Cyber-security 2024-01-18
2024-01-18
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Following cyber-attacks in her constituency in 2019, Vicky Ford asks about steps being taken to strengthen cyber security.
I am concerned that while the government is taking action on critical infrastructure and organisations, many small businesses are not adequately protected or insured against cyber attacks. Chelmsford has a large cluster of insurance companies outside London; will the Minister meet me and representatives from these firms to discuss how an improved quality mark for cyber-security could increase insurance availability?
I would be very happy to do so. As my right hon. Friend points out, cyber-insurance plays a vital role in helping to build resilience and we have a shared interest in developing it. The National Cyber Security Centre has stood up the cyber-insurance industry working group which is working through all these issues. I have met with Lloyd's of London, and both I and Treasury Ministers will be happy to have further such meetings.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Auditor General's recent speech highlighted the lack of investment in upgrading cyber security infrastructure, making the Government vulnerable to attacks.
Has the Secretary of State read the speech made by the Auditor General this week about cyber-security which said that lack of investment in upgrading our infrastructure makes the Government vulnerable to cyber-attack? Is he comfortable that we are safe from such attack?
I am aware of the speech and I have spoken on many occasions about the challenges we face on cyber-security. It is an increasing threat landscape, but the Government are taking a range of actions to improve our cyber-security, not least GovAssure which was announced last year. That is about going through the cyber-security of all Departments to bring it up to scratch.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not address the Auditor General's specific concerns about investment in infrastructure and the current vulnerability status.
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The British Library incident is a recent reminder of the high cost and security risk posed by cyber-attacks, with many Government Departments having red-rated IT systems.
Given that the government's cyber-security strategy highlights the need for transparent central governance to oversee cross-government cyber security risks, will he set out the timetable for remedying this situation and explain how he will keep Parliament updated on progress?
We are developing remediation plans which will be in place by next year. We are tracking progress and confident that we will achieve over £1 billion in efficiency savings and greater resilience by next year.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
Chelmsford is home to a large cluster of insurance companies outside London, prompting questions about the availability of cyber-insurance for businesses.
Will the Minister meet with Vicky Ford and representatives from the London insurance market to discuss improving the quality mark for cyber-security, thereby increasing cover availability?
I would be very happy to do so. As my right hon. Friend points out, cyber-insurance plays a vital role in helping to build resilience and we have a shared interest in developing it.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy