Technology

Posted on March 15, 2017 by staff

National Cyber Security Centre to educate politicians

Technology

The National Cyber Security Centre is to run special classes in a bid to educate UK politicians on cyber threats to democracy.

There have been growing concerns in political circles about cyber threats.

A US intelligence report concluded that Russia had organised cyber attacks against Hillary Clinton and the Democratic National Committee to influence the outcome of the US presidential election.

Prime Minister Theresa May said at the time it was up to individual political parties to protect themselves against cyber attacks – but now the NCSC is taking action.

According to The Times, NCSC chief executive Ciaran Martin has written to political parties warning them of the “potential for hostile action against the UK political system”.

He warned that databases of voters’ views and personal information could be at risk, promising seminars to educate politicians.

“You will be aware of the coverage of events in the United States, Germany and elsewhere reminding us of the potential for hostile action against the UK political system,” Martin said.

“This is not just about the network security of political parties’ own systems.

“Attacks against our democratic processes go beyond this and can include attacks on parliament, constituency offices, thinktanks and pressure groups and individuals’ email accounts.”