Dorset sets the national stage for a more secure digital future

Leading lights from the UK security and telecoms industry were in Dorset to launch a ground-breaking paper that could help shape future policy on digital security.

UKTIN - the innovation network for the country’s telecoms sector – chose the Dorset Council-owned BattleLab to unveil the latest of its Future Capability Papers on Security.

More than 65 delegates from major companies, including NVIDIA, Kier Group, Spirent Communications and Boldyn Networks plus representatives from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, universities and OFCOM were at the Winfrith site to hear the details of the paper.

Dorset Council’s Chief Executive and President of SOLACE (Society of Local Authority Chief Executives), Matt Prosser, welcomed the delegation to Dorset.

He said: “It was an incredible honour that UKTIN chose Dorset and the BattleLab to launch this important paper that will help us make the most of technology while keeping us all safe and secure.

“Digital allows us to deliver better, more efficient services to our residents and businesses against an increasingly challenging financial and demographic backdrop.

“We also want to go further. We can use our assets to work in partnership with industry and others to seize the wider opportunities presented by digital to grow our economy and provide interesting, well-paid jobs to local people. Jobs that make a real difference to the UK.

“We have overseen international firsts in research and development projects in Dorset and there’s no reason, especially with the BattleLab and Dorset Innovation Park at our disposal, that we cannot continue to play a leading role in the UK’s digital economy.”

The UKTIN paper sets out what it sees as the UK telecoms ecosystem’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats around security.

It explores some of the major threats and risks as well as the opportunities for the UK to meet its future telecoms’ needs.

The report authors highlight how both the telecoms and cyber-security sectors struggle with skills and the UK must nurture its current talent and ensure there is competent technical leadership in these areas.

It concludes by highlighting the real cyber security threats facing the UK and its allies from other nations and organisations and recommends more longer-term planning on security.

Dave Happy, who chairs the UKTIN expert security working group, said: “We were delighted to be in Dorset and present our ideas and recommendations on security to government and industry representatives.

“Digital and telecoms provide us with so many opportunities but it is equally important to protect ourselves from the potential threats.

“We hope those in government and working in the industry use this paper and its insights so we can fully take advantage of the wonderful possibilities technology presents to us all.”

People can view the UKTIN Future Capability Paper on Security on the UK Telecoms Innovation Network website.