Glossary of IT Security terms
Clear and concise explanations are given for the most common IT security expressions, phrases, acronyms and jargon.
Cyber security
Cybercrime and threats to computer systems have become a major concern of businesses around the world. Our growing reliance on IT and the internet has greatly increased the impact of hacking, security failures and the loss of systems. At the same time, cyber attackers have become more sophisticated and organised. How worried should businesses be? And what are the main steps they should be taking? This resource centre provides a focal point for ICAEW members looking for support in managing cyber risks.
Featured items
In this section
Features and articles
A message from faculty technical manager Kirstin Gillon
Thank you for your membership in 2020; we really value your support and hope you have found being a member of the Tech Faculty worthwhile.
Staying safe in cyber space
The results of government consultation on cyber regulation and incentives have recently been published. Kirstin Gillon highlights some key findings.
Infographic of the month: Examining the rising cost of cyberattacks
30 October 2020: Cyberattacks on large businesses are becoming more sophisticated and widespread. We look at how different countries and industry sectors have been affected in recent years.
Cybersecurity in the accountancy sector
27 October 2020: How well prepared is the accountancy sector for cybersecurity attacks? What kind of attacks are being experienced by firms? And what impact have major breaches had?
Guidance
Keep your charity safe
New helpsheet for charities on keeping themselves safe in the pandemic and beyond, issued in December 2020 by the Fraud Advisory Panel, the Charity Commission, the National Cyber Security Centre and others.
COVID-19 risk briefing
Covid-19 is creating exceptional circumstances and while the country adjusts to life under lockdown, criminals are identifying ways to exploit the vulnerable at this time of uncertainty.
Coronavirus guide: cyber hygiene and data
Criminals thrive in times of uncertainty and fear, and the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has already reported an increase in cyber threats which refer directly to the coronavirus. This guide outlines the key steps to basic cyber hygiene and highlights some useful resources.
Finance in a Digital World
ICAEW is collaborating with Deloitte to ensure its members and students have the knowledge and skills to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the fourth industrial revolution and to meet its challenges head on. Log-in to access exclusive content, including: eLearning, webinars and bite-sized summaries on individual technologies and the broader impact of digital technologies on finance.
Webinars and recordings
Common online frauds and how to avoid them
A timely update on common online frauds you might encounter in your professional and personal lives, along with some practical tips on how to spot and avoid them.
Breaking issues on COVID-19 - the impact on legal practices of increased fraud and cybercrime
40% of crime in the UK is cyber related, and within the last year there has been a spike due to COVID-19. Join this webinar to hear Jim Gee's advice on how to keep your organisation safe against the threat of cybercrime.
Five questions boards should ask about cyber security
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has issued guidance to help boards get to grips with cyber security, perhaps more important now than it has ever been.
Five steps to cyber hygiene for the smaller firm
This webinar will highlight the five steps smaller firms can take to help prevent 80% of cyber-attacks and improve the cyber security of their firms and clients.
Industry press
The Library & Information Service provides a hand-picked collection of industry press articles as a benefit of membership. If you are unable to access an article, please see our Help and support or contact library@icaew.com
BA breach penalty sets precedent for future effectiveness of GDPR
Article looks at the ramifications of the reduction by 90% of BAs fine for a 2018 data breach where the information on hundreds of thousands of customers was stolen.
Double extortion attacks and how to stop them
Article reports on the rise of the ransomware tactic known as 'double extortion' where the hacker not only encrypts data and demand a ransom to regain access, but also threaten to upload the data online if their terms are not met.
10 cybersecurity practices your firm needs now
Article outlines how remote working calls for more vigilance than ever. As firms work remotely and cloud applications and security become more important than ever, accountants should be thinking about cybersecurity in new ways.
Data governance in digital transformation
The article discusses how to do safe data governance amidst the digital transformation of an organisation. Also cited are the benefits of data governance in organizations like enhanced competitiveness, better reputation, and lower costs and fines associated with data breaches, as well as the five pillars of data governance, including workforce development, organizational structure, data policies, and technology infrastructure.
Terms of use: You are permitted to access articles subject to the terms of use set by our suppliers and any restrictions imposed by individual publishers. Please see individual supplier pages for full terms of use.
Useful links
Home working: preparing your organisation and staff
NCSC guidance on how to make sure your organisation is prepared for an increase in home working, and advice on spotting coronavirus (COVID-19) scam emails.
Be cyber aware
Government campaign to raise cyber security awareness. Gives advice on: protecting your device; protecting your data; and protecting your business.
Cyber essentials scheme
Advice from the National Cyber Security Centre to help protect organisations against cyber attacks. There are three levels of engagement , two of which leads to accreditation for certified cyber security.
National Cyber Security Centre
Practical guidance for organisations including 10 steps to cyber security. Also provides information on cyber security threats detected in the UK.
ICAEW accepts no responsibility for the content on any site to which a hypertext link from this site exists. The links are provided ‘as is’ with no warranty, express or implied, for the information provided within them. Please see the full copyright and disclaimer notice.
Data protection and privacy
Data protection now the UK has left the EU: January 2021 update
Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, ICAEW Insights has the latest on how this affects the sensitive issue of data protection.
November 2020 Update: Data protection and Brexit
When the transition period ends on 31 December 2020, the UK will become what is known as a ‘third country’ by the EU. This means UK organisations or individuals cannot assume they can continue to process the personal data of EU data subjects in the same way as now.
Data protection and Brexit - October 2020 update
October 2020 update on data protection and Brexit – what you need to know and how to prepare your business.
October 2020 update: Transferring personal data to the US
A guide to the current position on transferring personal data to the US following the Schrems II judgement.