The UK government has announced the introduction of two codes of practice today, with the aim of strengthening cyber security in AI models and software. These measures are intended to establish a global standard for protecting these technologies against hacking and sabotage. With the cyber security sector reporting a record 13% growth in the last year, now valued at nearly £12 billion, these new measures are expected to enhance the security and growth prospects of the UK economy.
In his address at CYBERUK, Technology Minister Saqib Bhatti unveiled the new codes of practice, stressing the importance of creating a secure environment for the digital economy to thrive. These measures are designed to facilitate business innovation, improve efficiencies, and drive economic growth across the nation by instilling confidence in the use of AI models in various industries.
Minister Bhatti reiterated the UK government’s commitment to fostering a safe and sustainable digital economy, highlighting the robust growth in the cyber security industry. Moreover, a new report indicated an increase in the number of cyber security firms in the UK, positioning the country as a global leader in cyber security.
The new codes of practice will aid developers in building software in a secure manner, with the aim of preventing cyber-attacks such as the 2023 breach on the MoveIT software, which compromised sensitive data in thousands of organizations worldwide.
Felicity Oswald, CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), emphasized the importance of integrating cyber security into the development of digital systems, stressing that the new codes of practice will support the growing cyber security industry in developing resilient AI models and software.
Additionally, the UK government is taking steps to strengthen the cyber workforce and ensure the nation has the necessary skills to protect against online threats. These initiatives include incorporating cyber roles into government recruitment and HR policies, as well as launching a national cyber skills competition for 18–25-year-olds to inspire young people to pursue cyber careers.
In addition to the new codes of practice, the UK government also unveiled the Capability Hardware Enhanced RISC Instructions (CHERI) report, featuring a new microprocessor technology known as the “magic chip.” This chip integrates advanced memory protections to prevent up to 70% of current cyber-attacks, representing a significant advancement in cyber security technology.
The government’s dedication to enhancing cyber security is evident in its £2.6 billion National Cyber Strategy, which aims to protect and promote the UK online. As part of this strategy, the government is launching consultations on scaling up the impact of the CyberFirst scheme, which has already improved the tech skills of 260,000 students across 2,500 schools.
In conclusion, these new initiatives and measures highlight the UK government’s commitment to establishing a secure and resilient digital economy, while also positioning the country at the forefront of global cyber security leadership.