United Kingdom to strengthen cybersecurity nationally

Subject

The United Kingdom's new cybersecurity strategy.

Significance

The UK government on November 1 published its Cybersecurity Strategy for 2016-21. The new strategy doubles the previous investment in cyber to 1.9 billion pounds (2.4 billion dollars) during a time of government cutbacks, making it clear that the government regards cybersecurity as a priority.

Impacts

• Despite serious investment, the government will still face a challenge in recruiting those with the required cyber skills.
• Given the expertise in the private sector, public-private partnerships will continue to be vital for protecting UK networks.
• ‘Naming and shaming’ cyber aggressors may become more prevalent as states seek to deter further cyberattacks.
• Governments may also increasingly focus on developing offensive cyber tools that can be used to counter-strike.