CybersecurityU.K. unveils new cyber defense strategy

The U.K. government last week published its new Cyber Security Strategy. The government says the new strategy sets out “how the United Kingdom will support economic prosperity, protect national security, and safeguard the public’s way of life by building a more trusted and resilient digital environment.”

The government said that new policy heralds a new era of cooperation between the government and the private sector on cyber security, thus making the United Kingdom a secure place to do business.

Around 6 percent of the U.K. GDP is generated by the Internet and is set to grow — making it a larger sector than either utilities or agriculture — with the Internet boom predicted to create 365,000 jobs over the next five years.

One purpose of the new policy is to create new opportunities for businesses and help build a thriving cyber security industry. The U.K. increasing dependence on digital technologies, however, has given rise to new risks. For example, there are more than 20,000 malicious e-mails on government networks each month, 1,000 of which are deliberately targeted.

The government has already ranked cyber security as a tier 1 national security priority and committed £650 million over the next four years to bolster its cyber defenses.

The United Kingdom earlier this month hosted the London Conference on Cyberspace to drive forward international dialogue on building a secure digital world.

Prime Minister David Cameron said:

While the internet is undoubtedly a force for social and political good, as well as crucial to the growth of our economy, we need to protect against the threats to our security. This strategy not only deals with the threat from terrorists to our national security, but also with the criminals who threaten our prosperity as well as blight the lives of many ordinary people through cyber crime.
Cyber security is a top priority for government and we will continue to work closely with the police, security services, international partners and the private sector to ensure that the UK remains one of the most secure places in the world to do business

Minister for Cyber Security Francis Maude said:

The growth of the Internet has revolutionized our everyday lives and promises untold economic and social opportunities in years to come. This strategy sets out how we will realize the full benefits of a networked world by building a more trusted and resilient digital environment, from protecting the public from online fraud to securing critical infrastructure against cyber attacks.
The Government cannot do this alone. Closer partnership between the public and private sector is crucial. The strategy heralds a new era of unprecedented cooperation between the Government and industry on cyber security, working hand in hand to make the UK one of the most secure places in the world to do business.

Minister for Cyber Crime James Brokenshire said:

We want to ensure that everyone can make the most of the internet and online services while protecting themselves from crime. The new National Crime Agency will share knowledge and expertise across law enforcement agencies, building on the pioneering work done by the Metropolitan Police and SOCA.
We are also reaching out to industry and the public to get involved.  We all have a role to play in keeping ourselves and our families safe while enjoying the huge opportunities and benefits of surfing the web.

Minister for Business & Enterprise Mark Prisk said:

With one of the largest online economies in the world, valued at £100 billion a year, cyberspace is vital for the U.K.’s economic prosperity.
However as well as bringing opportunities for businesses and their customers, cyberspace also brings threats.

That’s why it’s important that we help all companies, from big multi-nationals to our small businesses take some simple, practical measures to protect themselves and their customers online.