The UK Government has designated data centres as critical national infrastructure (CNI), indicating that their operators can now expect greater support in anticipating and recovering from critical incidents.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle announced the move, which is the first designation of its kind since the space and defence sectors gained the same status in 2015.
The Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) said this will make data from sources including the NHS and personal smartphones safer from cyber attacks, environmental disasters and IT blackouts.
It will also put data centres on an equal footing to water, energy and emergency services systems.
CNI designation will, for example, involve the setting up of a dedicated CNI data infrastructure team of senior officials to monitor and anticipate potential threats, provide prioritised access to security agencies including the National Cyber Security Centre, and coordinate access to emergency services should an incident occur.
Intervention and contingencies
In the event of an attack on a data centre hosting critical NHS patients’ data, for example, the Government would intervene to ensure contingencies are in place to mitigate the risk of damage or to essential services, including on patients’ appointments or operations.
Kyle said: “Data centres are the engines of modern life, they power the digital economy and keep our most personal information safe.
“Bringing data centres into the critical national infrastructure regime will allow better coordination and cooperation with the Government against cyber criminals and unexpected events.”
DSIT also said the Government has welcomed a proposed £3.75 billion investment in Europe’s largest data centre, as plans have been submitted to Hertsmere Borough Council for construction in Hertfordshire by data company DC01UK. This is expected to directly create over 700 local jobs and support 13,740 data and tech jobs across the country.
“The huge £3.75 billion private investment announced today in Hertfordshire is a vote of confidence in those plans and a clear example of my determination to ensure technological advancements are helping to grow our economy and create wealth across the country,” Kyle said.
Boosting resilience
DSIT said that currently the UK is home to the highest number of data centres in Western Europe, and that boosting the resilience of the sector will help the country top the global leagues for data security.
The announcement has won the support of IT industry association techUK. Its director of markets and chief operating officer, Matthew Evans, said: "techUK welcomes the Government’s pivotal decision to designate the data centres sector as critical national infrastructure and the recognition of the critical role they play in the UK's modern economy.
"Data centres are fundamental to our digitising economy and are a key driver of growth. We look forward to collaborating closely with the Government and our stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of these new measures and their impact on the sector. Continued engagement and partnership will be key in advancing our shared objectives of a secure, resilient, and thriving digital economy."
