The United Kingdom’s national cyber authority is expanding its partnerships with more countries, as collective capabilities have become crucial in defending against security threats, according to the organization’s newly appointed head.
“Cybersecurity is a global challenge as we see it in our supply chains,” said Richard Horne, CEO of GCHQ’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), in an in-person interview with The Readable during Singapore International Cyber Week, held from October 14 to 17. The interview took place during Horne’s second week as CEO.
“In the U.K., we are very focused on working with partners across the world, not just our closest allies,” said Horne.
For example, the U.K. worked with Singapore to lead members of the International Counter Ransomware Initiative (CRI) in signing a joint statement last November, denouncing ransomware payments to cybercriminals. Earlier this month, 39 countries endorsed new guidance, led by the U.K. and Singapore, aimed at undermining the business model of ransomware actors.
“We will never deal with ransomware unless we do it globally. We must think beyond our traditional partners and work globally,” Horne stressed.
The AI Safety Institute is another example of the U.K. government’s efforts to build global resilience. Launched by the U.K. Department for Science, Innovation and Technology in November 2023, the institute is the first state-backed organization dedicated to addressing safety concerns related to artificial intelligence. A total of 18 countries, including Singapore and the United States, have joined the institute’s initiatives, such as developing a joint statement on AI safety.
“The members have developed guidelines on AI safety. The next step is to mature them into international standards,” said the head.
Horne shared further thoughts on the cyber landscape with the audience of SICW in a panel discussion, titled “Tipping Point: Balancing Security & Innovation in the Digital Era.”
“Increased dependence on technology is driving growth and transforming societies, creating exciting new opportunities. It also exposes us to greater cyber risks,” said Horne.
Horne used the underground platforms in London as an analogy. “There’s a big gap between the platform and the train, and there’s a constant Tannoy announcement saying, “Mind the gap.” I think that’s the message for us today in cybersecurity. Without collective action, we will widen the gap between the threats to our societies, critical services, and businesses, and our ability to defend and be resilient,” he said.
Horne warned that the cyber capabilities of bad actors have significantly expanded. In 2024, the NCSC has already responded to 50% more nationally significant incidents compared to last year, along with a threefold increase in severe incidents.
“The threat landscape is growing more complex, with significant incidents on the rise. To close this gap, we need coordinated global efforts to strengthen cyber resilience, ensure security is built into technology from the outset, and to prepare both the public and private sectors to not only defend but also recover swiftly from destructive cyberattacks.”
Related article: Senior Minister of Singapore proposes ways to build trust in the digital world
Singapore―SICW 2024―Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean said Monday that the benefits of the digital world, such as societal progress and innovation, can only be achieved when digital technology is fundamentally trusted by the public.
The senior minister made the statement to an audience at Singapore International Cyber Week (SICW), the Asia-Pacific region’s most established cybersecurity conference. This year’s event, held under the theme “Trust and Security in the Digital Era,” focused on discussions and partnerships in cybersecurity.
“Last year, I spoke about how trust in the digital domain is under considerable pressure. Unfortunately, this remains so, perhaps even more so,” Teo said, citing grim figures of cyberattacks. According to blockchain intelligence firm Chainalysis, ransomware payments exceeded $1 billion in 2023, a record high. Additionally, the Global Anti-Scam Alliance found that just over a quarter of the nearly 50,000 people surveyed from 43 countries had lost money to scams or identity theft over a 12-month period. READ MORE
