UK code
The UK AI cyber security code of practice explained
The government's code is voluntary and sets out 13 principles for securing AI systems. It works as a checklist even if you only buy AI tools.
Last reviewed against NCSC, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and OWASP GenAI Security Project. Sources
What it is
Status and scope
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology released the code and an implementation guide on 31 January 2025 [5]. The code is voluntary. It covers AI systems, including deep neural networks such as generative AI, and arranges its requirements around design, development, deployment, maintenance and the end of a system's life [6]. Academic research systems that will never be deployed are left out [6].
Next steps are international. The government said it intends to put the code and guide forward to ETSI, to underpin a new standard (TS 104 223) and guide (TR 104 128), and to revise its own documents to match once that standard exists [5].
Who it covers
Four roles
The code allocates its principles by role [6]. One organisation can hold several roles at the same time [6].
If you buy and configure AI tools, you are most likely a system operator.
Key points
- Developers create or adapt an AI model or system, including open-source models [6]
- System operators embed or deploy a model or system within their own infrastructure [6]
- Data custodians control data permissions and integrity [6]
- End-users and affected entities are not primary owners, but several provisions protect them [6]
The principles
All thirteen
| No. | Principle |
|---|---|
| 1 | Raise awareness of AI security threats and risks |
| 2 | Design your AI system for security as well as functionality and performance |
| 3 | Evaluate the threats and manage the risks to your AI system |
| 4 | Enable human responsibility for AI systems |
| 5 | Identify, track and protect your assets |
| 6 | Secure your infrastructure |
| 7 | Secure your supply chain |
| 8 | Document your data, models and prompts |
| 9 | Conduct appropriate testing and evaluation |
| 10 | Communication and processes associated with end-users and affected entities |
| 11 | Maintain regular security updates, patches and mitigations |
| 12 | Monitor your system's behaviour |
| 13 | Ensure proper data and model disposal |
The wording of all thirteen is taken from the code [6].
How to use it
A checklist for buyers
Principles 1, 4, 5, 7, 11 and 12 suit an organisation that deploys other people's tools: awareness, human responsibility, asset tracking, supply chain, updates and monitoring [6]. Score yourself against each, then take the gaps into the practical plan.
The code builds on the NCSC's earlier guidelines for secure AI system development, which the controls guide covers.
Keep reading
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Read the guideHow CyPro can help
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