UK cyber security community

The cyber security (or information assurance) community in the UK is diverse, with many stakeholders groups contributing to support the UK Cyber Security Strategy. The following is a list of some of these stakeholders.

Trade associations and industry groups

ADS

ADS is a trade organisation for companies operating in the UK aerospace, defence, security and space industries.

Crypto Developers Forum

The CDF promotes the global interests of the UK crypto development industry.

Information Assurance Advisory Council

The IAAC works across industry, government and academia towards ensuring the UK’s information society has a robust, resilient and secure foundation. The IAAC was set up by Baroness Neville-Jones who chaired the organisation until 2007, handing over to the current chairman Sir Edmund Burton. The 2012/13 work programme is focused on consumerisation and its effects on information assurance.

Information Assurance Collaboration Group

The IACG was formed following the UK's national IA conference in 2006. The IACG encourages greater collaboration between the commercial supply base for information assurance products and services operating within the UK public sector. Stakeholders include CESG, BIS, the Office of Cyber Security and Information Assurance (OCSIA), Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC), and the CPNI. The group maintains the UK information assurance community map, hosted on the CESG's web site. It has two co-chairs: Colin Robbins of Nexor and Ross Parsell of Thales.

Intellect

Intellect is the UK trade association for the technology industry. It has a Cyber Security Group focused on “high threat” areas - including defence, national security and resilience, the protection of critical national infrastructure, intelligence, and organised crime, chaired by Dr Andrew Rogoyski of Roke Manor Research. The Security and Resilience Group works to build strong relationships between the technology industry and policymakers, customers and end users, chaired by Stephen Kingan of Nexor.

Northern Defence Industries

NDI is a former Government funded organisation building supply chains for the MOD and manufacturers using SME's in the United Kingdom.

UK Council for Electronic Business

UKCeB is a not-for-profit, membership organisation whose mission is to transform secure information sharing for through life collaboration in defence acquisition and support.

Government

CESG

CESG (originally Communications-Electronics Security Group) is the branch of GCHQ which works to secure the communications and information systems of the government and critical parts of UK national infrastructure.

Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure

CPNI is the United Kingdom government authority which provides protective security advice to businesses and organisations across the national infrastructure.

Get Safe Online

Get Safe Online is a United Kingdom-based campaign and national initiative to teach citizens about basic computer security and internet privacy.

National Crime Agency

The NCA hosts the law enforcement cyber crime unit, incorporating the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre.

National Security Council

The National Security Council is a Cabinet committee tasked with overseeing all issues related to national security, intelligence coordination, and defence strategy.

Office of Cyber Security and Information Assurance

The OCSIA supports the Minister for the Cabinet Office, the Rt Hon Francis Maude MP and the National Security Council in determining priorities in relation to securing cyberspace. The unit provides strategic direction and coordinates action relating to enhancing cyber security and information assurance in the UK. The OCSIA is headed by James Quinault.

WARP

Warning, Advice and Reporting Points (WARPs) provide a trusted environment where members of a community can share problems and solutions.

Professional bodies

British Computer Society

The BCS is a professional body and a learned society that represents those working in information technology both in the United Kingdom and internationally. It has a security, data and privacy group.

Business Continuity Institute

The BCI was established in 1994 to enable individual members to obtain guidance and support from fellow business continuity practitioners.

Council for Registered Ethical Security Testers

CREST is a professional body providing certifications for organisations and individuals providing penetration testing services. The President of Crest is Ian Glover.

Information Systems Security Association

The ISSA is a not-for-profit, international professional organization of information security professionals and practitioners. There is a UK Chapter.

Institute of Information Security Professionals

The IISP is an independent, non-profit body governed by its members, with the principal objective of advancing the professionalism of information security practitioners and thereby the professionalism of the industry as a whole.

ISACA

ISACA is an international professional association that deals with IT governance. Previously known as the Information Systems Audit and Control Association.

(ISC)²

(ISC)² is the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium is a non-profit organization which specializes in information security education and certifications.

Academic

Academic Centres of Excellence in Cyber Security Research

University of Bristol, Imperial College London, Lancaster University, University of Oxford, Queen’s University Belfast, Royal Holloway, University of London, University of Southampton, University College London.

De Montfort University Cyber Security Centre

The Cyber Security Centre (CSC) is a multidisciplinary group of academics and industry experts who focus on a wide variety of cyber security and digital forensics issues. The Centre's mission is to provide the full benefits to all of a safe, secure and resilient cyberspace.