In a move to further strengthen the UK’s cyber defences, the Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has announced that over £40m will be spent on a new Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC). The preferred location for the centre will be at MOD Corsham.

The CSOC will be a dedicated facility staffed by experts that utilises state-of-the-art defensive cyber capabilities to protect the MOD’s cyberspace from malicious actors. It will enhance our ability to secure Defence networks and systems against cyber threats and bring together our defensive cyber activity which will enable us to continue to operate safely and securely.

As the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) in November outlined, the government will invest £1.9bn over the next five years in protecting the UK from cyber attacks and developing our sovereign capabilities in cyber space. The £40m investment in the CSOC is part of the wider government plan and it will transform the MOD’s operational cyber security capabilities.

As part of National Cyber Security Centre initiative the CSOC will facilitate the sharing of MOD cyber security challenges across government departments, with allies and with industry. This will act to further strengthen our defences and enable the most efficient working.

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.”