The UK government and a group of British defense and security companies announced a new partnership on Friday that they say will bolster cyber security in the UK.
Called the Defence Cyber Protection Partnership (DCPP), the initiative will address emerging cyber threats to the UK by “increasing awareness of cyber risks, sharing threat intelligence, and defining risk-driven approaches to applying cyber security standards.”
Under the partnership, nine private sector firms will join the Ministry of Defence, the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure and Government Communications Headquarters, including BAE Systems, BT, Cassidian, CGI, Hewlett Packard, Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce, Selex ES and Thales UK.
According to the announcement, organizations within the DCPP will also share threat intelligence and expertise on tackling cyber threats from the defense sector with other industry sectors and government through the national Cyber Security Information Sharing Partnership, which was announced in March and aims to address sharing basic threat intelligence.
“This is a clear demonstration that government and industry can work together – sharing information, experience and expertise – to make sure we do everything we can to protect these critical networks, ensuring that the business of Defence is robustly protected,” said Philip Dunne, Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology.
“This is an issue which demands a concerted and coordinated approach between Government and Industry and the DCPP is a critical component of this,” added Vic Leverett, DCPP Chair.
In 2010, the UK Government labeled cyber attacks as one of the top four threats to national security alongside international terrorism.
In November 2011 the UK published its Cyber Security Strategy, which set out how the UK will support economic prosperity, protect national security and safeguard the public’s way of life by building a more trusted and resilient digital environment.
The DCPP will support CISP by focusing on highly sophisticated targeted attacks and will add risk driven standards and supply chain awareness, the announcement said.
Related: What the Debates on Information Sharing Seem to be Missing
Related: Threat Information Sharing – Fighting Fire with Fire
Related: Combating Emerging Threats Through Security Collaboration
