UK to strengthen national cyber-defence grid

Chancellor Phillip Hammond has announced a £1.9 billion government cybersecurity strategy whereby automatic defences will be implemented to stop hackers hijacking websites or spoofing official domains.

The scheme will be formally launched as the National Cyber Security Strategy and will also expand other defences that intercept booby-trapped emails or shut down thieves impersonating bank websites.

The plans outlined: how the UK will use automated defences to safeguard citizens and businesses against growing cyber threats; will support the UK’s growing cyber security industry; develop a world-class cyber workforce; and deter cyber-attacks from criminals and hostile actors.

Hammond said: "Britain is already an acknowledged global leader in cyber security thanks to our investment of over £860 million in the last Parliament, but we must now keep up with the scale and pace of the threats we face. Our new strategy, underpinned by £1.9 billion of support over 5 years and excellent partnerships with industry and academia, will allow us to take even greater steps to defend ourselves in cyberspace and to strike back when we are attacked."

Ben Gummer, Minister for the Cabinet Office & Paymaster General, said: "No longer the stuff of spy thrillers and action movies, cyber-attacks are a reality and they are happening now. Our adversaries are varied - organised criminal groups, ‘hactivists’, untrained teenagers and foreign states.

"The first duty of the government is to keep the nation safe. Any modern state cannot remain secure and prosperous without securing itself in cyberspace. That is why we are taking the decisive action needed to protect our country, our economy and our citizens."

The £1.9 billion to pay for the national strategy was allocated last year and will fund the programme until the end of 2020.