Cyber Crime 'New And Growing' Danger

Ahead of the publication of a new National Security Strategy, Home Secretary Theresa May has said that terrorism threats and attacks on computer networks remain "very serious" and among the biggest threats to the UK.

She told the BBC cyber crime was a "new and growing" danger.

Setting out the shape of UK forces after expected budget cuts of 8%, the strategy will form the background for Tuesday's Strategic Defence Review.

The National Security Council, is now publishing an updated approach to national security which identifies 16 threats to the UK.

"Tier 1", highlighted as the most serious, involves acts of international terrorism, hostile computer attacks on UK cyberspace, a major accident or natural hazard, or an international military crisis between states that draws in the UK and its allies.

However Mrs May acknowledged they were of a "different nature" to other potential threats.

Speaking to the BBC, she said: "We are facing a very serious threat from international terrorism... we must all be vigiliant.

“Rather than focusing on different areas in isolation, she said the security strategy had looked at the overall picture "in the round".

"We have to look at the whole picture. That is what we have been doing and that is not what has been done in the past."

She said officials had identified attacks on government and business IT systems as as a "new and growing threat".

Ahead of the Spending Review, the Home Secretary also said they had to play a part in cutting the deficit.

However, intelligence, counter-terrorism and cyber security are all expected to escape major cuts, increasing speculation that police forces could face the brunt of any cuts.

(BMcN)