Five Eyes cyber advice campaign introduced for tech start-ups

The launch of this joint protective security guidance aimed at protecting the tech sector from national security threats follows last October’s Summit, which brought together the heads of the domestic security and intelligence agencies from the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the US to announce Five Shared Principles for protecting technology companies.

Previously a UK-only initiative from the National Cyber Security Centre (itself part of GCHQ) and the National Protective Security Authority (which is part of MI5), the full Secure Innovation guidance is now available in separate regional versions across all Five Eyes countries.

Technology companies in the UK can also create a bespoke Action Plan, which will then support them in assessing their levels of secure innovation and identifying any necessary actions they need to take to protect their business. Indeed, over 500 companies have already done so.

In essence, secure Innovation provides the tech sector with a set of cost-effective measures that companies can take from Day One to better protect their ideas, reputation and future success.

Increased commitment

This announcement demonstrates the increased commitment from all Five Eyes nations to work collaboratively against what is a shared threat. Businesses in the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the US can take advantage of a collection of Secure Innovation resources, guidance and products now available across all Five Eyes countries.

This means companies can benefit from consistent and consolidated advice reflecting both the globalised and interconnected tech start-up ecosystem as well as the global nature of the security threats start-ups are now facing.

MI5 director general Ken McCallum said: “Sophisticated nation state adversaries like China are working hard to steal the Intellectual Property held by some of our countries’ most innovative and exciting start-ups. The Five Eyes Secure Innovation advice forms part of our response.”

McCallum added: “By joining forces with our allies and offering consistent advice, we are making it easier for companies working across the world to take steps to keep their ideas and products secure,”

*The Secure Innovation guidance can be accessed on the National Protective Security Authority’s website