Welcome to the home page of our LACES platform, designed to revolutionize cyber security for UK local authorities. Explore the interconnected world of cyber security through the innovative LACES framework, ensuring robust governance, data security, resilience, and knowledge transfer.
The Local Authority Cyber Eco-System (LACES) framework provides a comprehensive three-dimensional approach to understanding and managing cyber security within UK local authorities. This innovative model recognises the intricate interplay between physical and digital domains, reflecting the evolving "Clicks and Mortar" organisational structures prevalent in modern local government.
As local authorities increasingly rely on cloud-based services and digital infrastructure, the LACES framework offers a holistic view of the cyber ecosystem. It emphasises the need for a unified approach that addresses both tangible and intangible aspects of cyber security, ensuring a robust defence against evolving threats.
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Physical Domain
Encompasses tangible infrastructure and on-premises systems
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Digital Domain
Covers cloud-based services and virtual environments
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Interconnected Operations
Addresses the symbiotic relationship between physical and digital realms
Governance and Assurance in LACES
Governance and assurance form critical pillars within the LACES framework, underpinning the secure and efficient operation of local authority cyber ecosystems. Information governance takes centre stage, encompassing information management, assurance, and security practices. The framework advocates for the continued relevance of key roles such as the Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO) and Information Asset Owner (IAO) in navigating the complex digital landscape.
Assurance processes within LACES are grounded in the CIA triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability), emphasising the need for formal risk assessment procedures for all systems and services. The shift towards "Cloud first" policies and the prevalence of Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions present new challenges to traditional assurance models, requiring adaptive strategies to maintain robust security postures.
Governance
- Information management - Data handling guidelines - SIRO and IAO roles - Adapting to digital transformation
- Balancing innovation and security - Adapting to remote work scenarios - Ensuring compliance in cloud environments - Continuous monitoring and improvement
Data: The Core of LACES
At the heart of the LACES framework lies data, serving as the lifeblood of all information systems within local authorities. The framework recognises data's pivotal role in information processing and knowledge creation, emphasising its significance in driving efficient and effective governance. The Data Protection Act provides a robust legal foundation, guiding the responsible handling and protection of sensitive information.
LACES underscores the critical importance of information sharing, both within local authorities and between various government entities and external stakeholders. This collaborative approach to data management fosters innovation, enhances service delivery, and strengthens the overall cyber resilience of the local government ecosystem.
Data Protection
Implementing stringent measures to safeguard sensitive information in compliance with the Data Protection Act and GDPR requirements.
Information Sharing
Facilitating secure and efficient data exchange between departments, agencies, and external partners to improve decision-making and service delivery.
Data Governance
Establishing clear policies and procedures for data management, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and availability of information across the organisation.
Data-Driven Innovation
Leveraging data analytics and insights to drive continuous improvement and develop innovative solutions to local government challenges.
Resilience and Cyber Incident Response
Resilience within the LACES framework focuses on maintaining system and data accessibility under adverse conditions, directly addressing the 'Availability' aspect of the CIA triad. Recent high-profile cyber attacks on local authorities have underscored the critical need for robust incident planning and response capabilities. The framework emphasises preparedness as a key factor in minimising disruption and reducing recovery time in the event of a cyber incident.
To enhance resilience, local authorities must develop comprehensive cyber incident response plans, conduct regular drills, and ensure seamless coordination between IT teams, leadership, and external support networks. The LACES approach advocates for a proactive stance, incorporating threat intelligence and continuous monitoring to anticipate and mitigate potential risks before they escalate into full-blown crises.
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Preparedness
Develop incident response plans and conduct regular training exercises
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Detection
Implement advanced threat detection systems and continuous monitoring
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Response
Execute coordinated incident response procedures to contain and mitigate threats
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Recovery
Implement efficient data restoration and system recovery processes
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Learning
Conduct post-incident analysis to improve future resilience strategies
Processes: Bridging Physical and Digital Domains
The LACES framework recognises processes as the crucial connective tissue linking systems and services within local authorities. These workflows and business processes span both physical and digital domains, facilitating the movement of data and supporting information sharing across the organisation. By optimising these processes, local authorities can enhance efficiency, reduce vulnerabilities, and improve overall cyber security posture.
Effective process management within LACES involves mapping critical workflows, identifying potential security gaps, and implementing automated safeguards where possible. This approach ensures that cyber security considerations are embedded throughout the organisation's operations, from routine administrative tasks to complex service delivery mechanisms.
Process Mapping
Identify and document key workflows across physical and digital domains
Security Integration
Embed cyber security measures within existing business processes
Automation
Implement automated security checks and controls in critical workflows
Continuous Improvement
Regularly review and optimise processes to address evolving threats
Knowledge Transfer: The Cornerstone of LACES
Knowledge transfer emerges as a fundamental enabler of success within the LACES framework, fostering collaboration, partnership working, and peer support across local authorities. This element emphasises the critical importance of sharing best practices and lessons learned, creating a collective intelligence that strengthens the overall cyber security posture of the UK local government sector.
The shift towards remote and virtual working has introduced new challenges and opportunities for knowledge transfer. LACES advocates for leveraging established communities such as WARP (Warning, Advice and Reporting Point) to maintain effective information exchange. Trust is identified as a crucial factor in facilitating open and productive knowledge sharing, underpinning the framework's collaborative approach to cyber security.
Benefits of Knowledge Transfer in LACES
Rapid dissemination of threat intelligence and mitigation strategies
Shared resources and expertise to address common challenges
Collaborative development of innovative security solutions
Improved incident response through shared experiences
Challenges in Effective Knowledge Transfer
Overcoming organisational silos and cultural barriers
Ensuring secure channels for sensitive information sharing
Maintaining engagement in virtual collaboration environments
Addressing varying levels of cyber maturity across authorities
Developing a centralised knowledge base of best practices and case studies
Implementing mentorship programmes between authorities
Leveraging technology platforms for secure, real-time information sharing
The Future of Local Authority Cyber Security
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the LACES framework provides a robust foundation for addressing the unique cyber security challenges faced by UK local authorities. The framework's holistic approach, encompassing governance, assurance, data management, resilience, processes, and knowledge transfer, offers a comprehensive strategy for navigating the complex cyber ecosystem.
Looking ahead, local authorities must remain vigilant and adaptive, continuously refining their cyber security practices in line with emerging threats and technological advancements. The LACES framework encourages a proactive, collaborative approach, leveraging shared knowledge and resources to build a resilient cyber defence across the UK local government sector.