The 2022 National Cyber Strategy

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, UK businesses shifted their operations online. From remote working to online orders and contactless deliveries, businesses across the UK experienced three years of innovation in three months.

But these success stories have coincided with a dramatic increase in the cyber threats businesses face. In 2021, 40% of UK businesses reported experiencing a cyber breach or attack, whilst GCHQ has warned of increasing ransomware attacks and the devastating impact on UK businesses.

As cyber threats and risks increase exponentially, there are two types of businesses:  those who are aware of the threats they face and those who are not.

The questions are: which category does your business fit into? And what are you doing about it?

What you need to know about the 2022 National Cyber Strategy

UK businesses are not alone in their journey to improve their cyber resilience. The government aims to strengthen cyber security throughout the UK economy and society – as set out in its new National Cyber Strategy.

This latest strategy examines the UK’s cyber ecosystem from a broader perspective. It highlights the significance of cyber resilience to national security and business prosperity, plans to strengthen the cyber skills pipeline, and allocates roles and responsibilities to a diverse range of stakeholders across government, the economy, and society.

The 2022 Strategy sets out five goals:

• Strengthening the UK cyber ecosystem: investing in the UK’s people and skills and deepening the partnership between government, academia, and industry.
  
  
• Building a resilient and prosperous digital UK: reducing cyber risks so businesses can maximise the economic benefits of digital technology and citizens are more secure.
  
  
• Taking the lead in technology vital to cyber power: building our industrial capability and developing frameworks to secure future technology.
  
  
• Advancing UK global leadership and influence: for a more secure, prosperous, and open international order; working with government and industry partners, and sharing the expertise that underpins the UK cyber power.
  
  
• Detecting, disrupting, and deterring our adversaries to enhance UK security in and through cyberspace: making more integrated, creative, and routine use of the UK’s full spectrum of levers.

Most significantly, businesses have the responsibility to effectively manage their cyber risks and better support clients and employees using their services. This increased responsibility requires businesses to improve their understanding of cyber risk, commit to proactively managing it, and implement a plan for cyber incidents.

How can the CBI support members like you?

This year, the CBI will support members in three key areas:

• Influencing UK policy to enhance and strengthen the cyber security ecosystem:
  • Work in collaboration with the government to bring business insight and support to deliver the National Cyber Strategy 2022.
    
    
• Supporting businesses in developing their cyber security knowledge and expertise:
  • Raise business awareness of cyber security, highlight tools and resources available, hold events and provide case studies on cyber transformations.
    
    
• Helping businesses to move from awareness to action in cyber security:
  • Use the CBI’s convening power to establish new business networks across the economy to create an open dialogue about cyber security and share best practice amongst business leaders.

What’s next?

As our cyber security work evolves, the CBI wants to keep in touch with your business to shape policy and business transformation alike.

Get in touch with Charlie Markham to discuss cyber security.

If you are interested in cyber security or want to know more:

• Read our Head of Digital’s LinkedIn article from our discussion with GCHQ and the NCSC to get insight into the latest cyber tools and advice.
• Watch our SME webinar on cyber security to understand the threat landscape and best practice for building resilience in your business.
• Read our MyCBI article on managing cyber security and data protection in a hybrid working world.
• Read the government’s January newsletter on Cyber Security to learn more about government action in the policy area.