Strengthening Britain's Cyber Defences

Uploaded on 2024-12-12 in TECHNOLOGY--Resilience, GOVERNMENT-National, FREE TO VIEW

In light of Richard Horne's recent speech as the new head of GCHQ’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), it is imperative to reflect on the current state of the UK's cyber security landscape. Horne's assertion that Britain's cyber risk is "widely underestimated" has deeply resonated within the industry.

We must give credit where it's due - the NCSC has been tireless in its efforts to protect our digital infrastructure, and their work is commendable.

But this brings us to a critical question: are our current regulations and proactive measures enough to tackle the sophisticated threats we're facing today?

Under Horne's leadership, the NCSC has made remarkable progress. The centre has been pivotal in boosting the UK's cyber resilience, offering essential support during incidents, and promoting cyber awareness across various sectors. Their efforts in identifying and mitigating threats have significantly enhanced the safety of our digital environment. However, according to the UK Governments latest Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2024, 50% of businesses and 32% of charities in the UK experienced a cyber security breach or attack in the past year.

Cyberattacks have cost British businesses up to £44 billion in lost revenue over the past five years! In 2024 alone, the average cost of a cyber security breach for businesses was shockingly up to up to £11,000.

The advanced foreign threats we face today, particularly from state-backed actors, necessitate a more robust regulatory framework. Governments must enforce stringent regulations to ensure that all sectors, especially those critical to national security, adhere to the highest standards of cyber security. This includes mandatory compliance checks, regular audits, and severe penalties for non-compliance.

Is Enough Being Done?

When it comes to healthcare and other vital industries, it’s time for the NCSC to be granted a greater remit to oversee and enforce cyber security measures. The healthcare sector in particular holds sensitive data that, if compromised, could have dire devastating consequences. Expanding the NCSC's authority to mandate and monitor cyber security protocols within these sectors is a step in the right direction. According to the Network and Information Systems Regulations 2018, healthcare services are considered essential services, and non-compliance can result in penalties up to £17 million.

Strengthening our security frameworks is another critical area that demands urgent attention. This involves not only adopting the latest technologies, but also ensuring that our cyber security strategies are adaptive and resilient. Collaboration between the public and private sectors is vital in this regard. Sharing intelligence, best practices, and resources can significantly enhance our collective defence against cyber threats.

One of the most pressing concerns is the lack of security within our energy grid. The vulnerabilities within this sector are alarming and could lead to catastrophic outcomes if exploited. The recent announcement by the UK cabinet regarding Russia's intentions to use AI to enhance cyber-attacks against the UK underscores the urgency of this issue. It is imperative that we invest in securing our energy infrastructure to prevent any potential disruptions.

Similarly, the state of home smart meters and their vulnerabilities cannot be ignored. These devices, while convenient, present a significant security risk if not properly secured. Manufacturers must be held accountable to ensure that their products meet stringent security standards before they reach consumers.

Additionally, public awareness campaigns can help educate users on how to protect their devices from potential threats.

Proactive measures by the government are crucial in stopping cyber-attacks before they occur. This includes investing in advanced threat detection systems, conducting regular cyber drills, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in cyber security practices. Governments must also work closely with international partners to address the global nature of cyber threats.

Post Quantum Cryptography Algorithms

The advent of quantum computing presents a new frontier of challenges. Post-quantum cryptography algorithms are no longer a theoretical necessity but a practical one. The development and implementation of these algorithms should be a top priority to safeguard our data against future quantum threats.

To increase our resilience and protect our data against threats from quantum algorithms, these post-quantum cryptography algorithms should be integrated across our entire digital infrastructure. This includes updating cryptographic libraries, ensuring compatibility with existing systems, and conducting thorough testing to validate their effectiveness. By adopting these advanced algorithms, we can fortify our defences and stay ahead of potential quantum computing threats.

Increased Remit, Increase Budget

So, whilst the NCSC has made commendable progress, there is still much work to be done. Strengthening regulatory frameworks, expanding the NCSC's remit, securing critical infrastructure, and preparing for quantum threats are all essential steps in fortifying our cyber defences. The UK government must take a proactive stance, ensuring that we are not only reacting to threats but anticipating and mitigating them before they materialise. By doing so, we can create a safer digital environment for all.

As well as a need for increased remit, the current situation requires an NCSC with much greater funding. The cost of increasing this funding is certainly much more palatable in the offset of reducing the cost of cyberattacks in the UK, with the potential to save British businesses up to £44 billion in the next five years.

Rahul Tyagi is CEO of SECQAI

Image: peterschreiber.media

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