Cyber Security must improve across UK economy
The British government wants to improve cyber security across the UK economy.
The government recognises that cyber security is an absolute necessity. It is concerned, however, by recent research showing that less than a fifth of company Boards understand the impact associated with cyber threat. This means that more than 80% of companies are not prioritising taking action on cyber security.
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office The Rt Hon Oliver Dowden CBE MP launched the third annual review of the NCSC (National Cyber Security Centre) on 23rd October 2019. In his speech, he explained the problem, and said “the arms race between criminals and IT security is never-ending. The government cannot compete on its own and have any hope of a win.
Closer links needed between government and industry
We really do need to build even closer relationships with industry and society in this country and internationally, so that together we create those robust defences – combining the best ideas with the most effective enforcement tactics.
And this is the motivation for the current DCMS (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport) review of regulations and incentives around cyber security: to make very sure that when the Government intervenes, it does so in a way that actively helps organisations overcome barriers by protecting themselves online, and makes good cyber security a market norm”.
Review launched
The Review mentioned above is looking at how Government can help organisations protect themselves online and aims to:
- understand the barriers which prevent organisations from improving their cyber security;
- understand the effectiveness of existing regulations and guidance including GDPR and NIS; and
- develop a range of policy proposals to address any gaps.
Digital Minister Matt Warman said “We welcome input from all types of organisations 
in all sectors, especially organisations that influence and set market expectations, such as membership bodies, consultancies, auditors, insurers, investors, corporate and risk governance bodies, regulators and professional associations”.
Have your say
The call for evidence is open until Friday 20 December 2019 and you can respond here.
Meanwhile, if you’d like to chat about cyber security for your own business, have a look at what datamills has to offer, or call us on 0114 287 0510 to book a free review.