Leaders in IT security are urging the new Labour government to prioritize enhancing the UK’s ability to defend against cyber attacks, especially those from nation-state-backed threat actors. This call comes as Westminster begins a new Strategic Defence Review commissioned by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, overseen by Defence Secretary John Healey, and led by former Nato secretary general Lord George Robertson.
The review aims to make the UK secure at home and strong abroad by focusing on strengthening homeland security, maintaining the country’s role in Nato, modernizing the nuclear deterrent, and adapting military services and equipment programmes to meet changing needs. Cyber attacks and misinformation are also being closely analyzed as part of the review.
While armed forces minister Luke Pollard hinted at a focus on cyber security measures during the review, industry experts like Jamie Moles from ExtraHop are calling for concrete plans rather than vague promises. Moles emphasized the urgency of implementing effective defenses to protect the nation’s critical infrastructure from cyber attacks.
Verona Johnstone-Hulse, UK head of government affairs at NCC Group, stressed the importance of maintaining the UK’s leadership in cyber security internationally and investing in national cyber defenses. She highlighted the ongoing threats in cyber warfare and the need for collaboration with allies to secure cyberspace.
The Strategic Defence Review follows the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development, and Foreign Policy released in March 2021. The Integrated Review was praised for its ambition to make cyber security a tool of national defense but also faced criticism for language suggesting the use of nuclear weapons against cyber threat actors.