NCSC celebrates eight years as Horne blows in

The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre Celebrates Eight Years of Success

As the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) marks eight years since its establishment as the country’s national technical authority for cyber security, interim CEO Felicity Oswald reflects on the organization’s achievements during this time.

Initially established in response to a national security review announced by then-chancellor George Osborne in November 2015, the NCSC was designed to serve as a “cyber force” within the GCHQ intelligence agency. Its primary role was to handle major cyber incidents in the UK and provide unified security advice.

Oswald acknowledges the significant technological advancements and evolving threat landscape over the past eight years. She emphasizes the crucial relationship between cyber security and intelligence, highlighting the historical importance of cryptography and code-breaking in safeguarding critical information.

The NCSC’s integrated approach to cyber security, combining protection of technology with intelligence capabilities, has proven to be cost-effective and efficient. By minimizing duplication and leveraging top-tier technical expertise, the NCSC has delivered world-leading security outcomes for British taxpayers.

Looking ahead, Oswald emphasizes the increasing interdependency between security and intelligence, especially in the face of new technologies and sophisticated threats. As she prepares to pass the leadership to incoming CEO Richard Horne, she stresses the importance of staying ahead of challenges to make the UK the safest place to live and work online.

Horne, a seasoned cyber security professional with a background in both the private and public sectors, is poised to continue the NCSC’s mission of protecting the UK from cyber risks. With his extensive experience in cyber security and cryptography, Horne is well-equipped to guide the organization through future challenges.

As the NCSC looks towards the next eight years under Horne’s leadership, the focus remains on leveraging world-class signals intelligence and expertise to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of cyber security.