"Minister Advocates M&S Cyber Attack Incident as a Alarming Precursor"
Heed this! A government minion is 'bout to warn about them cyber attacks on M&S, Co-op, and Harrods, calling it a "wake-up call" as they're gonna pour some extra cash into cybersecurity.
Over the past couple o' weeks, they've been bare shelves and no contactless card payments, or online orders, thanks to these sneaky cyber-scoundrels. Pat McFadden, the cabinet bloke, is scheduled to speak at CyberUK - a tech expert and business leader shindig in Manchester.
He'll spill the beans, sayin,' "Cyber attacks ain't no joke. They're straight-up crime, digital style. The plan is to wreck havoc and extort. Like the old-school shakedown, but digital. Either stealing your loot or demandin' protection money, threats to shut down your business unless you fork over the dough."
These attacks should serve as a kick in the pants for businesses across the UK, reminding 'em that cybersecurity ain't a luxury, it's an absolute necessity.
Admittedly, the digital world is a goldmine for the entire UK economy. Mr. McFadden's speech will highlight this economic opportunity, promising to "turbo-charge" the sector, creating homegrown jobs and enhancing cybersecurity in other sectors.
As of now, there are around 67,000 cyber jobs in the UK, with 6,600 added last year. The sector's revenues top 13 billion, with an average cybersecurity salary in northwest England reaching £54,600.
He'll announce an extra 7 million quid for the Laboratory of AI Security Research (LASR), which he launched last November. LASR brings together industry, academic, and government experts to assess the impact of AI on UK national security.
Among other announcements, Mr. McFadden will unveil a partnership between LASR and Cisco, the American tech titan, to host challenges across the UK and develop a "demonstrator" in the North West. This demonstrator will showcase how scientists and entrepreneurs can collaborate to manage AI risks and build skills in the cyber sector.
Another million will be handed to the Moldovan government to help secure their upcoming parliamentary elections, following accusations of Russian influence in last year's elections. Moreover, Ukraine will receive 8 million for its cyber program over the next year to counter cyber aggression by the Kremlin.
Mr. McFadden will round off his speech by stating, "Cybersecurity has massive potential to drive our economy - creating jobs, growth, and opportunities. It's already a sector hummin' with 2,000 businesses across the UK. We aim to spread the benefits of the cyber industry across the country. That's why cybersecurity will play a pivotal role in our upcoming industrial strategy."
In essence, the UK government is readying itself to be a major player in the global cybersecurity scene, investing in the sector to combat escalating cyber threats and boost the economy.
- Pat McFadden, a cabinet member, will discuss the threat of cyber attacks on retailers like M&S, Co-op, and Harrods, stating they are a "digital-era wake-up call" and emphasizing the need for increased cybersecurity investments.
- McFadden's speech at CyberUK, a technology and business leaders event in Manchester, will stress that while the digital world provides a wealthy opportunity for the UK economy, businesses must prioritize cybersecurity, not considering it a luxury but an essential requirement.
- The government plans to inject an additional £7 million into the Laboratory of AI Security Research (LASR), a project launched by McFadden last November, to enhance research on AI's effect on UK national security.
- In a partnership between LASR and Cisco, challenges across the UK will be held, and a demonstrator will be developed in the North West to showcase collaboration between scientists, entrepreneurs, and AI security risk management.
