Government cyber security strategy beefs up

The Cabinet Office has submitted a written statement to parliament about the progress of the National Cyber Security Strategy, one year after its launch in November 2011.

The strategy is the government’s key programme for creating a safe business environment online.

In the submission, Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude highlighted future work on a new UK national computer emergency response team, further work on education and skills, cyber reservists for the Ministry of Defence, and a growth partnership with the private sector to boost the cyber security sector in the UK.

The insurance industry welcomed the announcements.

Aon UK managing director corporate Steve Redgwell said: “We welcome the recognition by the UK government that cyber crime is an increasing risk. As the government has stated, 93% of large corporations and 76% of small businesses had reported a cyber breach in the past year. An increasing dependence on technology exposes companies to attacks from cyber criminals and hackers, resulting in the theft of personal data, cyber extortion and cyber business interruption.

“We recommend that organisations review their data security policies to ensure that they are adequately covered for all technology risks including non-physical damage and computer network risks, therefore exposing cyber and data coverage.”