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What is Information Assurance?

Information Assurance (IA) is the confidence that information systems will protect the information they carry and will function as they need to, when they need to, under the control of legitimate users.

Information is a critical asset to any organisation or individual, as such it should be safeguarded. The IS&A is responsibility for providing a strategic direction for the UK in managing risks to information. Our vision is to enable ‘a UK environment where citizens, businesses and government use and enjoy the full benefits of ICT with confidence’.

Our partners

The IS&A works in partnership with the wider IA centre comprising the Cabinet Office, National Technical Authority for Information Assurance (CESG) and the Centre for Protection of the National Infrastructure (CPNI).

The IS&A produces and maintains the National Information Assurance Strategy and, along with partner organisations, coordinates and sponsors work programmes to deliver on the strategy's recommendations.

The IS&A has a lead role in helping government to ensure the following strategic outcomes:

• Government is better able to deliver public services through the appropriate use of ICT
• The UK's national security is strengthened by protecting information and information systems at risk of compromise
• The UK's economic and social well-being is enhanced as government, businesses and citizens realise the full benefits of ICT.

There are a number of government departments and organisations involved in the field of information assurance with which we work including:

• Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI)
• National IA Technical Authority (CESG)
• Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR)
• Home Office
• Serious and Organised Crime Agency, e-crime unit (SOCA)
• Information Commissioners Office (ICO)