CiSP stands for the Cyber-security Information Sharing Partnership and has been formed jointly by industry and government which sits in CERT-UK.
What is CiSP?
It is an online social networking tool that was established in 2013 which allows members to exchange information on threats and vulnerabilities as they take place. CERT – UK is the national computer emergency response team with a number of responsibilities that stem from the UK Cyber-Security Strategy. It is used by many businesses across industry and provides reports that help its members to improve their awareness of cyber security threats.
Recently the South West Regional Group launch of CiSP took place , this was the 12th and final launch carried out in the UK. This was jointly sponsored by the SW Regional Cyber Crime Unit (RCCU) , CERT-UK and J.P. Morgan (Regional Champion). The profile of the sponsors demonstrates the importance that attaches to CiSP and the impact that is perceived that it can make in developing the cyber security programs of businesses.
Why should you become a member of CiSP?
- Early warning of cyber threats that may affect businesses
- Collaboration between businesses and government in a secure environment
- Ability to help businesses protect their livelihood from cyber threats
- Businesses can learn from the experiences of others….both mistakes and the successes
- Availability of specific sector content on cyber threats and incidents that have taken place
- Businesses that have a small or non-existant cyber security budget can avail themselves of the information
- Any business can join and benefit from the scheme
- It costs nothing to become a member and can help a businesses prepare for a cyber attack
How CiSP can help a Business?
- Alerts and advisory papers on cyber security
- Reports om trend threats
- Malware and phishing e-mail analysis
- Guidance and best practice on common areas on both a national and global basis
One of the key features is the Fusion Cell that consists of a team of analysts taken from government and industry who provide source analysis of cyber threats and vulnerability updates.
The scheme is aimed at SME’s who are considered one of the most vulnerable business sectors with varying degrees of cyber maturity. It is therefore important that they understand how to protect themselves from cyber attacks and the resulting cyber crime that can occur.
Industry Endorsement
The British Insurance Brokers Association ( BIBA) is going to sponsor its members to join the scheme in order to help improve awareness about cyber cyber risks that exist.
This will no doubt become a common theme within other industries in the future.
Insurance has a role to play
Cyber insurers and specialist insurance brokers can also contribute to CiSP by providing current data and information of cyber security attacks and data breaches that they have been involved with and managed.