British Spies Trust Amazon With Their Secrets

The British three spy agencies, GCHQ, MI5 and MI6, have awarded a contract to Amazon Web Services (AWS) to host classified material.  MI5 and MI6 will also use the AWS system to store secret data with the aim is to increase the use of data analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for espionage.

The deal, estimated to be worth £500 million to £1 billion over the next decade, was signed earlier this year and the cloud storage system will make it easier for spies to share information from abroad and improve the use of voice recognition and other technologies.

GCHQ had supported the procurement of a high-security cloud system, which would be used by its sister services, MI5 and MI6. Other government departments, including the Ministry of Defence, will also use the system during joint operations. 

GCHQ has been using basic forms of AI, such as translation technology, for years but is stepping up its use, partly in response to the use of AI by hostile states and partly due to the data explosion that makes it effective. In February, British spies at GCHQ said they had fully embraced artificial intelligence (AI) to uncover patterns in global data to counter hostile disinformation and catch child abusers.

The contract with Amazon is likely to ignite concerns over sovereignty because the Britian’s most secret data will be hosted by a single US technology company although GCHQ has declined comment on reports about its relationships with suppliers.

Gus Hosein, the executive director of Privacy International, told the Financial T there were many things parliament, regulators and the public needed to know about the deal. “This is yet another worrying public-private partnership, agreed in secret,” he said. “If this contract goes through, Amazon will be positioned as the go-to cloud provider for the world’s intelligence agencies. Amazon has to answer for itself which countries’ security services it would be prepared to work for.”

Financial Times:      Guardian:       Telegraph:    Times:    Newsbreak:    PressReader:      Bharat Express

You Might Also Read:

The Risks &  Benefits Of Cloud Security:

 

« GCHQ Boss Says Ransomware Attacks Have Doubled In A Year
Cambridge University Rejects £400m Over Pegasus Hacking »

CyberSecurity Jobsite
Perimeter 81

Directory of Suppliers

IT Governance

IT Governance

IT Governance is a leading global provider of information security solutions. Download our free guide and find out how ISO 27001 can help protect your organisation's information.

Cyber Security Supplier Directory

Cyber Security Supplier Directory

Our Supplier Directory lists 6,000+ specialist cyber security service providers in 128 countries worldwide. IS YOUR ORGANISATION LISTED?

The PC Support Group

The PC Support Group

A partnership with The PC Support Group delivers improved productivity, reduced costs and protects your business through exceptional IT, telecoms and cybersecurity services.

ON-DEMAND WEBINAR: What Is A Next-Generation Firewall (and why does it matter)?

ON-DEMAND WEBINAR: What Is A Next-Generation Firewall (and why does it matter)?

Watch this webinar to hear security experts from Amazon Web Services (AWS) and SANS break down the myths and realities of what an NGFW is, how to use one, and what it can do for your security posture.

CYRIN

CYRIN

CYRIN® Cyber Range. Real Tools, Real Attacks, Real Scenarios. See why leading educational institutions and companies in the U.S. have begun to adopt the CYRIN® system.

Brookings Institution

Brookings Institution

The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization. Cyber security is covered within the various study areas.

Netteam

Netteam

Netteam designs, implements and services networking solutions for companies of all sizes.

Monster Jobs

Monster Jobs

Monster is a global leader in connecting people to jobs, wherever they are. Monster covers all job sectors including cybersecurity in locations around the world.

Cyemptive Technologies

Cyemptive Technologies

Cyemptive's CyberSlice technology preempts and remove threats before they take hold, in seconds, compared to other’s hours, days, weeks and even months.

Informatics International

Informatics International

Informatics is a leading ICT provider in Sri Lanka, providing cutting-edge software & infrastructure solutions and services including cyber security.

The ATOM Group

The ATOM Group

ATOM builds and secures technology for regulated industries. We design and build for a future we can all trust.

Skudo

Skudo

Skudo is dedicated to creating innovative best-in-class solutions that protect data exchange with the highest level of security and privacy.

MyCena

MyCena

MyCena has developed a complete system of security, control and management for decentralised credentials.

Seccuri

Seccuri

Seccuri is a unique global cybersecurity talent tech platform. Use our specialized AI algorithm to grow and improve the cybersecurity workforce.

Sify Technologies

Sify Technologies

Sify is the largest ICT service provider, systems integrator, and all-in-one network solutions company on the Indian subcontinent.

Cyber1

Cyber1

CYBER1 is a leader in cyber security advisory and solutions. We are uniquely placed to help customers achieve cyber resilience and thus, safeguard reputation and value.

Davinsi Labs

Davinsi Labs

Davinsi Labs helps companies achieve Digital Service Excellence with specialized Security Intelligence and Service Intelligence solutions.

Systal Technology Solutions

Systal Technology Solutions

Systal is a global managed network and security service and transformation specialist. We help enterprise-level businesses maximise the security and business value of their complex IT infrastructure.

Gogolook

Gogolook

Gogolook is a leading TrustTech company. With "Build for Trust" as its core value, it aims to create an AI- and data-driven global anti-fraud network as well as Risk Management as a Service.

MergeBase

MergeBase

Reduce software supply chain risk with MergeBase proven Software Composition Analysis (SCA).

GlassHouse Technology

GlassHouse Technology

GlassHouse supports customers in their digitalization journey with our deep technical expertise in Managed Cloud and Security Services, SAP Infrastructure Service and Business Continuity Services.