As part of the National Cyber Security Strategy, the UK Government has announced plans to expand partnerships with the private sector over the next year.
Two years since the launch of the strategy two years ago, the key plans of a new national cyber security ‘hub’ that will allow the government and businesses to exchange information on threats and responses; the formation of the National Crime Agency and strengthening of the Centre for Protection of the National Infrastructure (CPNI) has come to fruition.
Mark Brown, director of information security at Ernst & Young, praised the work done, saying it feels like the UK is getting to grips with cyber security, and finally moving towards a pro-active stance on this growing international threat.
“Specifically, this standard will tackle the threats occurring in the supply chain where the benefits realised by companies in raising their internal bar on cyber security postures are being undermined by failures throughout their supply chain, and will therefore provide a mechanism for businesses to ensure they address delivery risks throughout their extended enterprise,” he said
Richard Archdeacon, head of security strategy at HP Enterprise Security Services, said: “It should however be noted that whilst the introduction of an industry-led organisational Standard for Cyber Security is laudable, businesses should only regard this as the bare minimum. Furthermore, as these measures are well documented and indeed known by our adversaries, companies need to go above and beyond in order to truly secure their critical data.”
Brown agreed, saying that the ideal solution would be for Government to be offering UK plc tangible incentives to put in place standards on cyber security. “Only then, will the UK truly become one of the safest places to do business in the world.”
Ilias Chantzos, senior director of Government relations for EMEA at Symantec, said: “Today’s commitment to a government-led awareness campaign, supported by industry, across the general public and small businesses is an important investment. Further education is vital in highlighting the profound impact cyber threats have on businesses, individuals and the wider UK economy.
“No one person, body or organisation can address this challenge alone; public-private partnerships continue to play a crucial role. Symantec supports the close collaboration between government and industry in ensuring cyber security remains a top priority.”
Ross Brewer, vice president and managing director of international markets at LogRhythm, said: “This is a positive step for the government and clearly shows how big a priority cyber security is becoming. This new strategy, which includes an open online course in cyber security, funding for the Cyber Security Challenge and a series of guiding principles, will undoubtedly better prepare UK businesses and raise awareness of cyber crime, which is key when faced with today’s sophisticated threats. By building skill sets and tightening standards, it will hopefully stimulate the much needed adoption of even basic threat detection steps.”
