Summary: The National Audit Office (NAO) has published an update for the Committee of Public Accounts on the Government’s National Cyber Security Programme.
According to the report, progress has been made in getting businesses and consumers to take cyber security seriously. In addition, educational initiatives have started to address skills shortages and financial governance of the Programme appears strong.
The report also found that Government has made good progress in improving its understanding of the most sophisticated threats to national security.
The NAO said it expected the full £860m budget to be used by the expected 2016 date.
The report finds that the Government has made good progress in improving its understanding of the most sophisticated threats to national security. However, the level of understanding of threats to wider public services is varied.
The Programme’s overall objectives include tackling cyber crime and making the United Kingdom one of the most secure places in the world to do business.
Cyber threats, however, continue to evolve and the report suggests that government must increase the pace of change in some areas to meet its objectives.
The report states: “There is, however, some reluctance from many companies to share information about breaches, unless forced by regulators or legislation, because of the potential impact on their reputations.”
