Vice-chair of APPG calls for dedicated cyber security minister

As things stand, there isn’t a dedicated cyber security minister. Responsibilities for cyber security fall within the remit of the responsibilities bestowed upon the Minister of State for Security and Economic Crime.

According to Lord Mackenzie, the lack of a minister for cyber security is a “glaring oversight”. The risk landscape is rapidly evolving as business and key critical infrastructure functions become increasingly digitised. Cyber security is no longer just about protecting databases and e-mail servers. It’s also about defending entire infrastructures from cyber attack.

Smart cities and smart buildings

“In an age where our lives are becoming increasingly digitised, the absence of a cyber security minister within Parliament is not just surprising,” asserted Lord Mackenzie. “It’s a glaring oversight. As we embrace smart cities and smart buildings, operational technology is connecting more devices to the Internet than ever before. Yet, while IT cyber security dominates the headlines, the growing threat from these interconnected operational technology and Internet of Things devices is flying under the radar.”

From heating systems in smart buildings through to traffic management in smart cities, the potential for cyber attacks on these essential systems has grown exponentially. However, there’s no central G\overnment figure to steer the UK’s response to this escalating threat.”

“Operational technology is already entrenched in our daily lives,” urged Lord Mackenzie. “In a not-so-distant future, everything from our lighting systems to public transport networks could be susceptible to cyber attack. With this shift, the stakes are higher than ever, but the responsibility for cyber security remains fragmented across various Government departments. A dedicated minister would help unify efforts, ensure coherent policies and push for stronger regulatory frameworks that prioritise security for both IT and operational technology.”

Not a ‘future problem’

Businesses are now realising that cyber threats are not a ‘future problem’; they are very much a reality in the here and now. A central figure, serving as a cyber security minister, could champion the strategic importance of cyber security to the UK’s economy, ensure investment in national resilience and, crucially, work directly with industry leaders, such as the CEOs of banks, to mitigate the threats posed to corporate real estate and beyond.

“In short,” concluded Lord Mackenzie, “and as we continue to expand our digital capabilities, it’s time the Government reflectEed this urgency by appointing a dedicated minister to oversee and secure our digital future.”