Fighting cyber crime from the capital

More than half of the NCSC’s 700 staff will be based at the new HQ and will work with specialist security services, energy and telecoms.

Threats from across the globe have led to the UK’s security budget being increased and the NCSC will be working closely with organisations, such as the NHS, universities and local government, to improve their cyber security and protect the huge amount of data they hold on to.

Cyber security threats come from a number of sources – from countries such as Russia and China, plus from terrorist and criminal gangs. The NCSC will set-up a firewall with the aim of automatically preventing malware and phishing emails which are becoming increasingly sophisticated.

Cyber attacks are also occurring more and more regularly – with 200 major incidents last month which was double the number of this time last year.

The NCSC will respond to cyber security attacks to limit their damage, help with recovery and learn lessons to reduce the risks of recurrence, and cut risks to the UK by working with public and private sector organisations to beef up their cyber security.

Speaking to the Evening Standard, Cabinet Office Minister Ben Gummer said: “London leads the world in many ways already so it is only right that we establish the country’s first cyber security centre in the heart of the capital as Britain continues at the forefront of tackling this global issue.”