GCHQ launches Cyber Incident Response scheme

CESG, the Information Assurance arm of GCHQ has teamed up with the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) to launch a 'Cyber Incident Response' scheme.

The scheme has been set up to help the public sector and improve the UK's critical national infrastructure and parts of the private sector. The aims is to also supports the UK Cyber Security Strategy and increases the UK's cyber incident response capabilities through by increasing collaboration between Government and industry.

Context Information Security is one of four companies certified by CESG/CPNI as part of the initiative to work in partnership based on its knowledge and experience. The information security consultancy has already been providing technical assurance, targeted attack detection, response, investigation and mitigation services since 2007.

"The Cyber Incident Response scheme marks a very positive move by CESG/CPNI to harness the skills and expertise of companies such as Context in order to support the growing number of victims of targeted attacks," said Alex Church, Technical Director at Context Information Security.

A spokesperson for GCHQ stressed the importance of the scheme and noted that firms such as Context will bring much needed assistance

"This pilot has been developed with the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure and is an important addition to the range of CESG certified products and services, which provide protection from the growing cyber threat."

This latest announcement from CESG/CPNI follows on from the "10 Steps to Cyber Security" programme, which was launched by the Government in September and aimed at providing advice to business leaders on measures to increase cyber security within their own organisations.