UK businesses and organisations can now access an upgraded suite of free cyber security tools following the relaunch of the Police CyberAlarm platform.
The national service has introduced new scanning and monitoring capabilities designed to help organisations identify vulnerabilities in websites and internet-facing systems before they are potentially exploited by cybercriminals.
Police CyberAlarm (PCA) is a national policing capability hosted by the City of London Police and supported by the NPCC National Cybercrime Team.
Operating since 2020, the service is fully funded by the Home Office and is available free of charge to businesses and organisations.
What Does Police CyberAlarm Do?
The latest version of the platform has been developed with technology provider Waterstons and introduces a simplified registration and onboarding process.
Once registered, organisations can select the level of cyber protection they require.
One of the new tools is IP Address Scanning, which examines internet-facing systems for potential vulnerabilities.
Website URL Scanning is also available, helping organisations identify possible weaknesses in their public-facing websites.
For businesses managing several online services, websites or external systems, the scanning capabilities could provide an additional way of spotting security issues which might otherwise go unnoticed.
Members also gain access to an upgraded portal offering improved cyber security reports, insights and simplified account management.
New CyberAlarm Secure Sensor Introduced
The modernised platform also includes the CyberAlarm Secure Sensor.
The technology is designed to provide greater visibility of suspicious network activity, potentially giving organisations an earlier indication of unusual behaviour.
Data generated through the service can also help policing build a broader picture of cyber threats affecting organisations across the UK.
Nick Bell, Police CyberAlarm Lead, said: “This is a significant milestone for Police CyberAlarm. We are now live with a modern new platform that makes it easier for organisations to access fully funded cyber protection. This is the start of the next generation of PCA, with further capability to follow shortly.”
Cyber Security Support Without the Cost
The free nature of Police CyberAlarm could make the platform particularly useful to smaller businesses and organisations without dedicated cyber security teams.
Deputy Commissioner at the City of London Police and NPCC Economic Crime Portfolio lead Nik Adams said: “The launch of the new Police CyberAlarm platform marks a significant step forward in our collective efforts to tackle cyber crime and better protect organisations from evolving digital threats. By providing early identification of suspicious cyber activity and introducing a more user-friendly system, this platform makes it easier than ever for organisations to register and access fully funded cyber security support.
“The recent launch of the Government’s National Fraud Strategy rightly calls for stronger collaboration between public and private sector partners to address a threat that now accounts for nearly half of all crime in the UK. We have consistently echoed the need for this joined-up approach and, as the national lead force for fraud and cyber crime, are proud to be leading work in this space.
“This initiative is a strong example of that collaboration in action coordinating efforts, strengthening resilience, and helping to safeguard businesses across the UK from the growing threat of cyber crime.”
Technology Partnership Delivers Upgraded Platform
Waterstons was selected to support the modernisation of Police CyberAlarm following a procurement process.
Maggie Scullion, CEO of Waterstons, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Police CyberAlarm and the City of London Police to deliver this modernised platform.
“At Waterstons, we believe that robust cyber protection should be accessible to every organisation, regardless of size or resource. This collaboration is a fantastic example of public and private sectors working together to make a tangible difference – giving businesses across the UK the tools and visibility they need to stay one step ahead of cyber threats.
“We’re very proud of how all teams involved have come together to deliver this major milestone, and a platform that represents a major step forward in making cyber protection more accessible, helping organisations of all sizes take proactive action against evolving online threats.”
Organisations interested in using the free cyber security service can register through the Police CyberAlarm website.