Defence Secretary announces £40M Cyber Security Operations Centre

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has announced the construction of a new £40M Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOS).

During a visit to MOD Corsham, Michael Fallon has announced that a new Cyber Security Operations Centre will be built, in a move to strengthen the UK’s cyber defences.

The CSOC will enhance the MOD’s ability to secure Defence networks and systems against threats, with the facility staffed by experts that utilise state-of-the-art defensive cyber capabilities to protect the MOD’s cyberspace from malicious actors.

By bringing together defensive cyber activity, the MOD will be able to operate safely and securely.

Outlined in the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) in November, the government will invest £1.9Bn over the next five years in protecting the UK from cyber attacks.

The £40M investment in the new centre is part of the wider government plan to transform the MOD’s operational cyber security capabilities.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: “Britain is a world leader in cyber security but with growing threats this new Operations Centre will ensure that our Armed Forces continue to operate securely. Our increasing defence budget means that we can stay ahead of our adversaries in cyberspace while also investing in conventional capabilities.”

A military site in Wiltshire has been chosen as the preferred location for the centre by the government.

North Wiltshire MP James Gray said the new centre being located at Corsham should “add to the improvement of the economy of the area”.

He added that he is “proud” to see the area “making a useful contribution to the defence of the realm”.

The CSOC will facilitate the sharing of MOD cyber security challenges across government departments, with allies and with industry, as part of the National Cyber Security Initiative. This is to further strengthen the UK’s defences and enable the efficient working.

A timescale for commencement of the project has yet to be announced.