UK cyber security agency creates tool to test what would happen if you were hit by cyber attack while working from home

Information security should be treated in the same way as fire drills, expert suggests

Crisis Volunteer David Whiting sits in his office, where he usually responds to texters for the crisis text service Shout 85258 on June 01, 2020 at his home in the Sidcup area of London, United Kingdom (Leon Neal/Getty Images)

The UK's official cyber security agency have created a tool to practise being cyber attacked.

It has been launched as people continue to work from home in an attempt to stop the spread of coronavirus, often doing so over personal internet connections and computers.

The tool allows people to test their defences by roleplaying the experience of being hit by a cyber attack.

It comes as millions of workers continue to work from home during the coronavirus pandemic, and has been designed to help workers reduce the risk of data compromises while working away from the office.

The exercise focuses on three key areas, teaching staff how they can safely access networks from home, which services might be needed for secure collaboration and what processes need to be in place to manage a cyber attack remotely.

The NCSC has previously published guidance on safe home working during the pandemic, including tips on securely setting up video conferencing software.

The new online roleplay is the latest in the existing Exercise in a Box toolkit aimed at businesses wanting to test their cyber security.

Sarah Lyons, NCSC deputy director for economy and society engagement, said: "We know that businesses want to do all they can to keep themselves and their staff safe while home working continues, and using Exercise in a Box is an excellent way to do that.

"While cyber security can feel daunting, it doesn't have to be, and the feedback we have had from our exercises is that they're fun as well as informative.

"I would urge business leaders to treat Exercise in a Box in the same way they do their regular fire drills - doing so will help reduce the chances of falling victim to future cyber attacks."

Additional reporting by Press Association

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