MoD Brings Together Defence And Tech Titans For Cyber Security Partnership

The Ministry of Defence has set up a fresh cyber security partnership, hoping to foster collaboration between weapons makers and technology companies to protect the UK defence supply chain.

The Defence Cyber Protection Partnership brings together nine top firms from the two sectors, including BAE, Rolls-Royce, Lockheed Martin, BT,  HP and Thales UK. GCHQ is also involved in the project, as is the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI).

It’s three core objectives include increasing awareness of cyber threats, sharing intelligence and setting out risk-driven defence strategies.

Another cyber security partnership

“This is a clear demonstration that government and industry can work together – sharing information, experience and expertise – to make sure we do everything we can to protect these critical networks, ensuring that the business of defence is robustly protected,” said minister for defence equipment, support and technology Philip Dunne.

Trade associations ADS and Intellect will be helping raise awareness across the  wider defence supply chain, highlighting the need for protective measures.

Lockheed Martin knows the pain of supply chain attacks. After security firm RSA was hacked, the attackers made off with two-factor authentication credentials, which they used in an attempt on Lockheed.

“This is an issue which demands a concerted and coordinated approach between government and industry and the DCPP is a critical component of this,” Vic Leverett, DCPP chair, added.

The UK government has been throwing together numerous cyber security partnerships in recent months, including  it the Cyber Security Information Sharing Partnership (CISP)and the Cyber Crime Reduction Partnership.

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