Essex City Council Boost Their Cyber Security

Essex County Council set to enhance cyber security to address global threats of cyber-attacks over the next year.

05:37 05 April 2022

Essex County Council has confirmed plans to invest £1million in its cyber security system to address global threats, particularly those coming from Russia. 

 

The local authority's Technology Services has submitted proposals to the Technology Solutions Reserve to obtain the necessary funding for the scheme. It comes after the National Cyber Security Centre (NSCS) issued a warning against “recent and increased threat level stemming primarily from Russia, resulting from the ongoing unprovoked, pre-meditated attack on Ukraine”. 

 

Councillor Christopher Whitbread, cabinet member for finance, resources and corporate affairs added: "a successful attack would result in significant damage, disruption and cost to Essex County Council and the residents of Essex".

 

“Whilst there are security measures currently in place, this proposal will add significant layers of resiliency to bolster technology services’ cyber security, operational monitoring, and our ability to respond effectively to any attack.

 

“This investment will provide security and assurance to Essex County Council’s full range of operational services, change initiatives, and therefore underpins all strategic objectives in Everyone’s Essex. The investment will enable Essex County Council to continue to support broad service excellence by ensuring greater resilience and service availability for the citizens of Essex.”

 

A letter sent to local councils a week before the invasion of Ukraine began reads: “In light of the current tensions in Ukraine, and recent malicious cyber incidents, I am writing to you about the current threat to local authorities from cyber-attacks. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) recently updated guidance on the increased threat which you may find particularly helpful.

 

“The NCSC are currently investigating reports of malicious cyber incidents in Ukraine, and these attacks serve as a reminder of how serious this threat can be. Whilst we are not aware of any current specific threats to UK organisations, you will be aware of some recent high-profile cyber incidents in local authorities – they are disruptive for residents and councils, and they can be expensive to fix.