The UK's dependence on the internet is putting more than
half of its economy at risk, says the government.
In its first
national security strategy, released today, the government said
a large part of the UK economy was becoming increasingly reliant on
global communication systems.
"It becomes even more important to manage the risk of disruption
through
cyberattack, whether terrorist, criminal or state-led," the
document said. "The internetis also a part of our critical national
infrastructure. It is both a target and opportunity for hostile
states, terrorists and criminals."
The strategy warned of the internet being used by spies,
terrorists and "transnational organised criminals", adding,
"Organised crime groups are becoming more organised and
professional and increasingly operate a portfolio approach,
switching focus to wherever risk is lowest and profit highest."
Spies increasingly combined intelligence methods with new and
sophisticated technological attacks, using the internet to try to
penetrate computer networks, the strategy warned.
"We cannot rule out a possible re-emergence of a major state-led
threat to the UKthrough forms of threat which render distance
irrelevant, for example, state-sponsored cyberattack."
The government said it was alert to new threats, including
cybercrime. Its strategy was to build up strong national defences
and foster bilateral defence and security relationships with its
allies.
"The security and intelligence agencies will continue to protect
the UK against covert activity by foreign intelligence
organisations aimed at political, economic and security targets,
including cyberattack," it said.
UK IT supplier trade body
Intellect called on the
government to put resources into implementing the report's
recommendations.
"We believe this is a sound strategy which will potentially help
shape a cohesive response to the security threats facing the UK,"
said Joel Grundy, Intellect's defence and security manager.
"However, the strategy on its own is not enough. The government now
has to focus on effective implementation or risk it becoming
another well-meaning report that ends up sitting on a shelf."
Grundy urged the government to leverage local experience,
innovation and skills in response to the challenges highlighted in
the report.
"The strategy correctly identifies cyberwarfare and the need for
greater transparency and information-sharing as key areas," he
added. "We believe the UK needs to be prepared for these types of
emerging threat, and the knowledge and expertise of its people is
the key to developing effective security."