Chloe Smith Chairs Meeting on Rethinking Cybersecurity

Chloe Smith, Member of Parliament for Norwich North, today chaired a meeting with the Henry Jackson Society on Rethinking Cybersecurity: Threats and Challenges in 2015.

Chloe is a former minister for cyber security and has recently spoken out to encourage Norwich firms to check their cyber security, following a minor hack on the website of Norwich Airport, in her constituency.

Today’s event included a panel of leading digital experts, who discussed the topic of cybersecurity, the threats and challenges seen in 2015, and how to better protect data in the future.

Commenting on the meeting, Chloe said:

“I was delighted to chair this important meeting on cybersecurity. It is one of the most pressing issues we face, and it is crucial we take steps to combat this constantly evolving threat.

“During the meeting we discussed a number of topics, including the pioneering government-backed Cyber Essentials Scheme, which provides organisations with basic controls they could use to mitigate the risk from up to 80% of internet based threats. We also discussed the need to co-ordinate cybersecurity across government, citizens, businesses, and our international partners.”

This meeting follows the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s announcement in the Autumn Statement that £1.9 billion will be spent on cyber security over the next five years, including on a new centre to protect the UK against attacks. This will help protect businesses and citizens from cyberattacks throughout the country.

Chloe added that:

“Norwich has been identified as a growing ‘Tech City’, which acknowledges the digital employment of over 14,000. It is important that we encourage young people in Norwich to use their skills to engage in productive digital endeavours, and not illegal activity. Figures show that the digital and creative industries are the fasting growing part of the economy, and it is vital we get young people involved.”