All 1 Debates between Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton and Stephen McPartland

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton and Stephen McPartland
Monday 9th July 2018

(5 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Stephen McPartland Portrait Stephen McPartland (Stevenage) (Con)
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17. What plans he has to strengthen the resilience of the UK’s critical infrastructure against cyber-attacks.

Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton Portrait The Minister for the Armed Forces (Mark Lancaster)
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Defence takes cyber-threats very seriously, and we regularly assess our ability to defend against them. We are strengthening our defences against increasingly sophisticated attacks through a wide range of technical, operational and administrative measures, including close co-operation with the National Cyber Security Centre.

Stephen McPartland Portrait Stephen McPartland
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Can the Minister provide an update on whether the recruitment plan for reservists with cyber-specialisms is working?

Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton Portrait Mark Lancaster
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I am delighted to say that it is. My hon. Friend hits on a key issue. We have recognised that many of the skillsets we need sit in the private sector, which is why we have actively recruited reserves into this area, and I am delighted to say that the joint cyber reserve unit is now at 90% strength.