Today marks the eighth anniversary of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), a division of GCHQ, since it first opened. As I prepare to conclude my role as interim CEO tomorrow, I find myself reflecting on our organization’s journey and what lies ahead.
Over the past eight years, we have witnessed significant technological advancements, an increasingly convoluted threat environment, and a growth in the capabilities and services provided by our organization. Although this time frame may seem brief, it has been pivotal in transforming the way we interact with technology and navigate the online world. One constant through this evolution is the vital connection between cyber security and intelligence.
The interplay between these sectors is longstanding. The groundbreaking efforts at Bletchley Park in cryptography, along with the rich history of cryptologists at GCHQ, highlight the foundational role that security and intelligence have played for more than a century. Together, code-making (security) and code-breaking (intelligence) have safeguarded and revealed critical information, ensuring our safety and prosperity.
As a part of GCHQ, the NCSC serves as the National Technical Authority for cyber security, harmonizing these functions. Our approach is built upon a solid legislative framework and oversight mechanisms that enable us to protect technologies, while also enhancing their use for intelligence purposes. This strategy not only delivers greater value to taxpayers by reducing redundancy but also bolsters the effectiveness of our mission to establish the UK as the safest place to live and work online.
We take this responsibility seriously, committing ourselves to deliver on these expectations not only for ourselves but for those who will follow in our footsteps. Achieving this involves the highest level of technical proficiency, from advanced post-quantum cryptography to securing industrial control systems critical to the UK’s national infrastructure. This focus generates leading-edge security outcomes for the UK.
The integration of cyber security and intelligence is already a norm among the Five Eyes nations and other international collaborators. For instance, Australia’s, New Zealand’s, and Canada’s cyber and signals intelligence agencies are organized similarly. Just last week, our close allies in Sweden announced that their National Cyber Security Centre would evolve to operate under the auspices of FRA, their equivalent of GCHQ.
While the specifics may vary from one country to another, the overarching principle is consistent: collaboration between security and intelligence enhances both fields.
Looking ahead, the interdependence of security and intelligence will become increasingly vital. The emerging technologies and the more sophisticated threats they introduce underscore the need for a dual focus on securing these technologies while also leveraging them for intelligence benefits.
As I pass on the CEO responsibilities to my successor, Richard Horne, who officially joins us next Monday, I am committed to ensuring the NCSC is prepared for the future challenges we will encounter. We must be equipped to confront these issues with the support of world-class signals intelligence, bolstered by the deep expertise and insights this partnership provides, all aimed at making the UK the safest place to live and work online.
Article has been taken from ncsc.gov.uk: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/blog-post/celebrating-eight-years-being-the-ncsc-part-of-gchq
