The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has opened a new round of its NCSC For Startups programme in its search for cybersecurity startups.

The programme gives the opportunity for companies to work with some of the UK’s leading cybersecurity experts to develop products and services to protect against the threat of malware.

With applications open from the 20th of January, successful companies will join a programme in which they collaborate with experts to develop, adapt and test their products.

The NCSC For Startups programme comes against the growing threat presented by ransomware. 2021 saw the number of ransomware attacks hitting UK businesses surge.

This drove the NCSC to release statements warning ransomware poses an “immediate danger” to UK businesses and is the most significant cyber threat facing the UK.

Initially launched last year by the NCSC and innovation company Plexal, NCSC For Startups aims to bring together innovative firms with NCSC technical expertise to solve some of the UK’s most important cyber challenges.

The latest call for companies to join the programme is aimed at those which are developing products to protect SMEs from the growing ransomware threat. In the first four months of 2021, the NCSC handled the same number of ransomware incidents as for the whole of 2020 – which was itself a number more than three times greater than in 2019.

In particular, the NCSC and Plexal want to hear from startups that:

• Can defend SMEs from ransomware by providing accessible, low-cost protection
• Encourage firms to implement secure backups to minimise the impact of an attack
• Address risks posed by Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) as more businesses and individuals implement home and remote working

Deputy Director for Cyber Growth at the NCSC Chris Ensor said: “Ransomware presents the most serious cyber security threat to the UK and it is vital that organisations protect themselves.

“Our latest NCSC for Startups challenge provides a great opportunity for innovative companies to collaborate with us in the fight against ransomware and strengthen the UK’s defences.”

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The previous round of the NCSC For Startups programme included Scottish cybersecurity company Lupovis, which was joined by three other companies.

Lupovis offers an AI-based deception solution to manipulate adversaries that have penetrated an organisation’s network.

Among the rest of the cohort were cybersecurity solutions such as an automated triage system, a platform to help maximise return on their cybersecurity investments and a defence solution against mobile-borne threats.

Saj Huq, director of innovation at Plexal, said: “Ransomware doesn’t just affect large, established companies: there is a growing risk to SMEs that make up the backbone of our economy and anyone who lives and works online are potential victims.

“This is a unique and game-changing opportunity for startups to work on the biggest cyber threat around alongside experts from the National Cyber Security Centre and industry who are working day in, day out to keep the UK safe – and I hope they respond to this call with a sense of urgency and mission.”

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