The Cyber Security Export Strategy outlines the Department for International Trade’s (DIT) plans for supporting the UK’s cybersecurity sector.

International Trade Secretary, Dr Liam Fox, claimed the DIT will ensure that Britain is one of the most secure digital business environments on earth, as well as allowing British firms to tap into lucrative markets in the Middle-East and Far-East, with a particular focus on Gulf States.

Speaking at the announcement of the strategy, Dr Fox highlighted the importance of IT industries to both commerce and international security efforts. With growing cyber security issues worldwide, it was suggested that Britain’s input was crucial to global cyber security.

Access to Global Markets

The UK already has an established cyber security sector made up of some 800+ firms that export worldwide, and with the report stating that global cybersecurity spending is set to rise to £759 billion by 2021 the strategy seeks to capitalise on future growth predictions.

Forecasts suggest that UK cybersecurity exports will rise to £2.6 billion by the year 2021.

Supported by the Department of International Trade, British firms will have greater support from government to export services to both the financial sectors and other states worldwide. This could include a myriad of services ranging from basic cybersecurity processes for businesses, to aiding in national cyber security operations.

Firms will have access to market insights and UK Export Finance (UKEF), aiding them further in their ability to secure contracts. UKEF said it will “work to ensure that no viable UK export fails for lack of finance or insurance, while operating at no net cost to the taxpayer”.

Currently, UK firms have access to large markets in the Gulf, India and the Far-East; areas in which national defence opportunities offer immense prospects.

The Gulf and India were of a particular focus to the strategy report, highlighting the latter as a ‘growing market with potentially large opportunities’. It also adds that the DIT will continue to explore possibilities in India, specifically focusing on the private sector.

In the Gulf, a focus on government, national infrastructure and private sectors are mentioned – with a strong focus on central banks. The UK currently maintains close ties to Saudi Arabia through military exports, and cybersecurity firms will be able to potentially tap into huge markets in a state that relies heavily on surveillance.

British Security Implications

Although focused heavily on increasing British IT exports, the strategy also has a role in shoring up the UK and its’ allies digital security in coming years.

International partnerships, it is claimed, can benefit the UK in economic terms and in its security operations. According to the strategy report, British firms will work in conjunction with the DIT and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to meet commercial and security objectives, outlining three ‘core pillars’ supported by international partnerships:

• Defend our people, businesses and assets across the public and private sectors;
• Deter and disrupt our adversaries –states, criminals and hacktivists;
• Develop critical capabilities to build skills, support growth and stimulate science and technology

Speaking on the importance of Britain’s role in global cybersecurity, Fox highlighted global events as a prime example of why UK firms need to cultivate global ties and shore up digital security at home.

“In an increasingly digital world, it’s vital that we improve our cyber-capabilities, which are crucial for national security and prosperity.

“The strategy I am publishing today will support UK companies to export our world-leading cybersecurity expertise, which will help strengthen our capabilities, and protect our country and our allies from those who wish us harm.”