Protecting the UK's thriving Research and Innovation sector
The UK’s research and innovation sector is under increasing threat. Find out about guidance and resources developed specifically to protect these sectors by the NCSC, in collaboration with the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA).
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Protecting the UK's research and innovation
We face enduring threats from hostile states and cyber criminals looking to exploit our dependency on the technology that now underpins all aspects of modern life.
Richard Horne, CEO NCSC
The UK has a strong record in research and development and a vibrant startup ecosystem. This can make UK research institutes and innovative UK companies attractive targets for:
- State actors looking to steal technology.
- Competitors seeking commercial advantage.
- Criminals looking to profit from weak security.
The NCSC, in collaboration with the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA), has a set of guidance and resources developed specifically for the UK’s research and innovation sector. This is part of a broader programme of work by the NCSC designed to support the sector through direct engagement, close collaboration with partners, and targeted interventions. Find out more about the guidance most relevant to you below, and act now to protect your research and innovation.
Support for Researchers: Trusted Research
Trusted Research is advice and guidance published jointly by NCSC and the NPSA which supports the integrity of the system of international research collaboration. Designed in partnership with the sector, it provides guidance to researchers, university staff and funding organisations to help keep sensitive research and intellectual property secure from theft, misuse or exploitation. Practical resources to help Higher Education Institutions improve their cyber security is available at Cyber Security for Higher Education Institutions.
Core guidance
Trusted Research Guidance for Academia
Whether you hold sensitive medical data or commercially sensitive information, protecting your research is important to you, your institution and your partners.
Trusted Research Guidance for Senior Leaders
This guide accompanies the Trusted Research booklet and is designed for senior University leaders to have the key issues and questions at their fingertips.
Trusted Research Guidance for Industry
If your research is obtained by a state-backed actor, whether through legitimate means or not, you and your research could be affected in a number of other ways.
Supporting resources
Implementation Scenario Videos
Short videos designed for academics, based on real events in UK academia to help improve awareness of research security risks and how to mitigate them.
Campaign Materials
As part of the current Pride and Joy campaign, we have produced a range of materials for partner organisations that will support them in their Trusted Research journey.
Trusted Research Guidance for Countries and Conferences
For academics who are involved in international research collaborations this provides guidance on some of the main challenges presented when working or travelling overseas.
Shared Workspace Guidance
Guidance aimed at Users and Providers of shared workspaces, offices, coworking spaces and laboratories to encourage basic security practices and enhance your security awareness.
Support for early-stage tech businesses: Secure Innovation
Secure Innovation is a partnership campaign supporting early-stage technology businesses and startups to protect their technology, reputation, and future success. It is part of the five eyes intelligence partnership, delivered in the UK by the NCSC and NPSA
Secure Innovation is centered around 5 key principles:
- 1
Know the threats
Understand the way state-backed and hostile actors could try and get hold of your technology.
- 2
Secure your environment
Create an effective system for security risk management, incorporating risk ownership, identification, assessment, and mitigation.
- 3
Secure your products
Build security into your products from the start, and actively protect and manage your intellectual assets.
- 4
Secure your partnerships
Manage the risks that partnerships with investors, suppliers, and collaborators can bring.
- 5
Secure your growth
As your company grows, manage the security risks from entering new markets and expanding your workforce.
Get started
Quick start guide
This guidance is a valuable starting point for security in your business.
Personalised Action Plan
Answer a few simple questions to get a free personalised action plan that explains what your business can do right now to protect against security threats.
Advice and guidance
Investor Guidance
This guidance is for early-stage investors in emerging technology companies.
Supporting resources
Background Checks Guidance
Designed to help companies conduct basic background checks which can enable you to make more informed decisions on prospective partners.
Travel Security Guidance
Designed to help companies develop a travel security policy to help overcome the main security challenges presented when working or travelling overseas
Scenarios Booklet
Provides scenarios to help illustrate the security threats and how to protect your business from them.
