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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.

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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 Month 2023

ICAEW Cyber Security Awareness month 2023

ICAEW marks the 20th anniversary of global Cyber Security Awareness month with a series of resources addressing cybercrime 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.
 
Cyber: CrowdStrike, new laws proposed and SCAM
  • Article
  • 31 Jul 2024
In our latest round-up of cyber news and security insights for accountants and finance professionals, we explore what happens when cyber software goes wrong, new routes to Cyber Essentials and why you need to remember SCAM.
The ABCD+ of technology: cyber security
  • Article
  • 31 Jul 2024
The ACA syllabus uses the ‘ABCD’ acronym to summarise the most impactful emerging technologies. Here, we explain the risks facing businesses and the importance of following best practice.
AI ‘will turbocharge cybercrime and fraud’
  • Article
  • 26 Jun 2024
Chief internal auditors are worried that AI is likely to fuel a surge in cyber, fraud and economic crime, according to a new poll.
Cyber round-up: June 2024
  • Article
  • 26 Jun 2024
Our latest round-up of cyber news features high-profile data hacks, insights into AI-enabled cyber security and the impact of heightened cyber risk ahead of the general election.
Supply chain: a cyber vulnerability blind spot
  • Article
  • 24 Jun 2024
The supply chain is highlighted as the new frontier for cybercrime. Although activity can be outsourced, responsibility and accountability cannot, experts warn.
Tax news in brief 19 June 2024
  • Article
  • 19 Jun 2024
Highlights from the broader tax news for the week ending 19 June 2024, including: a malware warning from HMRC; help from HMRC with submitting forms P11D and P11D(b); and developments in international tax.
Cyber round-up: May 2024
  • Article
  • 29 May 2024
Supply-chain security, the growing peril of deepfakes, and the threat of ransomware are some of the big topics that continue to dominate the headlines.
New laws to bolster smart device security
  • Article
  • 07 May 2024
Ban on default passwords part of legislation to help protect consumers from having their internet-enabled devices interfered with by hackers or cybercriminals.

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.
Exclusive COVID-19 risk briefing
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 05 May 2020
  • PDF (133kb)
Covid-19 is creating exceptional circumstances and while the country adjusts to life under lockdown, criminals are identifying ways to exploit the vulnerable at this time of uncertainty.

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Finance in a digital world

Webinars and recordings

View our webinars on the topic of cyber security.
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.
Supply chain cyber security series
  • Webinar
  • 22 Sep 2022
Your business is only as secure as its weakest link. Watch this series to understand and manage supply chain cyber security risk.
Evaluating the risk of cyber-crime and data breach
  • Webinar
  • 06 Apr 2022
Are you doing enough to manage the risk of cyber-crime and data breach in your business? Marsh Commercial will focus on the risk of cyber specifically to small practitioners, and may highlight the gaps in your cover that are leaving your business exposed.
Police briefing on Cyber threats
  • Webinar
  • 19 Oct 2021
Get expert police advice on the latest cyber threat intelligence and learn how to keep yourself and your company safe from a cyber attack.

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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