21.03.16
New National Cyber Security Centre to help safeguard against hacking attacks
Cyber security in the UK will receive a boost from a new agency, named today as the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
The NCSC will open in October with Ciaran Martin, currently director general cyber at GCHQ leading it, while Dr Ian Levy will move from being technical director of cyber security at GCHQ to technical director at the NCSC.
The agency will work with the public and private sectors to help safeguard the people and infrastructure of the UK from cyber-attacks from states, terrorist groups, hacking groups and organised crime. One of their first tasks will be providing financial security advice to the Bank of England.
Matthew Hancock, minister for the cabinet office and paymaster general, said: “In establishing the National Cyber Security Centre we are creating a body devoted to cyber security and this will transform the UK’s approach to an issue that affects us all.
“This important work with the Bank of England is paramount to ensuring that businesses of all shapes and sizes understand the threats and what they can do to mitigate them.
“We’ll do this by informing the entire business community and public sector about emerging threats, providing support when attacks happen and educating everyone on how best to stay safe online.”
Ciaran Martin said: “I’m very pleased to have the privilege of leading a world class team to get ahead of one of the most important threats of our time.”
The Cabinet Office also promised genuine and sustainable dialogue with the private sector, following a recent Public Accounts Committee report warning that the Major Projects Authority is failing to deliver ambitious new projects such as digital delivery of the Common Agricultural Policy.
In 2014 the Cabinet Office launched a Computer Emergency Response Team to tackle national cyber security incidents, and new requirements for government suppliers to comply with cyber security assurances.
Socitm, the professional association for IT and digital professionals working in local public services, said last year that more of the government’s investment in digital transformation should be directed towards local councils.