Protective security advice to safeguard our institutions, people and electoral processes from democratic interference
Last Updated:
14 April 2025
What does Democracy mean to you?
It’s the bedrock of Britain.
It may feel powerful, established and robust but democracy needs to be taken care of with constant vigilance.
Because right now, terrorists, state-sponsored spies and others with malicious intent are trying to disrupt it.
Seeking to intimidate, harass or carry out acts of sabotage or espionage to interfere with our democracy.
The threat is serious and their efforts are getting more sophisticated.
So, what is it going to take to stop them?
You.
That’s right.
You and everyone watching this, have a vital part to play in defending our democracy.
And you’re not alone in doing this – far from it.
NPSA is here to help you.
We are the UK’s National Technical Authority for physical and personnel protective security.
We help protect the UK’s democratic integrity by safeguarding our institutions, people and electoral processes from a range of national security threats.
Whatever your role, we’ve got authoritative advice based-on research and threat intelligence, to help you.
This aids in keeping you safe, both online and in person - like getting advice on preventing insider events, and guidance on how to keep places of work secure, to stay physically safe.
Plus, understanding how to better control your digital footprint and thinking before you link with connections on social networks.
To learn more about protecting yourself from cyber threats, visit NCSC’s website.
Working with our partners, we help you safeguard democratic processes, playing a part in keeping your events and teams secure.
And for ease, there’s advice, tailored to support security professionals, on everything from protecting voters in polling stations, to recognising the early signs of a potential terrorist threat.
By better understanding the threats, you can be better prepared and play your role in protecting the democratic integrity of the UK.
Play your role in defending democracy
Discover and download the tools and resources below
We help individuals and organisations build resilience to a range of national security threats through advice and guidance.
Drawing on research and threat intelligence, our advice helps audiences understand the threats they face and how to act to minimise risk.
Working in partnership with other national technical authorities and delivery partners, our advice relates to all aspects of the democratic process – Central, Devolved and Local Government, elected representatives and the individuals working for them.
The guidance on these pages includes security advice for election periods and beyond: from staying safe online, mitigating risk from insiders, to reducing your exposure to threats to your personal safety.
Security Guidance for Elections
Whether you’re a candidate, a Returning Officer, are working for a political organisation or involved in administering UK elections, you can access comprehensive Security Advice on GOV.UK, which is regularly-updated.
Security Guidance for Election Candidates
View Video Transcript
During an election period, as candidates, you're subject to heightened public exposure and this can bring with it a number of pressures both on yourself and those close to you. Whilst the vast majority of the UK population are respectful of the democratic process, there are some individuals and groups who aren't, and you may find yourself a target because of the views that you hold or the party you represent, or simply because of who you are.
In most cases, this will not affect you or your family's personal safety. However, there have been occasions where candidates have been exposed to unacceptable levels of harassment and intimidation. It's important to know what you can do in order to prevent or mitigate this risk.
Be alert. Plan ahead and know what to do.
Understanding the type of threats you could face will help you notice anything untoward. Be mindful of issues that have the potential to escalate both online and in-person. When in public, have an enhanced appreciation of where you are and the situation you find yourself in. Be alert to any potential dangers. Your local police force offer security briefings for all candidates during the election period. Be sure to attend and engage with these. Plan your movements, varying your times and routes as much as possible to make yourself unpredictable. When canvasing, try not to attend alone, and let your team know where you are. Be aware of the venues you will be attending, exits and safe areas within them. Consider what you will do in an emergency.
Familiarise yourself with the emergency call function on your mobile phone and set up your emergency contacts. Know your exact location so you can tell the police if an incident were to happen. Online, carefully manage your digital footprint, and control what personal information is freely available to the public. Be aware you could be targeted by cyber attacks, including targeted phishing emails.
Take steps to protect your personal accounts and devices and review your social media use and settings. Do not engage with individuals who intimidate or threaten you in-person or online. For online abuse, know who you need to contact and what information to provide. Alert your internet service provider or mobile phone company immediately and use the ‘report abuse’ tools on social media platforms. Contact the police if someone has knowledge or personal information about you that is not public domain or shows fixated ideas or behaviour towards you.
You must contact 999 any time there is a threat of immediate violence or you feel in danger. Keep records of any harassment, the more detailed, the better. As candidates, you've all decided to take part in our great democratic process. You're not alone. You have access to support from both government and the police, and you should speak with your local policing representative. All candidates are able to access security briefings from their local police force during the election period, and I strongly encourage you to engage with them.
If a threat presents itself either online or in-person, you must reach out for support and contact the relevant authorities. And if that threat is immediate or it's an emergency, you should always call 999. Remember, be alert, plan ahead and know what to do.
For more information on improving your personal safety and security, speak to your local policing representative. Attend the relevant security briefings. Such ‘security guidance for elections’ on gov.uk or follow the QR code.
HMG has issued a joint video regarding the safety and security of candidates for forthcoming elections which is available to view below. It highlights where you can access relevant security advice and guidance that may be helpful to you during an election period and beyond, and promotes three key security messages, “be alert, plan ahead, and know what to do”. At the end of the video, you will be able to click on a QR code to take you to more detailed advice and guidance from relevant websites.
As organisations implement sophisticated measures to protect their assets from external threats, the recruitment of insiders becomes a more attractive option for those attempting to gain access. Help prevent, manage and recover from insider events.
Online activity can expose us to risk. Discover how to protect yourself from social engineering and malicious approaches. Understand how to manage your digital footprint and protect against social media exploitation using the guidance provided.
The UK faces a serious and challenging threat from terrorism. Understand your risks and reduce your vulnerability. Learn how to detect hostile reconnaissance, protect pedestrian queues and mail-screen for suspect packages.
NPSA Personal Safety and Security Guidance
High-risk individuals may be exposed to threats to their personal safety and security. If you are a high-risk individual, this guidance aims to help you protect yourself and your family from a range of threats. It’s centred around three pillars: Be Alert; Plan Ahead; Know What to Do.
The earlier you can spot the signs of a potential threat arising, the more choices you have to avoid risk. Be alert in day-to-day situations following guidance provided on situational awareness and remaining vigilant online.
Avoid being predictable. Protect yourself and your family online, at home and on the move. Know how to get away from danger, including when you are travelling. Protect personal and sensitive information and respond to incidents.
If you are in immediate danger, concerned about threatening or abusive behaviour or suspicious activity: know what to do, who to call and what information to provide following the guidance available on this page.
