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National Standards can be classified based on whether they are conceptual, rule based or value based:
- Principles - The defining characteristic of a principle document is that it is conceptual. It describes a target state or end goal without specifying how it will be achieved.
- Guidance/Policies/Standards - The defining characteristic of guidance, policies and standards are that they are rule based. The document specifies the rules to be applied to achieve a particular state.
- Technical Reference Templates - The defining characteristic of a template is that it is value based. It specifies exactly the values that must be used.
National Standards graded 4Pol are standards which meet the below criteria and should be considered first, before any other standard in that category, as they fit the National Policing Digital Strategy allowing forces and suppliers to converge on a single set of standards.
4Pol Criteria:
- Support minimum legal requirements where they exist
- Align with the National Policing Digital Strategy to ensure strategic alignment and design
- Align with the TechUK Justice & Emergency Services Interoperability Charter to deliver better data sharing, exchanging and exploitation
- Direct relevance and applicability to policing
- Represent best practice
- Able to be measured and achieved within the unique landscape of policing
National Standards graded MLR stem directly from legislative requirements, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) standards. These are National Standards which represent the minimum requirements to ensure that data and technology in use is operated in a lawfully compliant manner. These should be considered the baseline in applicable categories.
National Standards are divided into broad categories based on their focus. To recognise there is no clear dividing line, some National Standards may possess two categories, but the selected category reflects the primary focus of the National Standard:
- Analytics - Digital systems capable of creating actionable information from structured or unstructured data
- Asset Management - The way in which IT assets are acquired, used and disposed of
- Incident, Crime and Records Management Systems
- Digital systems used to manage policing and corporate records
- Cloud - Remote, off-premises computer system resources which host a range of functions across a potentially wide range of distributed sites
- Data - Information held in a structured or unstructured digital format
- Devices - Physical devices capable of viewing, changing, creating, distributing or storing digital information
- Digital Media - Media stored in an electronic format from any source
- Enterprise Resource Planning - Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is the management of integrated business processes via a software solution
- Forensics - The use of investigative technology and methodology to gather intelligence and admissible evidence
- Intelligence Systems - Digital system used to view, change, create, distribute or store sensitive digital information
- Justice - Systems, technologies and methodologies used within the Criminal Justice System
- Mobility - Software specifically designed to run on a mobile device such as a phone, tablet or watch
- Office Productivity & Collaboration Systems - Software specifically designed to address specific business needs such as communication, collaboration, document creation and content management
- Operational Policing - Specialist operational policing functions
- Security - The technology and methodology used in the protection of digital assets and services
Tags are assigned to National Standards to help users find grouped / related documentation
ISO/IEC 27001:2013 IT Security techniques — Information Security Management Systems — Requirements
ISO (the International Organisation for Standardisation) and IEC (the International Electrotechnical Commission) form the specialised system for worldwide standardisation. National bodies that are members of ISO or IEC participate in the development of International Standards through technical committees established by the respective organisation to deal with particular fields of technical activity. In the field of information technology, ISO and IEC have established a joint technical committee, ISO/IEC JTC 1.
The implementation of an information security management system is a strategic decision for an organisation that is influenced by the organisation’s needs and objectives, security requirements, the organisational processes and thus the International Standard has been setup to establish, implement, maintain and continually improve an information security management system.
The information security management system preserves the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information by applying a risk management process and gives confidence to interested parties that risks are adequately managed.
This International Standard specifies the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining and continually improving an information security management system within the context of the organisation. This also includes requirements for the assessment and treatment of information security risks tailored to the needs of the organisation and is applicable to all organisations, irrespective of size and structure.
ISO/IEC 27000:2020 IT Security techniques - Information Security management systems - Overview & Vocabulary
The International Organisation Standardisation (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) form the specialised system for worldwide standardisation. National bodies that are apart of the ISO or IEC participate through technical committees in the development of International standards to deal with particular areas of technical activities.
ISO/IEC in light of information technology provides an international standard and overview by for management systems by which a model can be followed in setting up and operating a management system. Information Security Management System (ISMS) is responsible for ensuring continuous development of the international management system standards.
Through the various standards developed, organisations can develop and implement a framework for managing and protecting the security of the information assets and systems including financial information, intellectual property, employee details, customer, client and third parties personal details.
The ISMS Standard includes standards that define requirements for an ISMS, provides direct support and guidance for the overall process to implement and maintain an ISMS standard, address conformity assessment for ISMS and provide terms and definitions for the international standard.
ISO/IEC 27002:2013 IT Security techniques - Code of Practice for Information Security Controls
This document informs the implementation of controls within an information security management system based on ISO 27001.
ISO (the International Organisation for Standardisation) and IEC (the International Electrotechnical Commission) form the specialised system for worldwide standardisation. National bodies that are members of ISO or IEC participate in the development of International Standards through technical committees established by the respective organisation to deal with particular fields of technical activity. In the field of information technology, ISO and IEC have established a joint technical committee, ISO/IEC JTC 1.
This International Standard is designed for organisations to use as a reference for selecting controls within the process of implementing an Information Security Management System (ISMS) based on ISO/IEC 27001. It can also be used as guidance for implementing commonly accepted information security controls.
All types of organisations including public and private sector, commercial and non-profit organisations collect collect, process, store and transmit information in many forms including electronic, physical and verbal and therefore the value of information goes beyond the written words, numbers and images. Knowledge can also be intangible such as concepts, ideas, knowledge, brands, reputation – these are all forms of intangible information. As a result vital information can be very valuable to an organisation’s and as such deserves and require protection against various hazards.
Therefore it is essential that an organisation identify its security requirements by 1. Assessing risk 2. Observing all statutory, regulatory and contractual requirements that an organisation has to satisfy 3. Setting principles, objectives and business requirements for information handling, processing, storing, communicating and archiving that an organisation has developed to support its operations.
Security Policy Framework for HMG Organisations
This Framework describes the Cabinet Secretary and Official Committee on Security expectations of how HMG organisations and third parties handling HMG information and other assets will apply protective security to ensure HMG can function effectively, efficiently and securely.
The Security Policy Framework should be applied across Her Majesty’s Government and assets that are held by third parties in the wider public sector and by our commercial partners and personal responsibility and accountability should be undertaken to uphold the policy as attitudes and behaviours are key for exercising good security.
It is important to note that proper management, risk management, good governance and judgment and discretion remain the most form of effective security protection.
Facing the Camera - Guidance on police use of overt CCTV and facial recognition to locate persons on a watchlist in public
This code of practice issued by the Secretary of State (regulated by the Surveillance Camera Commissioner) under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (PoFA) covers police forces in England & Wales. Chief officers must have regard to this code when using facial recognition algorithms as part of the operation of surveillance camera systems, or the use or processing of images or other information obtained.
The code only applies to the use of facial recognition technology and processing of images from surveillance cameras operated in 'live time' or 'near real time' operational scenarios.
The code includes considerations into:
- Applicability
- Biometrics
- Ethics
- Human Rights
- Legal frameworks
- Police policy documents
- Governance
- Evidence handling
- Public engagement
- Accountability and certification
Also included as an attachment is the National Surveillance Camera Strategy for context.
Create and iterate an SPF record for email authentication
This document provides guidance on how to create and iterate a Sender Policy Framework record, which is a system of email authentication.
SPF works by providing domain owners a way to publish a list of the IP addresses which should be trusted for a given domain. A receiving email service can then check that a sending email service has an IP address which appears in the sender's published list.
If the IP address appears in the list of acceptable IPs, the receiving email service will forward the email to the recipient's inbox. If the receiving email service cannot confirm the IP address is valid, then it marks the email in accordance with the DMARC policy you have implemented on the domain the email is being sent from.
Criminal Justice System Exchange Data Standards Catalogue (Version 6)
The CJS Data Standards Catalogue is a collection of data standards used by Criminal Justice Organisations in England & Wales to support interoperability between their different ICT systems.
If you are a member of a Criminal Justice Organisation and work in the area of data standards then you too can help to shape that change. If you have any questions then please raise them with the Forum representative for your organisation by visiting https://www.gov.uk/guidance/criminal-justice-system-data-standards-forum-guidance.
IDENT1
This document should be used in reference to the appropriate legislation, such as the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012: DNA & Fingerprint Provisions
IDENT1 is the UK’s nationals automated fingerprint system that provides biometric series for the police force and law enforcement agencies covering England, Scotland and Wales.
IDENT1 was introduced in 2004 and replaced the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS) of England and Wales, as well as the electronic fingerprint identification system used by the Scottish police forces. It was developed by Northrop Grumman with the use of advanced biometric identification technology.
IDENT1 enables the forces to search and compare fingerprints and crime scene marks in a single database, providing a unified collection of finger and palm prints.
The datasets that consist in within IDENT1 are the following:
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Colour Type
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Fingerprint Bureau Code Type
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Fingerprint Owners sex Type
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Fingerprint Status Type
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Force Code Type
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Force Station Coe Type
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IDENT Offence Code Type
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Jurisdiction Type
By using efficient algorithms and technology, IDENT1 is able to deliver a high degree of search accuracy and performance for the fingerprint officers (FPOs) and police officers by taking advantage of Biometric fusion technology.
Resource Description Frameworks (RDF) for web development
The standards referred to by W3C are community generated standards, last reviewed by the National Standards Assurance Board in May 2021.
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) is an international community where Member organisations and the public work together to develop Web standards. It’s aim is to lead the World Wide Web to its full potential by developing protocols and guidelines that ensure the long-term growth of the Web.
The social value of the Web is that it enables human communication, commerce, and opportunities to share knowledge. One of W3C's primary goals is to make these benefits available to all people, whatever their hardware, software, network infrastructure, native language, culture, geographical location, or physical or mental ability. Some people view the Web as a giant repository of linked data while others as a giant set of services that exchange messages.
W3C's vision for the Web involves participation, sharing knowledge, and thereby building trust on a global scale.
The Web has transformed the way we communicate with each other. In doing so, it has also modified the nature of our social relationships. People now "meet on the Web" and carry out commercial and personal relationships, in some cases without ever meeting in person. W3C recognises that trust is a social phenomenon, but technology design can foster trust and confidence. As more activity moves on-line, it will become even more important to support complex interactions among parties around the globe.
CPA Security Characteristic Software Full Disk Encryption (Version 1.24)
This document has been reviewed by the National Standards Assurance Board in May 2021 and is still deemed relevant with sound principles, despite being dated in some areas. Users should also be aware of the NEP Windows Blueprints.
This document describes the features, testing and deployment requirements necessary to meet CPA certification for Software Full Disk Encryption security products. It is intended for vendors, system architects, developers, evaluation and technical staff operating within the security arena.
The purpose of a software disk encryption product is to protect the confidentiality of data. This document aims to describe the requirements for Software Full Disk Encryption products and obtaining Commercial Product Assurance (CPA) certification under the CPA scheme.
A typical use case is the protection of a mobile device such as a laptop in case of accidental loss or theft.
The Security Characteristic is primarily targeted towards a single user for each protected devices only applicable to software disk encryption products that operate on PCs with Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) or Basic Input/Output System (BIOS). Multiple users can also be evaluated.
Intended readers are for developers, system, architects, vendors and technical staff. The disk encryption software will prevent an attacker from accessing the data.
ISO/IEC 27034-2:2015 IT Security techniques - Application Security - Part 2: Organisation Normative Framework
This document provides a framework for application security.
ISO (the International Organisation for Standardisation) and IEC (the International Electrotechnical Commission) form the specialised system for worldwide standardisation. National bodies that are members of ISO or IEC participate in the development of International Standards through technical committees established by the respective organisation to deal with particular fields of technical activity. In the field of information technology, ISO and IEC have established a joint technical committee, ISO/IEC JTC 1.
There is an ever increasing need for businesses to focus on protecting their information and technological infrastructures and Organisations must do this in order to stay in business. ISO/IEC 27034 provides concepts, principles, frameworks, components and processes to assist organisations in integrating security seamlessly throughout the life cycle of their applications. When an organisation uses a systematic approach for improving application security, it provides the organisation evidence and confidence that information being used and held in its application is being adequately protected. This part of ISO/IEC 27034 defines the processes required to manage the security of applications in the organisation.
The Organisation Normative Framework (ONF) is a key component for application security and provides a framework for best practises. It is the foundation of application security in the organisation. All organisations should base their decision regarding application security on this framework.
Therefore the purpose of this part of ISO/IEC 27034 is to assist organisations to create, maintain and validate their own ONF in compliance with the requirements of this International Standard.
Intended audience are managers, domain experts, auditors, ONF committee.
Bluetooth General Guidance (v1.1)
Guidance on the risk-based approach to using Bluetooth enabled technology within the policing environment, including examples. This guide does not cover all use cases and for advice on exemptions for specific use cases, the NPIRMT team should be approached to provide a bespoke risk assessment.
National Digital and Physical Evidence Retention Guidance
This document seeks to provide clarity and national guidance on the retention of both physical and digital evidence in order to provide policing with a framework to support a comprehensive physical and digital storage strategy.
There are a vast number of legislative sources to help determine how to manage and retain evidence, further compounded by confusion around records managed under Management of Police Information (MoPI) and physical evidence principally managed under the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act (CPIA) and Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE). This document seeks to provide clarity on the difference between these two distinct areas of business as well as provide more general guidance.
Government Digital Service Standard
The GDS Service Standard provides 14 principles for all Government teams to use when creating public services.
Video surveillance systems for use in security applications BS 62676
This document has been written by subject matter experts, together with many governmental organisations, test houses and equipment manufacturers to defined a common framework for video surveillance transmission in order to achieve interoperability between products.
The 62676 series is divided into 4 independent parts:
Part 1: System requirements (with 2 sub-parts: General and Performance requirements)
Part 2: Video transmission protocols
Part 3: Analog and digital video interfaces
Part 4: Application guidelines
This standard is intended to assist Video Surveillance System suppliers, users (including law enforcement), integrators and other interested parties achieve a complete and accurate specification of the surveillance system. This standard standard does not specify the type of technology required for a certain observation task.
[Note that this document, despite being authored in 2014, has been reviewed by subject matter experts in April 2021 and deemed to still represent good practice and relevancy]
UKAS Guidance on the Application of ISO/IEC 17025 Dealing with Expressions of Opinions and Interpretations 2017
Laboratories within the UK who wish to demonstrate that they operate to a quality system, are technically competent and are able to generate technically valid results must now meet the ISO/IEC 17025 requirements. This has now become the standard that UKAS now to assess a laboratory’s competence for the purposes of accreditation.
The purpose of this document is to set down United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) policy, process and guidance on assessment and accreditation of laboratories
The difference in this policy set out is that laboratories UKAS policy that laboratory accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 can now include the expression of opinions and interpretation of test/calibration results in reports as it is considered to be an inherent part of testing. Whereas before this was not permitted.
The laboratory’s documented quality system must reflect whether it is expressing opinions and interpretations and if so, for which activities. The process of interpreting test/calibration results for the purpose of expressing opinions and interpretations must be documented.
Guidance on Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) Performance, Assessment and Optimisation
This guidance document suggests how to set up, maintain, monitor and maximise the performance of an ANPR system. It is written for law enforcement ANPR operatives and commercial installers on behalf of the National ANPR Strategy Board. It applies to ANPR systems that are part of the National ANPR Infrastructure (NAI) and may feed data into the National ANPR System (NAS).
Users should also consider the Data protection Act 2018 and Surveillance Camera Code of Practice when using this document.
Government Security Classification (GSM)
This document describes how HM Government classifies information assets into OFFICAL, OFFICIAL SENSITIVE, SECRET and TOP SECRET to ensure information can be protected but also efficiently shared. This is not a statutory scheme, but operates within the requirements of the Official Secrets Acts (1911 and 1989) and the Freedom of Information Act (2000) and Data Protection legislation.
National Policing Community Security Policy (5.7)
Please note this is an OFFICIAL-SENSITIVE document, to request access please use the 'Contact Us' tab to raise a general query
National Police information, systems and networks must be safeguarded to ensure the Police Community can meet their statutory and regulatory responsibilities. The Police Community meets these responsibilities through a community of trust and by the implementation of this Community Security Policy (CSP).
This document relates to all National Police information; systems/services and networks, for which Chief Officers or Chief Executives are Joint Data Controllers. Furthermore it extends to all systems whether national or local that connect to access police information.
Extraction of material from digital devices APP
This document sets out the obligations on the police under the Data Protection Act 2018 and how these interact with other relevant legislation and case law. It provides police officers and staff with a set of principles to inform how they obtain digital devices – most often mobile phones but also laptops and other computers – from victims, witnesses and suspects for the purpose of an investigation and how they then extract the digital material from those devices. It will also help the public understand the responsibilities of the police when gathering evidence, obtaining devices and accessing the material held on them.
Cyber Essentials guidance
Most cyber attacks are conducted by unskilled individuals and are very basic in nature and cyber security is an important aspect to guard any organisation from cyber attacks. There are five essential technical controls that any organisation can put in place the following:
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Use a firewall to secure your internet connection
Many organisations will have a dedicated boundary firewall which protects their whole network. This effectively creates a ‘buffer zone’ between your IT network and other, external networks.
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Choose the most secure settings for your device an software
always check the settings of new software and devices and where possible, make changes which raise your level of security. For important accounts such as banking and IT administration, you should use two-factor authentication
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Control who has access to your data and services
To minimise the potential damage that could be done if an account is misused or stolen, staff accounts should have just enough access to software, settings, online services and device connectivity functions for them to perform their role.
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Protect yourself from viruses and other malware
Viruses are another well-known form of malware (malicious software). These programs are designed to infect legitimate software, passing unnoticed between machines. A user may open an infected email attachment, browse a malicious website, or use a removable storage drive, such as a USB memory stick, which is carrying malware. You can use anti-malware/virus software to detect and treat them.
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Keep your devices and software up to date
Manufacturers and developers release regular updates which not only add new features, but also fix any security vulnerabilities that have been discovered. Therefore it is important that manufacturers support the device with regular security updates.
10 Steps to Cyber Security
This guidance is designed to help organisations protect themselves in cyberspace and best practises for cyberspace security. It relays the task of defending your networks, systems and information into its essential components.
It is important to note, when dealing cyberspace protection, the organisation knows the kinds of cyber attacks it expects to understand what protection would be needed.
Note: This high level guidance provides context on the 10 steps. Each step is also individually signposted on the National Standards platform.
Cloud Security Principles
Published by the National cyber security centre, this guidance document provides details and context on the following 14 cloud security principles.
1. Data in transit
2. Asset protection and resilience
3. Separation between users
4. Governance framework
5. Operational security
6. Personnel security
7. Secure development
8. Supply chain security
9. Secure user management
10. Identity and authentication
11. External interface protection
12. Secure service administration
13. Audit information for users
14. Secure use of the service
Cyber Security: Asset management
Step 3 from the 10 steps to Cyber Security covers asset management, ensuring you know what data and systems you manage, and what business need they support.
Asset management encompasses the way you can establish and maintain the required knowledge of your assets. Over time, systems generally grow organically, and it can be hard to maintain an understanding of all the assets within your environment. Incidents can occur as the result of not fully understanding an environment, whether it is an unpatched service, an exposed cloud storage account or a mis-classified document. Ensuring you know about all of these assets is a fundamental precursor to being able to understand and address the resulting risks. Understanding when your systems will no longer be supported can help you to better plan for upgrades and replacements, to help avoid running vulnerable legacy systems.
Cyber Security: Architecture and configuration
Step 4 from the 10 steps to Cyber Security covers how to design, build and maintain systems securely.
The technology and cyber security landscape is constantly evolving. To address this, organisations need to ensure that good cyber security is baked into their systems and services from the outset, and that those systems and services can be maintained and updated to adapt effectively to emerging threats and risks.
Cyber Security: Incident management
Step 9 from the 10 steps to Cyber Security covers how to plan your response to cyber incidents in advance.
Incidents can have a huge impact on an organisation in terms of cost, productivity and reputation. However, good incident management will reduce the impact when they do happen. Being able to detect and quickly respond to incidents will help to prevent further damage, reducing the financial and operational impact. Managing the incident whilst in the media spotlight will reduce the reputational impact. Finally, applying what you’ve learned in the aftermath of an incident will mean you are better prepared for any future incidents.
Cyber Security: Vulnerability management
Step 5 from the 10 steps to Cyber Security covers how to keep your systems protected throughout their lifecycle.
The majority of cyber security incidents are the result of attackers exploiting publicly disclosed vulnerabilities to gain access to systems and networks. Attackers will, often indiscriminately, seek to exploit vulnerabilities as soon as they have been disclosed. So it is important (and essential for any systems that are exploitable from the internet) to install security updates as soon as possible to protect your organisation. Some vulnerabilities may be harder to fix, and a good vulnerability management process will help you understand which ones are most serious and need addressing first.
Cyber Security: Risk management
Step 1 from the 10 steps to Cyber Security covers the approach to risk management.
Taking risks is a natural part of doing business. Risk management informs decisions so that the right balance of threats and opportunities can be achieved to best deliver your business objectives. Risk management in the cyber security domain helps ensure that the technology, systems and information in your organisation are protected in the most appropriate way, and that resources are focussed on the things that matter most to your business. A good risk management approach will be embedded throughout your organisation and complement the way you manage other business risks.
Cyber Security: Supply chain security
Step 10 from the 10 steps to Cyber Security covers how and why it is sensible to collaborate with your suppliers and partners
Most organisations rely upon suppliers to deliver products, systems, and services. An attack on your suppliers can be just as damaging to you as one that directly targets your own organisation. Supply chains are often large and complex, and effectively securing the supply chain can be hard because vulnerabilities can be inherent, introduced or exploited at any point within it. The first step is to understand your supply chain, including commodity suppliers such cloud service providers and those suppliers you hold a bespoke contract with. Exercising influence where you can, and encouraging continuous improvement, will help improve security across your supply chain.
Cyber Security: Engagement and training
Step 2 from the 10 steps to Cyber Security covers the engagement and training of members from your organisation.
People should be at the heart of any cyber security strategy. Good security takes into account the way people work in practice, and doesn't get in the way of people getting their jobs done. People can also be one of your most effective resources in preventing incidents (or detecting when one has occurred), provided they are properly engaged and there is a positive cyber security culture which encourages them to speak up. Supporting your staff to obtain the skills and knowledge required to work securely is often done through the means of awareness or training. This not only helps protect your organisation, but also demonstrates that you value your staff, and recognise their importance to the business.