Three Levels of Data Access

The UK Data Service provides three levels of access for data: open data, safeguarded data, and controlled data. This tiered approach allows organisations to manage who can access their data based on its sensitivity. While open data is accessible to the public, controlled data is restricted to only authorised individuals, and safeguarded data is protected and, as the name suggests, safeguarded.

Alarming Cyber Attack Statistics

The Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2022 revealed that a staggering 39% of UK businesses identified a cyber attack in the last 12 months. Even more concerning is the fact that up to 88% of UK companies have suffered breaches in the same timeframe. To put this perspective, one small business in the UK is successfully hacked every 19 seconds. This is just one reason why more and more companies are implementing access control, and pushing digital security.

Lack of Security Awareness Training

Access control extends beyond technical solutions. It’s also crucial to educate employees about cybersecurity. A study from CSO online states: 22% of UK organisations do not provide their employees with regular security awareness training for email. This knowledge gap can increase the chance of a security breach, and place the company in a vulnerable position.

Digital Transformation Barriers

The digital transformation journey is essential for many UK organisations. However, 42% of them cite concerns about introducing security or compliance risks as a barrier to this transformation. Striking the right balance between innovation and security is essential, and access control plays a central role in achieving this.

The Physical Security Market

The UK’s physical security market was valued at $5.7 billion in 2019. This market covers a wide range of security measures, from surveillance systems to door access control, all working together to protect people and assets.

In conclusion, access control is crucial in the UK’s cybersecurity strategy. The statistics paint a picture of the current threat landscape, underlining the importance of robust access control measures in safeguarding sensitive data. However, it’s essential to remember that access control is just one section of comprehensive security. Physical security, network security, and incident response must all be considered to create a resilient defence against evolving threats.