FAQs about the threats
- How does the UK's threat alert system work?
- What can I do to prepare and protect my family against terrorism?
- Could MI5 assess the threats specifically affecting my business and do a security audit for us?
1. How does the UK's threat alert system work?
The UK has a different approach to the US in this regard. The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) analyses intelligence relating to international terrorism and produces classified assessments of the threats for a range of government departments and agencies. A general assessment of the current threat level is provided on this website, along with a detailed explanation of how the threat level system works.
2. What can I do to prepare and protect my family against terrorism?
The security advice provided on this website is designed to help businesses and other organisations put effective measures in place to protect against terrorism and other forms of attack. The Government's "Preparing for Emergencies" booklet, issued to all UK households in August 2004, and its accompanying website (new window) provide practical, common sense advice for members of the general public on how to prevent and prepare for a terrorist attack and what to do in an emergency. Answers to further questions on the threat from terrorism are available on the Home Office (new window) website.
3. Could MI5 assess the threats specifically affecting my business and do a security audit for us?
Providing authoritative security advice, based on our unique understanding of the threats to national security, is an important part of the Security Service's work to protect the UK. For many years, we have worked closely with Government and a range of companies and organisations that form part of the Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). Extending this information to a wider audience is an important part of the Government's counter-terrorist strategy and a range of practical security aimed at businesses is now available on the website of the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure
Given our limited resources, we are unable to offer a security audit service for individual businesses. Specialist police advisors, known as Counter Terrorism Security Advisors (CTSAs), may be able to help you further, and direct you to professional or commercial organisations offering security solutions (the Security Service itself does not recommend specific companies). For further information visit the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO - new window).
