The Challenge
There’s no escaping the fact that cyber threats are growing and housing associations are increasingly finding themselves in the crosshairs. Over the past couple of years, about a quarter of UK housing associations have experienced cyber attacks, and the problem shows no signs of slowing down. Some high-profile cases, like Clarion Housing’s major data breach, causing long-lasting financial and reputational damage, have raised concerns across the sector. Why? Well, it’s partly down to the reliance on outdated IT systems and the fast-paced digital transformation happening in housing services.
Housing associations are now using more online platforms for managing tenant data and services, but without the proper security measures, this shift makes them a prime target for cyber criminals. On top of that, human error—like falling for phishing scams—still plays a huge role, accounting for about 95% of successful attacks. So, it’s clear that cyber security needs to be taken seriously, especially when housing providers are responsible for safeguarding sensitive tenant information.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through why a solid cybersecurity foundation is crucial, and how conducting a Gap Analysis Assessment, followed by Cyber Essentials certification, can help housing associations get ahead of potential threats. 
Before diving into advanced stuff like SIEM or a Managed SOC, it’s crucial to get the basics right. At the end of the day, every organisation is made up of people, and they can either be your biggest weakness or your biggest strength. Cyber Essentials helps tackle this head-on, turning your team into a real asset when it comes to security.
All good cyber security strategies are broken into 3 key focus areas: People, Process and Technology.
People
One of the most critical aspects of any cyber security strategy is your people. Even the best technology can be undermined by human error, which is why staff engagement and clear responsibilities are at the heart of a solid cyber security foundation.
It’s essential that your team understands the role they play in keeping your organisation secure. Engaged staff are far more likely to follow best practices, spot potential threats, and avoid risky behaviours. Regular training sessions, phishing simulations, and updates on security policies can keep cyber security at the forefront of everyone’s mind. When your team is engaged, they move from being potential weak spots to active defenders of your organisation’s security.
Every member of staff, from the front desk to the IT department, needs to know their specific responsibilities when it comes to cyber security. This isn’t just about having policies in place—it’s about making sure those policies are clear, understandable, and actionable. Who reports a potential phishing attempt? What should someone do if they notice unusual activity on their device? Having these responsibilities clearly defined ensures that when issues arise, everyone knows how to respond quickly and effectively.
By focusing on people and ensuring they are properly engaged and responsible, you lay the groundwork for a strong cyber security culture.
Process
Strong processes are the backbone of a successful cyber security strategy. Without well-defined procedures in place, even the most engaged staff and advanced technology can fall short. It’s vital to establish key processes like Joiners, Movers, Leavers, which are essential for controlling who has access to your systems and data at any given time. New staff (Joiners) need to be properly onboarded with the right access rights from day one. Similarly, when staff change roles (Movers) or leave the organisation (Leavers), their access needs to be updated or revoked quickly to avoid any security gaps. These procedures ensure that only the right people have the right access, and nothing slips through the cracks.
Change management is another vital process, ensuring that all changes to IT-based systems follow a rigorous checklist, involving all relevant stakeholders before going live.
Technology
When it comes to cyber security, technology plays a crucial role in safeguarding your systems and data. It’s essential to ensure that your technology is configured securely and is frequently updated. Cyber attackers often exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated software, which is why it’s essential to apply patches and updates as soon as they become available.
It’s crucial to know how to set up your systems as securely as possible and to ensure that any future investments in technology include enhanced security features. Regular audits of system configurations can help identify and fix any weaknesses before they can be exploited by cyber criminals.
A common misconception about laying a solid cyber security strategy is that it’s a costly exercise involving investment in complex security measures, but it’s more about ensuring that the existing technology is secured optimally and that maximum security be a kept in mind for all future investments.
Remediation
Once the audit has been conducted, the next step is to develop a solid remediation plan. This plan serves as a roadmap to address the vulnerabilities and gaps identified during the audit process.
The remediation plan breaks down into a series of tasks. Each task is assigned a user, given a due date and scored for complexity.
Systematically addressing vulnerabilities with a well-structured remediation plan, can significantly enhance your organisation’s cyber security posture. This proactive approach not only helps to protect sensitive tenant information but also fosters a culture of security awareness throughout the organisation.
With clear tasks and accountability in place, you’ll be well on your way to building a robust cyber security framework that stands up to the ever-evolving landscape of threats.
What Next?
Housing associations often have complex IT needs, given the wide range of systems they rely on to manage day-to-day operations. With large teams needing continuous support and IT departments already stretched thin, keeping up with the demands of these systems can be overwhelming. We understand these challenges and offer tailored solutions to alleviate the pressure. Our expertise spans everything from conducting Gap Analysis Assessments to helping with the remediation tasks, to achieve the required Cyber Essentials standard. We also carry out Secure Score and Compliance Score audit and remediation, to further boost your Microsoft 365 tenant’s security. We like to take a hands-on approach, doing a lot of the heavy lifting, so your IT team can focus on the critical tasks that keep your organisation running smoothly.
We have extensive experience in helping organisations navigate the complexities of cyber security. Our managed service plans are designed to support you in several key areas, including ongoing remediation support, policy and process development, staff training, Cyber Essentials assessment support, vulnerability assessments, phishing simulations, and assistance in achieving Cyber Essentials Plus.
Don’t leave your cyber security to chance. Reach out to us today to learn how we can help you strengthen your security posture and protect your organisation from evolving threats. Let’s work together to build a secure future for your housing association.
We offer a FREE initial assessment of your IT estate. So, let’s start there. If you’d rather do it yourself, CLICK THIS LINK to find our FREE assessment questionnaire
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