depending on stakeholder feedback, once the Code is introduced, the government will explore the challenges and opportunities of placing the principles of the Code on a regulatory footing.
BCS response: App security and privacy interventions
BCS worked with our members to respond to the Government consultation: Embedding standards and pathways across the Cyber Security Profession by 2025’
You can also view the BCS briefing on the proposal for legislation to improve the UKs cyber resilience and the BCS briefing on cyber security in the UK.
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.
