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Cyber security

Cybercrime and threats to computer systems have become a major concern of businesses around the world. This resource centre provides a focal point for ICAEW members looking for support in managing cyber risks.

Contents
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Cyber security awareness month 2023
Cyber security in corporate finance
cyber security guide
Internal auditors can help boards tackle ‘poly-crisis’
Cyber roundup september 2023
ICAEW Cyber Security Awareness

Cyber security awareness

Each year ICAEW marks global Cyber Security Awareness month with dedicated resources addressing the latest issues and how to protect your business.
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Corporate Finace

Cyber Security in Corporate Finance

Cyber Security in Corporate Finance aims to help organisations manage cyber risk and improve its governance, setting out good practice within the context of a corporate finance transaction.
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Glossary of IT security terms

Glossary of IT Security terms

Clear and concise explanations are given for the most common IT security expressions, phrases, acronyms and jargon.
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Cyber Security: How to keep your organisation safe and secure online

Cyber security: How to keep your organisation safe and secure online

This cyber security guide explains how to best protect yourself, your business and your clients from cyber risks and threats. You can also find additional information in our dedicated cyber security resource centre.
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Ukraine crisis: the cyber threat from Russia is real

Ukraine crisis: the cyber threat from Russia is real

As politicians and businesses take a public stance against Russia, members should be prepared for some kind of retribution from its cyber agents.
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Features and articles

Features and articles from ICAEW on cyber security.
 
BDO’s Ethics Watermark tackles AI’s new frontier
  • Article
  • 13 Nov 2024
BDO senior leaders reveal to ICAEW members how the firm’s ‘ethics by design’ framework is meeting the artificial intelligence challenge.
Free resources: identify cyber vulnerabilities and create a tailored action plan for your charity
  • Article
  • 05 Nov 2024
In today’s digital age, charities are increasingly reliant on technology to manage donations, communicate with stakeholders, and deliver services. However, this growing reliance on online systems also exposes them to significant cyber threats. Finance professionals and trustees play a crucial role in ensuring their organization’s cybersecurity, yet many lack the resources or expertise to address vulnerabilities effectively.
Payment scams, data hacks and Cyber Security Awareness Month
  • Article
  • 31 Oct 2024
Cyber round-up: the continuing payment scams and personal data attacks on individuals, key takeaways from ICAEW’s Cyber Security Awareness Month campaign, and how to safeguard your data and business from harm.
Masterclass 6: Reviewing control processes
  • Article
  • 31 Oct 2024
Jenny Blewett FCA, Head of Finance at Costello Medical talks about how she used generative AI to help check her firm’s banking controls when she was new in post.
AI: It’s only as good as the data you feed it
  • Article
  • 30 Oct 2024
Without a well-managed body of subject-specific data at its core, an AI tool in your firm will not be able to help your clients properly, an insolvency practitioner explains.
Cyber: Assessing human cyber risk in your organisation
  • Article
  • 23 Oct 2024
Cyber Security Awareness Month: Multiple surveys show that people are the weakest link in cyber defences. Karen Morrall ACA explains how businesses should manage and mitigate the human factor.
Cyber: your personal accounts could be arming cyber criminals
  • Article
  • 18 Oct 2024
Cyber Security Awareness Month: Attendees at ICAEW’s annual cyber lecture learned about the government’s moves to tackle cybercrime, and how personal digital footprints can leave businesses vulnerable.
Cyber: the importance of security in supply chains
  • Article
  • 16 Oct 2024
Cyber Security Awareness Month: often the weakest link in a company’s cyber security infrastructure, supply chains must be tightened to avoid costly, malicious breaches.

Guidance

Read our latest guidance on cyber security.
Faculty news: June 2024
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 06 Jun 2024
The latest from ICAEW’s centre of professional expertise in corporate finance, with a cyber specialist joining the faculty, dates for the diary including the faculty AGM, plus the Takeover Code consultation.
Faculty news: March 2024
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 11 Mar 2024
The latest from ICAEW’s centre of professional expertise in corporate finance, including the launch of the faculty’s cyber security guide, a new member firm, a call for comment on two consultations, plus forthcoming events.
Exclusive IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customers
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 20 Jul 2023
  • PDF (562kb)
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers sets out the principles for when revenue should be recognised and how it should be measured, together with related disclosures. This factsheet answers some key frequently asked questions about the standard.
Cyber security: How to keep your organisation safe and secure online
  • Article
  • 23 May 2023
This cyber security guide explains how to best protect yourself, your business and your clients from cyber risks and threats. You can also find additional information in our dedicated cyber security resource centre.
Is your business cyber secure?
  • Article
  • 24 Feb 2023
A guide to protecting your accountancy business from cyber-attacks.
Planning for the 2022-23 reporting season
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 08 Dec 2022
  • PDF (164kb)
This guide looks at what is different about the current reporting season and where to focus your efforts. The guide is aimed primarily at preparers of IFRS and FRS 102 accounts, although the relevance of points will also depend on the size and nature of the business.
Exclusive Fraud Issues for members in practice
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 05 Mar 2021
Technical helpsheet issued to help ICAEW practice members to navigate some of the issues that may arise if they find that they have been victims of fraud.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): tech considerations around home working
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 26 Mar 2020
26 March 2020: coronavirus is forcing many people to work from home to reduce social contact and minimise the associated risk of transmitting the disease. Technology is key to helping people work at home, so what are some of the things to consider when setting up and managing home working for your staff over the coming weeks and months? 

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Finance in a digital world

Webinars and recordings

View our webinars on the topic of cyber security.
Cybercrime trends and the impact on the legal sector
  • Webinar
  • 21 Nov 2024
Explore the effects of cybercrime and learn strategies for strengthening your business from experts.
Protecting your business: eight cyber security pitfalls to avoid with Mitigo
  • Webinar
  • 15 Oct 2024
Understand how to protect your business by steering clear of cyber security pitfalls.
Cyber threat - reducing the risk in retail
  • Webinar
  • 08 Oct 2024
This webinar from ICAEW's Retail Community, explores the common mistakes retailers make and what you need to consider to ensure your business is not the next victim. Hear from Kerrie Machin from Mitigo Cyber Security and ICAEW's Simon Gray.
Cyber security, taxing green travel and public finances
  • Podcast
  • 08 Jun 2023
On the latest ICAEW Insights podcast episode, we explore the month’s key developments in accountancy.
Why cyber security makes good business sense
  • Webinar
  • 13 Feb 2023
This webinar provides an opportunity to hear first-hand from the City of London Police what they are seeing on the ground in relation to cyber attacks on small and medium sized businesses.
Cybersecurity for the accountancy profession: Managing risks and busting myths
  • Webinar
  • 25 Oct 2022
Cybercrime is a major threat to all organisations regardless of size. This webinar will provide key takeaways to help your firm manage risk and stay safe.
Cybersecurity for the accountancy profession: managing risks and busting myths
  • Webinar
  • 25 Oct 2022
In partnership with Mitigo, learn how to protect your firm from the latest cyber threats. This free one-hour webinar will help support accountancy firms build resilience against cyber-attacks and provide some key takeaways to help your firm manage risk and stay safe.
Protecting SMEs against cyber criminals
  • Podcast
  • 19 Oct 2022
In this Insights In Focus episode, we explore why SMEs are tempting targets for cyber criminals, and what can be done to protect smaller firms against attacks.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by external guest speakers in interviews or other publications included on this website are, by their nature, those of the speaker. They are not necessarily fully endorsed by the ICAEW or purport to reflect the official policies and views of the ICAEW or its members.

Industry press

The Library & Information Service provides a hand-picked collection of industry press articles on cyber security as a benefit of ICAEW membership.
 
Exclusive Plugging into artifical intelligence
  • Article
  • 29 Jul 2024
Article discusses Accounting firms utilising artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline their operations and enhance client communication. AI tools are being used to analyse complex documents, automate repetitive tasks, and generate content such as tax position documents. While some accounting leaders have embraced AI for its time-saving benefits, others have concerns about accuracy, data security, and client trust. Accounting firms are implementing AI for various tasks, but human review remains crucial for accuracy and protecting client data. It is important for accounting professionals to na...
Exclusive AI: It’s not the tool that determines your success
  • Article
  • 29 Jul 2024
Article discusses how accounting firms are utilising artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline their operations and enhance client communication. AI tools are being used to analyse complex documents, automate repetitive tasks, and generate content such as tax position documents. While some accounting leaders have embraced AI for its time-saving benefits, others have concerns about accuracy, data security, and client trust. Accounting firms are implementing AI for various tasks, but human review remains crucial for accuracy and protecting client data. It is important for accounting professiona...
Exclusive Data management trends: privacy, security and AI
  • Article
  • 29 Jul 2024
This article discusses the importance of data management for accountancy firms, focusing on the trends of privacy, security, and artificial intelligence (AI). It highlights the challenges posed by cyberthreats and regulatory requirements, emphasizing the need to prioritize privacy and security measures. The article suggests strategies such as data encryption, cybersecurity measures, and staff training to enhance data management. It also recommends leveraging AI tools for automation, predictive analytics, and data visualization.
Exclusive Digital transformation: strategies for small and midsize accounting firms
  • Article
  • 29 Jul 2024
The article focuses on the challenges and opportunities faced by small to medium-sized accounting firms amidst digital transformation. Topics include evolving client expectations for remote access and intuitive digital platforms, strategies for integrating accounting systems with other business tools, and the critical importance of strong data security measures to maintain client trust.
Exclusive Generative AI for small and midsized firms
  • Article
  • 01 May 2024
Article discusses how small and midsized accounting firms are beginning to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) technology to streamline their processes. It outlines the three approaches to adopting generative AI: out-of-the-box, custom development, and assembling. Each approach has its own advantages and considerations, such as data security and cost.
Exclusive Generating risk: New exposures from ChatGPT and other AI tools
  • Article
  • 01 Nov 2023
The article focuses on the growing integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT into company workflows, with many employees already using them without clear policies. Topics discussed include the widespread use of ChatGPT by staff, potential risks such as data security concerns, and the need for organizations to develop customized policies, education, and awareness to effectively manage the use of generative AI tools.
Exclusive The data-driven supply chain raises new governance and security issues
  • Article
  • 01 Sep 2023
The article highlights the importance of data management and security in today's digital supply chain, where every enterprise is considered a "data enterprise." As companies transition to digitally integrated supply chains, they must prioritize data stewardship, embed data governance and security into their operations, and adapt to changing practices and regulations.
Exclusive Hackers: we won't let AI get the better of us
  • Article
  • 01 Aug 2023
The article discusses how artificial intelligence (AI) is impacting ethical hackers' work. It discusses AI can disrupt certain aspects of penetration testing and bug bounty programs; the hacking community believes that AI will never be able to replicate the creative thinking essential for ethical hacking; the use of generative AI by hackers, demographic shifts among hackers; and how the younger generation's different perspective on technology is influencing the cyber landscape.
Terms of use

You are permitted to access articles subject to the terms of use set by our suppliers and any restrictions imposed by individual publishers. Please see individual supplier pages for full terms of use.

Useful links

Links to guidance and information from external websites on cyber security.
Cyber security breaches survey
  • Website
  • 12 May 2023
An annual Government survey detailing business and charity action on cyber security and the costs and impacts of cyber breaches and attacks. An interim survey has been published detailing preparedness for the new Data Protection Act.
Global Digital Trust Insights Survey
  • Website
  • 22 Jul 2022
Annual PwC survey based on responses of more than 9,500 CEOs, CFOs, CIOs, CISOs, CSOs, VPs, and directors of IT and security practices from more than 122 countries. Looks at the imapct of cyber attacks and business preparedness.
Cyber Security Outlook
  • Website
  • 12 Jul 2022
 PWCs annual Digital Trust Insights research reveals the top cyber security trends for UK organisations in 2023.
Home working: preparing your organisation and staff
  • Website
  • 10 Dec 2020
NCSC guidance on how to make sure your organisation is prepared for an increase in home working, and advice on spotting coronavirus (COVID-19) scam emails.
Be cyber aware
  • Website
  • 23 Mar 2018
Government campaign to raise cyber security awareness. Gives advice on: protecting your device; protecting your data; and protecting your business.
EY Global Information Security Survey
  • Website
  • 21 Mar 2018
Latest edition of EY's annual survey examining the current security landscape, future trends and potential strategies.
Cyber essentials scheme
  • Website
  • 21 Mar 2018
Advice from the National Cyber Security Centre to help protect organisations against cyber attacks. There are three levels of engagement , two of which leads to accreditation for certified cyber security.
National Cyber Security Centre
  • Website
  • 21 Mar 2018
Practical guidance for organisations including 10 steps to cyber security. Also provides information on cyber security threats detected in the UK.

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Data protection and privacy

All organisations that collect, store or process personal information on living and identifiable people must comply with the Data Protection Act 2018. Additional resources can be found on the GDPR (now the Data Protection Act 2018 in the UK).

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