In a bid to fortify the nation’s cyber defences and foster economic growth, the UK government has introduced pioneering measures aimed at bolstering cyber security in AI models and software
The new measures, which are expected to set a global standard for bolstering protections of AI models from hacking and sabotage, were unveiled today by the UK government (15 May) following the announcement that the security sector is now worth almost £12 billion.
These initiatives, unveiled during the prestigious CYBERUK conference, mark a significant milestone in the UK’s ongoing commitment to cyber resilience and innovation.
A global standard for protecting AI models
Under the leadership of Technology Minister Saqib Bhatti, the government announced the introduction of two comprehensive codes of practice designed to establish a global standard for protecting AI models against hacking and sabotage.
These codes, meticulously crafted in collaboration with industry experts, mandate developers to imbue their products with resilience against tampering, hacking, and sabotage, thus instilling confidence in the use of AI across various sectors.
The imperative for such measures becomes apparent in light of recent findings revealing that half of businesses and a third of charities experienced cyber breaches or attacks within the last year. Notably, the notorious breach on the MoveIT software in 2023 underscores the critical need for robust cyber security measures in safeguarding sensitive data and mitigating cyber threats.
Harness the enormous potential of the digital economy
In his address at CYBERUK, Minister Bhatti emphasised the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering a safe digital environment conducive to economic growth. “We have always been clear that to harness the enormous potential of the digital economy, we need to foster a safe environment for it to grow and develop,” he remarked. This is precisely what we are doing with these new measures, which will help make AI models resilient from the design phase.”
Cyber Sectoral Analysis Report
The unveiling of these measures coincides with the release of the Cyber Sectoral Analysis Report, which paints a compelling picture of the sector’s growth trajectory. With a remarkable 13% increase in the last year, the cyber security sector now commands a staggering worth of almost £12 billion, placing it on par with industries such as automotive.
The cyber security sector now commands a staggering worth of almost £12 billion
Moreover, the government’s concerted efforts extend beyond regulatory frameworks, encompassing initiatives to nurture cyber skills among the youth. Plans for a national cyber skills competition targeting 18–25-year-olds aim to inspire a new generation of cyber professionals, further fortifying the nation’s cyber defenses and propelling sustainable economic growth.
As the UK solidifies its position as a global leader in cyber security, these groundbreaking measures underscore the government’s proactive stance in safeguarding digital infrastructure and fostering a thriving digital economy.
With cyber resilience at the forefront of national priorities, the stage is set for a future defined by innovation, security, and prosperity.
