Royal Society report says cyber security should top government agenda

A report from the Royal Society asks for more sharing of threat and breach data, as well as increased support for global collaboration and research.

The trust of the public may be wavering in the digital economy’s continued success without a cyber security step change, and this would need to be supported by researchers, businesses and the government, according to the report.

This will need an enterprising innovation and research programme to design new security products and approaches, the report continued, in addition to developing clear Kitemarks and standards to assist users in selecting reliable digital services.

The ‘Progress and research in cyber security’ report is also asking for the cyber security oversight structures to be reviewed, as well as for more commitment from the government in maintaining the strength and promotion of encryption.

The Royal Society co-chair, John McCanny, said:

“Digital systems are increasingly integrated into our lives and digital industries in the UK grew 32% faster than the rest of our economy between 2010 and 2014. But with technology developing at a spectacular pace, the security that protects us and our data is at times struggling to keep up.”

McCanny added that it is important not to lose trust from the public regarding the systems we have to rely on, which, he said, means that companies need to spend more on cyber security.

The best investment a business can make in cyber security is on personnel. If more firms create cyber security jobs, both consumers and the businesses they buy from would create a much safer technological environment and, simply put, the public would maintain their trust within those businesses.