The UK government has launched new guidelines to help businesses boost their cyber resilience and take advantage of digital technologies.

The draft code aims to make cyber security issues a key focus for businesses and position them as equal to financial and legal concerns.

The code recommends that directors set out clear roles and responsibilities for their organisations to boost protection for customers and maintain their ability to operate safely and securely.

The government said the code would help businesses put detailed plans in place to respond and recover from any potential cyber incidents. It added that these plans should be regularly tested, with a formal system for reporting incidents in place.

The guidelines have been drawn up in partnership with industry directors, governance experts and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

Viscount Camrose, minister for AI and intellectual property, said it was vital for company directors to take a firm hold on their organisation’s cyber security regime and protect their customers and workforce.

“This new Code will help them take the lead in safely navigating potential cyber threats, ensuring businesses across the country can take full advantage of the emerging technologies which are revolutionising how we work,” he said. “It is vital the people at the heart of this issue take the lead in shaping how we can improve cyber security in every part of our economy, which is why we want to see industry and business professionals from all walks coming forward to share their views.”

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