Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Benyon and Oliver Dowden

Wednesday 16th May 2018 Commons Chamber

[Richard Benyon (Newbury) (Con)]

5. What steps his Department is taking to help improve the cyber-security of public and private sector organisations.

[The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Oliver Dowden)]

Our world-leading national cyber-security strategy is supported by £1.9 billion-worth of investment. It sets out measures to defend our people, businesses and assets, to deter our adversaries and to develop the skills and capabilities we need.

[Richard Benyon]

With cyber-attacks on public services in other countries and a highly publicised attack on our own NHS, does my hon. Friend agree that cyber-security is not just the responsibility of people at the top of our businesses, public services and agencies, but is actually the responsibility of every single employee, and that we have to get that culture across our public service estate?

[Oliver Dowden]

My right hon. Friend is absolutely correct. Cyber-security is a responsibility of all businesses and individuals. It is precisely the objective of the Government’s national cyber-security strategy to get that point across.