The UK government has emphasised the importance of national cyber capabilities in its new Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy.
It makes recurring references to cyber security in the document, along with an indication of the priorities of a new cyber strategy to be published later this year.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson marked the publication of the report with a statement to Parliament in which he said the National Cyber Force will in future be located in a cyber corridor in the North West of England – although he did not provide further detail.
The review says one of the priorities for the cyber strategy will be to detect, disrupt and detect adversaries, including measures to tackle malicious activity in cyberspace and taking action online with purposes such as supporting military operations and countering terrorists or organised crime groups.
There will also be an emphasis on using new technologies in the effort, such as microprocessors, secure systems design, quantum tech and new forms of data transmission. This will be accompanied by growing the supporting industrial base and encouraging the adoption of emerging applications such as those in smart cities.
Other priorities for the strategy include: strengthening the UK’s cyber ecosystem through a coherent approach to skills, recruitment, research and innovation; supporting the digital transformation of the economy; and promoting a free, open, peaceful and secure cyberspace. The latter will involve working with other governments and industry.
Image from GOV.UK, Open Government Licence v3.0
