Cyber security breaches survey: guidance
Updated 3 September 2024
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cyber-security-breaches-survey/cyber-security-breaches-survey-guidance
The government is conducting a survey of UK businesses, educational institutions and charities to find out how you approach cyber security and to learn more about the cyber security issues you face. The research will inform government policy on cyber security and how the government works with organisations to protect and promote the UK online.
The survey will be conducted by Ipsos Ltd. (Ipsos) on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the Home Office (HO).
How Ipsos will carry out the survey
Ipsos has been commission to carry out the fieldwork from August to December 2024, by telephone. Ipsos will call inviting you to take part, or you may receive an email letting you know Ipsos has called and inviting you to reply.
Ipsos would like to speak to businesses, charities and education institutions even if they have not experienced any cyber security issues as this will help ensure the findings are representative of all organisations. Taking part in the survey is confidential and voluntary for all individuals and organisations.
Who will be invited to take part
Businesses across the UK have been selected at random from the Market Location Business Database.
Charities have been selected from:
- the Charity Commission database in England and Wales
- the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator
- the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland
Educational institutions have been selected from:
- Get Information About Schools
- Scottish Government School Contact details
- Colleges Scotland directory
- Welsh Government Address list of schools
- Colleges Wales directory
- NI Department of Education database
- NI Direct FE College directory
We would like to speak to the senior person, with the most knowledge or responsibility when it comes to cyber security. In some organisations this might be a specific individual or head of department, while in other organisations you might be the business owner or one of the charity trustees. Please note that the survey is not technical and participants do not need specific IT knowledge.
What participation involves
Participation will involve a telephone interview with an interviewer from Ipsos. On average interviews last around 20 minutes, though the actual interview length may vary depending on the answers that you give. The interview will take place at a time that is convenient for you.