The UK Government has brought out an interim ‘National Cyber Science and Technology Strategy‘ document, covering such trends as automation, machine-learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Cities; and connected cars and medical devices.
As the 20-page document sets out, the UK needs to stay ahead of the risks posed by cyber attacks; and create cyber security products and services. The year-old National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) will be the ‘single authoritative voice for cyber security science and technology’ and thus responsible for identifying significant science and technology developments with implications for the UK’s cyber security. The NCSC will publish regular advice on emerging technologies; and work with industry and academia. For the document in full visit the gov.uk website.
On protection from cyber-crime, the document says: “We must ensure the public and all organisations, large and small, can protect themselves against the cyber threats from emerging technologies. IoT devices are recognised as introducing vulnerabilities to the economy that the public could help address while protecting their own devices from abuse.”
Comments
Raj Samani, Chief Scientist and Fellow at the IT security product company McAfee said: “In both the Autumn Budget and the newly announced Industrial Strategy, the Government outlined its mission to invest in the development and adoption of emerging technologies to bring British industry to the fore of these new markets and support productivity growth across various sectors. The new Interim National Cyber Science and Technology Strategy recognises that, alongside such commitments to innovation, building and supporting a strong cybersecurity sector will be crucial to supporting both security and economic growth. Because while emerging technologies present significant opportunity, when the development, roll-out and management is not secure by design, the risks can quickly outweigh the benefits.”
And Chris Campbell, Solution Architect at Veracode said: “With over two-thirds of medium and large British firms having identified a cybersecurity breach or attack over the past 12 months, it is important that alongside the Government’s commitments to invest in the development and roll-out of new emerging technologies that due consideration is given to the added cybersecurity risk of an increasingly software-driven economy. Ensuring that the UK has both the scientific and technological capability and forward thought on policy needed to stay ahead of the cybersecurity threats to government, national infrastructure and businesses will be key to achieving Digital Minister Matt Hancock’s vision for the UK to be the safest place do business online.”
