About Digital Britain Forum / Cyber Security in the UK

Cyber Security in the UK

Millions of people in the UK are relying on cyberspace to access information or services, connect with other people on social networking sites and shop online. Cyberspace, however, also encompasses digital activities that are of vital importance for the nation as a whole such as the government work and business activities. As the dependence on cyberspace is growing, cyber security is getting even more important for both individuals and organisations.

National Cyber Security Strategy

In order to increase cyber security, the UK Government has developed the National Cyber Security Strategy which focuses on all aspects of digital activities and above all on:

An Outline of Government’s Strategy to Improve Cyber Security

The National Cyber Security Strategy has four major objectives:

1.Transforming the UK into one of the world’s most secure countries for digital activities

The Government will continue to form partnerships with the private sector to make cyberspace more secure and minimise damage by cyber attacks. Specific approach to cooperation with the private sector was outlined in the Cyber Security Guidance for Business, a booklet that was released in September 2012.

The UK Government also plans to expand the existing Centre for the Protection of the National Infrastructure and produce a guidance with advise on cyber security for small and medium enterprises and of course, increase efforts to tackle cyber crime. Amongst other, the Government will also launch the National Cyber Crime Unit which will be a part of the National Crime Agency and encourage closer cooperation with the international law enforcement agencies.

2.Increase the UK’s resilience to cyber attack

In addition to expanding measures to tackle cyber crime, the UK Government also strives to increase the country’s resilience to cyber attack. This will be achieved through the Computer Emergency Response Team which will be established in partnership with the industry, permanent information sharing with the industry and expansion of the Cyber Incident Response, a pilot that was launched in November 2012.

3.Ensuring secure and stable cyberspace

This will be achieved in close cooperation with both national and international organisations including the EU and NATO as well as through closer cooperation with the international law enforcement agencies.

4.Increasing the UK’s knowledge and skills on cyber security

In order to achieve this objective, the UK Government is intervening education system to help students develop the key skills at an early age and ensure enough specialists in cyber security profession as well as to ensure that graduate engineers receive adequate training.