Cyber Security
BIS Cyber Security Team aims to enable growth of the UK cyber security sector and to embed good information security practice across the UK business community. We also help to ensure the key sectors and services which are important to the UK’s society, economy and general way of life are resilient to cyber threats.
The National Cyber Security Programme sets out a clear role for BIS to lead private sector engagement, raise business awareness of cyber security and to realise the significant potential for growth of the UK cyber security sector.
Cyberspace is an important enabler for economic growth through more efficient and effective business processes in traditional sectors but also by creating a platform for new businesses to emerge. The introduction of cloud computing, smart-grids and the growth of mobile working each show that the pace of change will not let up; cyberspace will become increasingly valuable and important to the UK.
To realise that growth potential, companies need to ensure their information and that of their customers is adequately protected.
Business is the largest economic victim of threats in cyberspace. Estimates are still developing but the annual impact to the UK economy is suggested to be in the order of £27bn. This includes actual losses from direct fraud or theft, as well as estimates on missed opportunities (not winning contracts, losing out on price negotiations, or lower returns on R&D investment).
Only by working in partnership with the private sector will Government be able to gain a better understanding of cyber threats and ensure our economy and security are protected.
The Cyber Security team is responsible for taking forward the actions for BIS in the Government programme on cyber security.
- The UK to be one of the most secure places in the world to do business in cyberspace;
- The UK to be more resilient to cyber attacks and better able to protect our interests in cyberspace;
- The UK to have helped shape an open and stable cyberspace; and
- The UK to have the cross-cutting knowledge, skills and capability it needs to underpin all our cyber security objectives
In particular, the team will enable the UK cyber security industry to thrive and expand, supporting them in accessing overseas markets; develop a better understanding of the cyber security sector and barriers to growth; encourage the development and use of more secure technologies; support the application of research, working with Government Office Science and others to build innovative cyber security solutions; and conduct research and planning on how to significantly improve education, including higher education and post graduate level.
Contact: cybersecurity@bis.gsi.gov.uk
