UK Government has stopped short of appointing a security tsar but did outline extensive new measures today to combat threats in cyber space.

In its first UK Cyber Security Strategy the Prime Minister said he would set up a dedicated Office of Cyber Security based in Whitehall, and a new multi-agency Cyber Security Operations Centre in Cheltenham that will coordinate the protection of the UK’s critical IT systems.

The strategy also outlined plans that will push hi-tech business opportunities in cyber security, will promote the development of cyber security skills, and foster cross-border initiatives to support development of international laws against cyber threats and cyber terrorism.

Published alongside the 2009 update of the National Security Strategy, the plans were revealed earlier today against speculation that the Prime Minister would follow the lead of President Obama and name a security tsar for the UK.

Early this month CBR reported how Obama had described America’s digital infrastructure as a strategic national asset

“It’s clear that we’re not as prepared as we should be [for a cyber attack]. Just as we failed to invest in our physical infrastructure, we have failed to invest in our digital infrastructure. No single agency has the responsibility or the authority to match the scope and scale of the challenge.” 

The intention in the US is to nominate one person to oversee America’s digital defences in a bid to unite a security effort that had previously been the duty of a number of organisations.

The person has not yet been named, although a leading candidate for the post is said to be Scott Charney, head of Microsoft’s cybersecurity division.

The updated UK National Security Strategy assesses the challenges ahead, and outlines our response to them – from terrorism and instability in Afghanistan and Pakistan, to nuclear security, to energy security and climate change, to pandemics, to failing states and the challenges of strengthening global security through development.

Commenting on the update, the Prime Minister said, “The strategy shows that we need new global rules for the new global age. I encourage people to scrutinise what we are doing and join the debate about our security priorities for the future”.