British data protection authority deepens cooperation with National Crime Agency

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and the National Crime Agency (NCA) plan to improve the support they offer to organisations that fall victim to cyberattacks.

In a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the two authorities set out plans to ensure that victims are referred to appropriate bodies, such as the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), and have the opportunity to report cybercrime as early as possible.

“Unfortunately, we have seen UK businesses lose billions in cybercrime in recent years, which is why it is so important that relevant agencies work together to strengthen the UK's cyber resilience,” said Stephen Bonner, Assistant Commissioner for Regulatory Oversight at the ICO.

“This new MoU builds on our existing relationship with the NCA and will help improve cybersecurity standards across the board, while respecting each other’s respective responsibilities.”

The MoU commits the ICO and the NCA to encouraging organisations to cooperate with the NCA on cybersecurity issues, including responding to cybercrime, and promises that the NCA will never share confidential information without first obtaining the organisation's consent.

The ICO will also share information about cyber incidents in an anonymised, systematic and aggregated form – and where appropriate on an organisation-specific basis – to the NCA to help protect the public from serious and organised crime.

When both the ICO and the NCA are involved in a cyber incident, they work together to ensure minimal disruption to the organisation's efforts to contain and mitigate damage.

In addition, the two agencies will work together to promote learning, provide consistent guidance and improve standards in cyber-related matters, continuing to work closely with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

The NCA found that organisations have a legal responsibility under both the Data Protection Act and the Network and Information Systems Regulations to report incidents that meet a certain threshold.

The range of assistance on offer is vast, the crime agency added, including tailored technical advice, setting up secure communication channels, insight into an attacker's possible motives and strategic advice on dealing with the rest of the government, regulators and the media.

“The NCA leads a system-wide response to cybercrime by disrupting cyber criminals and bringing them to justice wherever possible,” said Paul Foster, NCA Deputy Director and Head of the National Cyber Crime Unit.

“Organizations that are facing an imminent attack or are themselves victims of such an attack also need support and advice. We work closely with our partners to ensure this.”

“We are pleased to make this commitment with the Information Commissioner's Office. This agreement represents our shared goal of building and maintaining a secure and resilient cyber ecosystem for all.”

British data protection authority deepens cooperation with National Crime Agency

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British data protection authority deepens cooperation with National Crime Agency

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