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UK government to help cybersecurity businesses export services


UK cybersecurity companies can expect support from the UK government when bidding for major contracts overseas, according to new plans outlined by the government.

The Department for International Trade (DIT) said its new cybersecurity export strategy (20-page / 8.24MB PDF) is designed to support the UK's cybersecurity industry win contracts from "large, high-profile buyers with significant budgets", such as other governments and critical infrastructure providers, financial services companies, health care providers, and businesses in the infrastructure and automotive sectors.

The DIT said it would act as a "trusted advisor" to support cybersecurity exports from the UK, and would do so in partnership with the UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and academics.

"DIT offices worldwide will introduce UK cybersecurity companies to buyers," the strategy said. "UK SMEs in particular will also be connected to established market channels and potential partners, including large UK companies and local businesses in-market."

"Many SMEs lack experience pitching to buyers. DIT will play a sales coach role helping SMEs prepare for detailed commercial and technical questions asked at pitches. DIT will work with the devolved administrations to ensure firms from across the UK get the support they need," it said.

The DIT said that it would prevent cybersecurity tools from the UK being used for human rights abuse through a "robust export control" regime.

"The advanced technical nature of cybersecurity gives cause for some products, software or services to contain export controlled features," the strategy said. "DIT’s Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) is the national export licensing body and, supported by NCSC, will advise companies on when a licence may be needed. The licensing process examines each application against the consolidated EU and national arms export licensing criteria."

"Throughout this process ECJU will be advised by Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Ministry of Defence and NCSC experts to ensure rigorous, well-informed and timely licensing decisions are reached. The DIT Cyber Security Team and techUK will continue to publish guidance on assessing cyber security export risks, including where products do not reach an export control threshold," it said.

According to the DIT strategy, the UK's cybersecurity export market is expected to be worth £2.6 billion by 2021. Overall expenditure on cybersecurity products globally is forecast to exceed £759 billion cumulatively from 2017 to 2021.

The UK's international trade secretary, Dr Liam Fox, said: "Recent events show that the UK faces a diverse range of threats from hostile state actors. So 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 cyber security expertise, which will help strengthen our capabilities, and protect our country and our allies from those who wish us harm," he said.

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