Two years ago, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) launched its Secure by Design initiative, a fundamental shift in how we approach cybersecurity. Since then, significant progress has been made in embedding this approach across our capabilities. However, the evolving threat landscape demands continued vigilance and adaptation.
Addressing the Cyber Threat
In today's interconnected world, the battle for national security extends beyond land, sea, air, and space to encompass a fifth, critical domain: cyberspace. The MoD, custodian of highly sensitive data and advanced technologies, faces a constant barrage of sophisticated cyberattacks. This reality is underscored by the Strategic Defence Review's (SDR) recognition of cyberspace as the enabling domain, integrating all others yet uniquely contested by adversaries daily. These attacks pose significant risks, from the theft of strategic advantage to economic disruption and the erosion of public trust.
Secure by Design: A Necessity
In this high-stakes digital battleground, the MoD can't afford a reactive approach to cybersecurity. We need to be proactive, building security into our capabilities right from the start. That's what Secure by Design does – it's not just a good idea, it's mission-critical. Think of building a fortress where the strength of each brick, the placement of every wall, is meticulously chosen to provide the optimal level of security. That’s the essence of Secure by Design – it's about making conscious choices at every stage of development for a more resilient outcome.
This ensures our defence systems remain operational and effective even under cyberattack. It is about maintaining a decisive advantage against those who seek to undermine our national security.
However, this is not just about technology; it's about trust. By embedding security at the core, we build confidence with our allies and the nation, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to a safe and secure digital landscape.
How We're Making Secure by Design a Reality
To meet this challenge, the MoD's implementation of Secure by Design has involved a fundamental shift in approach.
Firstly, we're fostering a culture where everyone takes responsibility for cybersecurity. Security is no longer a separate function but an integral part of every project. Our teams across the organisations, including within delivery, security, and commercials teams are working together, prioritising security from the very beginning of a capability. It's like developing a missile defence system, you wouldn't add the targeting system when missiles are incoming. Cybersecurity is a fundamental component, not an afterthought.
Secondly, we have moved beyond a checklist mentality, adopting a collaborative model where our expert team are acting as trusted advisors to guide capabilities throughout their lifecycle. This partnership aims to empower our teams to innovate without compromising security.
We have also evolved the Secure by Design Guidance, a comprehensive resource available to everyone, both within the Ministry of Defence and our industry partners. This ensures consistent application of best practices.
A Collaborative Endeavour
The success of Secure by Design depends on a collective effort. We urge all industry partners to embrace this approach, actively collaborating with MoD delivery teams, consulting the Secure by Design Guidance, and integrating security into their core processes. By working together, we can significantly strengthen our national cyber defences and safeguard the UK's future.
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