Data protection is no longer an IT department concern, but a boardroom imperative

A Guide to Directors Responsibilities and Staying Compliant with the UK Cyber Governance Code of Practice

The UK government, recognising the growing sophistication and potential devastation of cyberattacks, is considering a firmer stance on data security. This shift signifies a crucial turning point for businesses of all sizes. Data protection is no longer an IT department concern but a boardroom imperative. Directors are becoming directly responsible for cybersecurity within their businesses.

A new code of conduct has already been drafted, and further guidance on implementing these principles and actions is detailed within the NCSC’s Cyber Security Toolkit for Boards. The government hopes this will form a coherent set of guidance for boards, directors, and their senior advisors.

A Growing Threat Landscape: Why Data Security Matters Now More Than Ever

Gone are the days of random hacking attempts. Today’s cybercriminals operate with advanced tools and tactics, constantly seeking vulnerabilities to exploit. These incidents include ransomware attacks, where malicious software encrypts a company’s data, can cripple business operations and incur devastating financial losses.

Data breaches expose sensitive customer information, further erode trust, and can result in hefty fines under regulations like the GDPR. So, the potential consequences extend beyond financial penalties, such as reputational damage, which can have a lasting impact on your business’s ability to attract and retain customers. The UK government understands the significant threat cyberattacks pose to the national economy, making data security a top priority.

What’s Changing in the UK Data Security Landscape?

While specifics are still being finalised, the government’s focus is clear: increased accountability for companies and their leadership. This will translate to:

• Stricter regulations:
  Expect more stringent rules governing data storage, access controls, and breach notification procedures.
• Hefty fines:
  Non-compliance with these regulations could incur significant financial penalties, further incentivising robust data protection measures.
• Shifting the narrative:
  The government aims to create a climate in which demonstrating a proactive approach to cybersecurity becomes a key differentiator for businesses.

What Businesses Need to Do: Building a Fortress Around Your Data

The new landscape demands a proactive approach to data security. Here’s how your business can stay ahead of the curve:

• Prioritise Data Security at the Board Level:
  Data protection must be a strategic objective your board of directors actively champion, ensuring adequate resources are allocated to implement and maintain necessary security measures.
• Invest in Robust Security Measures:
  A multi-layered approach is vital. Implement strong firewalls to shield your network from unauthorised access. Enforce access controls to limit who can access sensitive data. Encrypt data, both at rest and in transit, to render it unreadable in case of a breach. Most importantly, invest in employee training programs to educate your staff on cyber threats and best practices for data security.
• Develop a Comprehensive Incident Response Plan:
  Don’t wait for disaster to strike. You should be prepared to respond quickly and effectively to a cyberattack, and your plan should outline steps for detection, containment, eradication, and recovery, minimising damage and downtime. It’s also crucial to have a communication strategy to inform affected stakeholders about the incident and any mitigation efforts.
• Regularly Review and Update Protocols: The cyber threat landscape is constantly evolving. Periodically assess your security measures and update your protocols to address potential vulnerabilities. Embrace a culture of continuous improvement in data security.

The NCSC’s Cyber Security Toolkit for Boards helps boards to ensure that cyber resilience and risk management are embedded throughout an organisation, including its people, systems, processes and technologies.

Your responsibility as a board member

As a board member, you may be responsible for ensuring that risks to delivering your cybersecurity strategy are identified, evaluated, and managed. This includes:

• Understanding the risk that cyber incidents present to the delivery of the business strategy.
• Ensuring the business has adequate cyber resilience to prevent, detect, respond to and recover from cyber-attacks.

You don’t need to be a technical expert, but you will want to know enough about cybersecurity to have constructive discussions with key staff and to be confident that cyber risks are being managed appropriately.

There is a lack of understanding of what constitutes effective cyber risk management, which is compounded by a lack of expertise and perceived complexity of cyber security matters at board level.

Encouragingly, the 2023 Cyber Breaches Survey notes that cyber security is rightly seen as high priority for directors, trustees and other senior managers. However, it also notes that “There is a lack of understanding of what constitutes effective cyber risk management, which is compounded by a lack of expertise and perceived complexity of cyber security matters at board level”.

Board members must now ensure that cyber security is given appropriate investment against other competing business demands. The Board should rely on cyber security experts to provide insight, to make informed decisions about cyber security, aligned to business risks. According to the NCSC, senior business leaders with a good understanding of cyber security should make the business case for more targeted cyber security spending.

Taking Action: Embrace Security, Strengthen Your Business

The UK government’s push for enhanced data security is a positive development for businesses and consumers alike. By prioritising data protection and data recovery strategies, companies and:

• Build trust
• Ensure compliance
• Mitigate the potential devastation of cyberattacks.

Investing in robust security measures can be a competitive advantage, demonstrating your commitment to safeguarding sensitive information.

Don’t Go It Alone: Partner with Covenco for Data Security Solutions

Covenco understands the complexities of data security in the ever-evolving digital landscape. We offer a comprehensive suite of services to help businesses of all sizes navigate the security landscape and develop effective data protection strategies.

Contact Covenco today to discuss your needs and explore how we can help your company build a robust defence against cyber threats. Remember, data security is not just a technical issue; it’s imperative for business. Covenco can help board members deliver a cohesive cybersecurity plan, starting with a free ransomware recovery assessment.

Discover how we can help your business navigate the evolving data security landscape. Let’s work together to build a fortress around your data and ensure your company remains secure, compliant, and competitive.