Osborne steps up cyber security investment amid hacking spree

With cyber crimes occurring thick and fast, the UK has decided to doubleits investment in cyber security as part of a five-year plan.

The news comes at a time when terrorist groups like ISIS are increasing their ability to carry out cyber attacks.

George Osborne, Chancellor, spoke from GCHQ recently when he said:

“The threats to our country in cyberspace come from a range of places – from individual hackers, criminal gangs, terrorist groups and hostile powers

“To all of them I have a clear message – we will defend ourselves. But we will also take the fight to you too.”

The move comes after telecoms company TalkTalk was breached in what was a series of cyber crimes in various industries. Earlier this  year, dating website Ashley Madison was forced to suspend its IPO after cyber criminals leaked its data online.

Cyber attacks can be very complex, which makes it difficult for businesses to react. Even with the Sony attack, the criminals have yet to be uncovered, despite suspicion of various parties’ involvement, ranging from ex-employees to North Korea. For most firms, however, threats typically come from criminals as opposed to terrorist organisations or nation states.

Dealing with criminals may not be as threatening as dealing with nations, but businesses wouldn’t be wise to underestimate them. There are trained professionals looking for cyber security jobs that could really make a difference to the protection of the average business’ data and information security.