UK critical systems 'vulnerable to cyber attack'

UK critical systems could be vulnerable to a cyber attack, according to a leading think tank.

Chatham House concluded that the UK government is not taking the necessary precautions to protect power and water from such a threat, BBC News reports.

The think tank also criticised the institutions at risk for their reluctance to share information, and not taking the necessary precautions to safeguard themselves.

Last year, the coalition government invested £650m to target online threats, 20% of which was assigned to critical systems. Chatham House challenged the investment, noting that "the vast majority of critical infrastructure in the UK is privately owned".

The think tank's review was based on a series of interviews conducted with figures in gas, oil and water companies. Many were found to be seeking guidelines which the government failed to provide.

Chatham House's report was also critical of the private sector, pointing out that private companies in charge of Britain's nuclear grid are also ill equipped to deal with cyber threats.

"Many only pay attention to it after something unpleasant has happened to them or a competitor and they realise they have to pay attention, perhaps throw some money at the problem," said security researcher David Clemente.

The report concluded that the government must play an "integral role in shaping the discourse, informing wider society and raising levels of awareness", while private companies must make cyber security a top priority.

The Cabinet Office responded with the statement: "Closer collaboration between the government and the private sector is crucial to protecting our interests in cyberspace, including critical national infrastructure."

The government is expected to roll out a revised security plan for tackling computer-based threats next month.

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