Small and medium-sized law firms have been offered the same access to latest government intelligence on cyber security as larger firms, banks and retail giants.

They are invited to meet leaders of the Cyber Security Information Sharing Partnership (CISP), set up by the Cabinet Office, with the security service, Government Communications HQ and the National Crime Agency, at a Law Society event on 10 March.

The Society said it is ‘encouraging and supporting its members to join CISP’, under which businesses share information and intelligence on cyber security threats including virus, ‘spyware’ and ‘denial of service’ attacks on websites.

Members also get access to a ‘fusion cell’, a group of expert analysts from government and industry who assess new threats as they occur.

James Crawford, head of situational awareness at CISP, said: ’Small and medium sized firms will increasingly find themselves facing cyber security issues, but they may not have the resources available to stay on top of latest developments. CiSP membership gives them access to a substantial forum of technical information and advice as provided by industry and government members, ultimately raising their awareness and ability to mitigate against cyber threats.’

So far, 307 organisations have joined the free service. For further information email timothy.hill@lawsociety.org.uk by 28 February.