DSIT announces plan to tackle cyberthreats as CSR Bill receives second reading

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has announced the launch of the Government Cyber Action Plan, which aims to enhance the security and resilience of online public services, including benefits, taxes, and healthcare. The plan is being implemented by a new Government Cyber Unit tasked with strengthening defences across government and the wider public sector. This initiative, supported by over £210 million in investment, underpins the government's broader efforts to digitise public services, making them more accessible and reducing bureaucracy, which it claims could generate £45 billion in productivity savings. 

The announcement coincides with the second reading of the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill (CSR Bill) in the House of Commons. 

In related news, the Open Rights Group (ORG) has published a blog article and a briefing paper on the CSR Bill, calling on MPs to implement a digital sovereignty strategy that reduces the UK's reliance on US technology companies, such as Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Palantir, for its digital infrastructure.

Meanwhile, an article in The Guardian, published over the festive period, examines how cybersecurity firms play a vital role in limiting the impact of cyberattacks in the first hours of a cyber incident.

Training Announcement: Find out more about our range of independent accredited data protection and AI governance qualifications from IAPP and BCS.