NAO report: UK cyber security strategy: Public Accounts Committee comment
12 February 2013
Rt Hon Margaret Hodge MP, Chair of the Committee of Public Accounts, comments on report by the National Audit Office (NAO)
The Rt Hon Margaret Hodge MP, Chair of the Committee of Public Accounts, said:
"Safe and secure use of the internet is increasingly essential for UK businesses to flourish and for our society to function. The value of the UK’s internet-based economy stood at an estimated £121 billion in 2010, some 8 per cent of the UK’s GDP, which is a greater share than for any other G20 country.
"The use of the internet for commerce and communication is a force for good, but it also poses new and growing threats that government, businesses and individuals cannot ignore. With around 80 per cent of the internet in private hands, crossing international boundaries and spanning different jurisdictions, the government cannot approach internet security in isolation.
"Having a robust and well thought-through strategy is crucial if the government is to respond effectively to cyber threats.
"This report stresses that government must work hand-in-glove with people and businesses in order to build awareness, knowledge and skills. With this government committing £650 million additional funding to cyber security, my committee will want to ask how the action of the fifteen government organisations involved in delivering the strategy is being properly coordinated and what progress has been made."