The UK Government’s Response to Cyber Threats

Abstract

The paper addresses the cyber security issue of the United Kingdom from the perspective of governmental institutions responsible for combating threats coming from cyberspace. The first part of the article presents a catalogue of cyber threats facing various entities in the United Kingdom. In addition, the features of cyberspace that particularly strengthen its vulnerability to these threats are indicated. The second part of the article focuses on presenting institutions and organizations and their actions that are directly or indirectly responsible for cyber security in the UK. First, it focuses on organizations solely responsible for cyber security: from special services (GCHQ), to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), to specialized units operating within these organizations. The article then focuses on other agencies and units operating within government structures, which are related to the Home Office, the Foreign Office and the Ministry of Defence. These include the National Crime Agency, the police, intelligence and counter-intelligence. The paper also presents initiatives of ministries related to social policy, digitization, culture, media, business and enterprises, the protection of which is one of the priorities highlighted in the UK cyber security strategy.