Guernsey is establishing a Guernsey Cyber Security Centre. It’ll be run by the Jersey Cyber Security Centre, but with a locally based team. 

The Home Affairs-led initiative aims to protect the Bailiwick from cyber-attacks like fraud and ransomware, by providing guidance, monitoring, incident support, and training for islanders, businesses, and public services. 

The States hopes to leverage the JCSC’s established expertise, with a goal to prepare, protect, and defend against a range of cyber-attacks, from sophisticated hostile state-sponsored activities, to common online fraud and ransomware.

The JCSC earned the right to provide that overarching expertise following a “competitive tender process” according to the States. 

Home Affairs said they’re “pleased to be contracting with the Jersey Cyber Security Centre to create a dedicated cyber security centre here in Guernsey. This will enable the Bailiwick to benefit from the experience of the JCSC, which set up in 2021”.

The committee added that recent cyber attacks which notably left local shops with empty shelves highlighted the need to act.

“This has been a significant piece of work, and we are pleased to see it start to come to Fruition. This will provide a focus for cyber security advice and guidance, help to build and improve resilience and is good news for the people of Guernsey. 

“This is especially important given how cyber-attacks can impact individuals as has become evident following the recent spate of attacks on UK High Street retailers which has had a local impact on deliveries to our stores.”

Officers from the Committee for Home Affairs say they are currently working with the JCSC on the next steps to bring in the CSC, which they say they expect to start operating within “the next 12 months”.

Matt Palmer, Director of the JCSC added:  “We are pleased to be working closely with the States of Guernsey and the Island community to better protect the Bailiwick. 

“We know that cyber-attacks are becoming more frequent and more severe, and this partnership will minimise the effect of these attacks on islanders.”