New government and what this means for cyber security

Sir Keir Starmer was recently appointed as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, which marks a significant shift in the nation’s political landscape. Starmer, a former human rights lawyer and senior public prosecutor, leads the Labour Party which now holds a substantial majority in the House of Commons. With at least 412 seats out of 650, Labour possesses the political clout to implement its vision for the country, as outlined in its manifesto. This vision includes critical issues such as healthcare reform, but what does it mean for cyber security, especially for businesses?

Cyber security: a depoliticised issue?

During the election campaign, notable cyber incidents affecting the health sector received little to no attention from Labour candidates. This includes ransomware attacks in Dumfries and Galloway and London. This silence extends to other major parties and reflects a broader trend in Westminster where cyber security is viewed as a technical issue rather than a political priority. Despite this, the new government will need to make critical decisions regarding cyber policy.

Key focus areas

Labour’s manifesto acknowledges the rising threats from hostile states and pledges to adapt counter-terrorism strategies to address state-based cyber threats. However, specifics remain unclear.

Labour committed to introducing an expanded fraud strategy to address a wide range of threats, including online fraud. This follows criticisms of the previous government’s approach to fraud, which has been described as needing substantial reform. Labour aims to work with technology companies to prevent fraudsters from exploiting their platforms, although enforcing such cooperation has proven challenging in the past.

One of the significant hurdles is the integration of provisions from the Online Safety Act, which seeks to balance regulatory effectiveness with attracting international investment. Labour’s approach will likely involve working closely with Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, to implement these provisions.

National Cyber Force and security

The operational capacity of the UK’s National Cyber Force remains classified for national security reasons. However, it is known that the unit is not yet fully staffed. The National Crime Agency (NCA) has also indicated that with more resources, it could significantly enhance its ability to disrupt cyber crime. Labour has an opportunity to reform and empower oversight committees like the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) to ensure more robust cyber security governance.

Another critical area of focus is the regulation of technology markets to incentivise the development of secure and resilient technology. This perspective aligns with the views of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and US cyber authorities. They advocate for vendors to produce secure-by-design products. Labour’s manifesto suggests a willingness to shape markets to serve public interest, which could translate into stricter regulations and higher standards for technology vendors.

How RedDoor helps your business

As the new government begins to shape its cyber policies, businesses must stay vigilant and proactive in their cyber security measures. RedDoor offers comprehensive cyber security services designed to protect businesses from the evolving threats landscape. Here’s how we can help:

• Threat detection and response: Our advanced threat detection systems can identify and respond to cyber threats in real-time, minimising potential damage.
• Compliance and risk management: We ensure your business complies with all relevant regulations and help manage cyber risks effectively.
• Employee training: We provide ongoing training to ensure your staff is aware of the latest cyber threats and best practices to prevent attacks.
• 24/7 monitoring: Our round-the-clock monitoring services ensure that your systems are always protected against cyber threats.

For any cyber security concerns, contact RedDoor. We will ensure your business is prepared to face the challenges of the digital age. Stay updated with the latest in cyber security by following us on LinkedIn.