The Commons Public Accounts Committee’s highlights a skills shortage and "chaotic" handling of personal data breaches that are undermining confidence in the government's ability to protect the UK from cyber-attacks.
Responding, Prof Will Stewart, Vice President of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), said: “Cyber security is critical to the UK’s security and economy. Upskilling the existing workforce to understand and deal with cyber security threats and develop robust strategies is an absolute priority – and something Government, industry and academia need to come together to address.
“Any organisation is at risk of being hacked, however good their security measures. But while most have plans for how to cope with a hacking incident, very few CEOs have seen or understand the plan. Similarly, organisations typically invest millions in cyber security measures and protection, but frequently only train one or two members of staff. Having the plans is not enough – it’s far more important that people at all levels of an organisation, including its leadership, can implement them effectively.
“Setting up a Government department with responsibility for cyber security and related issues would be the most effective way of driving forward legislation and governance that can improve awareness of this important subject among businesses and the general public.”
