Cyber Security Safely in Place at Anchor
Anchor Foster Care has successfully demonstrated a good level of data security, and as such, we can proudly share that we have achieved the government-backed Cyber Essentials accreditation.
What is Cyber Essentials?
The Cyber Essentials certification is a government-backed initiative run by the National Cyber Security Centre. Initially introduced back in 2014, the certification focuses on minimising the risk of cyber threats to businesses and protecting the data that they hold. With potential threats on the internet ever-present, having clear goals for security provides both safety and reassurance.
What does this mean for Anchor's Foster Carers?
Complementing our existing safeguarding measures, our focus on data security helps to ensure that personal information does not fall into the wrong hands, protecting the young people in our care from unnecessary risk.
Additionally, this accreditation will help to reassure our partners, such as local authorities, that Anchor takes the safety of our young people seriously and that they can be confident when placing with us.
When did we achieve accreditation?
We decided to undertake the Cyber Essentials accreditation, achieving full certification in May 2020. We have always had robust security policies in place to safeguard our information and this has now been formally recognised.
Our Data Protection Officer,
Guardian Saints, recommended we take on the challenge and worked alongside us to monitor and examine our cyber essentials implementation.
Common types of Cyber-Attack we seek to prevent
Phishing – These are attempts to obtain sensitive information through social engineering and are a common type of attack. Users receive communications that claim to come from trustworthy sources and will often look legitimate. The messages often contain requests for information or links to websites that will steal any information you enter. They will generally encourage you to act quickly so that you are less likely to notice the fraud.
Malware – Short for ‘Malicious Software’. Coded to hide within your system, replicate by hijacking your email accounts, disable protections and cause other harm. These will often hide as links on websites or attachments within emails.
These viruses may bombard you with adverts, steal your data, hold your files for ransom or even cause your physical devices to break. Removing them can also be difficult and costly so it is far better to prevent them from taking hold by being vigilant and well protected.
Cyber Security Facts
Statistics from
CSO, an online security-data thought leader, reflect that:
• Award-winning insurer Hiscock has found "one small business in the UK is successfully hacked every 19 seconds".
• Cybersecurity software and services provider Symantec says 'one in every 3,722 emails in the UK is a phishing attempt'
How can you tell that your data is protected when working with us?
Cybersecurity is a big deal. Look out for the cyber essentials accreditation logo on our website and be reassured that we offer our service users fundamental cybersecurity protections.
