Latest news with #FeryalClark
Times
17-05-2025
- Business
- Times
Ministers' silence on threats to our creatives is bewildering
On Wednesday, with his departmental team-mates Peter Kyle, the technology secretary, and Feryal Clark, the minister for artificial intelligence, looking on, Sir Chris Bryant, the minister for the creative industries, displayed his notable oratory at the dispatch box while failing to answer questions from Labour MPs. Again and again, his own MPs — amid legislators from all sides of the house — asked 'Why?'. Why not support the powerhouse UK creative industries to take their place in the global AI supply chain, turbocharging a growth-driving sector? Why not use the Data (Use and Access) Bill to stop a multibillion-pound industry from being plundered? And, crucially, if not now, then when? There were no answers on policy, no timeline, no lifeboat for our creative sector. The
Belfast Telegraph
07-05-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Government to roll out passwords replacement on Gov.UK to boost cyber security
In contrast to using a password and then an additional text message or code sent to a user's trusted device – known as two-factor authentication – passkeys are unique digital keys tied to a specific device that proves the user's identity when they log in without requiring them to input any further codes. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said this approach is more secure because the digital key remains stored on the user's device and cannot be easily intercepted or stolen, making them resistant to being compromised through phishing and scam emails or texts, unlike passwords, which can be more easily shared. The NCSC said it considers the adoption of passkeys as a vital step in improving cyber resilience on a national scale, in particular in the wake of high-profile cyber attacks against major retailers, including Marks and Spencer and Co-op. The NCSC's chief technical officer, Ollie Whitehouse, said: 'The NCSC has a stated objective for the UK to move beyond passwords in favour of passkeys, as they are secure against common cyber threats such as phishing and credential stuffing. 'By adopting passkey technology, Government is not only leading by example by strengthening the security of its services but also making it easier and faster for citizens to access them. 'We strongly advise all organisations to implement passkeys wherever possible to enhance security, provide users with faster, frictionless logins and to save significant costs on SMS authentication.' AI and Digital minister Feryal Clark said: 'The rollout of passkeys across services marks another major step forward in strengthening the UK's digital defences while improving the user experience for millions. 'Replacing older methods like SMS verification with modern, secure passkeys will make it quicker and easier for people to access essential services — without needing to remember complex passwords or wait for text messages. 'This shift will not only save users valuable time when interacting with government online, but it will reduce fraud and phishing risks that damage our economic growth.' The announcement came on the first day of the CyberUK conference in Manchester, where NCSC chief executive Richard Horne warned that the number of 'nationally significant' cyber attacks in the last eight months has doubled on the same period a year ago. Mr Horne said the agency had dealt with 200 incidents since September 2024, including twice as many causing widespread disruption as the same period last year. Also at the conference, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden said the cyber attacks in recent weeks should be a 'wake-up call' for British businesses as he announced a £16 million package to boost defence at home and abroad.
Daily Mail
07-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Memorising complex passwords and clunky text message 2-factor ID to be replaced by 'passkeys' in effort to beat hackers and boost web security
Memorising complex passwords and using clunky text message-based login systems are set to be a thing of the past as government departments begin a rollout of smart 'passkeys'. 'Passkeys' – already being used in the NHS - are now being rolled out by the government and promoted to the private sector. IT experts estimate they will save users one minute each time they sign in and be more secure. When a user first logs in, the system sends a digital key to specific devices. This allows a user to log in safely on future occasions without needing a password, text message or other code. The key remains stored on the device and cannot be easily intercepted or stolen – with third parties unable to access accounts using other devices. Feryal Clark, minister responsible for AI and Digital Government, announced the move at the National Cyber Security conference in Manchester today. He said: 'The rollout of passkeys marks another major step forward in strengthening the UK's digital defences while improving user experience for millions. 'Replacing older methods like SMS verification with modern, secure passkeys will make it quicker and easier for people to access essential services — without needing to remember complex passwords or wait for text messages. 'This shift will not only save users valuable but it will reduce fraud and phishing risks that damage our economic growth.' The move is backed by the National Cyber Security Centre, part of GCHQ, which views passkeys as the 'future of online authentication'. NCSC Chief Technical Officer Ollie Whitehouse said: 'We strongly advise all organisations to implement passkeys wherever possible to enhance security… and save significant costs on SMS authentication.' It comes as hackers have ramped up attacks on Britain with 'nationally significant' incidents doubling in recent months, the UK's cyber security agency has revealed. 'Hostile nation states' led by China, Russia, Iran and North Korea are believed to be at the forefront of malign online activity, along with groups using ransomware to extort money. Speaking in the wake of the attacks on Marks and Spencer, the Co-op and Harrods, Dr Richard Horne, chief executive of the National Cyber Security Centre told how Britain faces a 'diverse and dramatic' threat. Dr Horne said: 'We've managed more than 200 incidents since September last year (until the end of March). And that includes twice as many nationally significant incidents as the same period a year ago.' In the year to last September, the NCSC managed 430 incidents including 90 significant and 12 hacks .at the 'top end of severity'. It means Britain is on course for as many as 180 'significant' or 24 of the most severe incidents in the 12 months to the end of August. Dr Horne highlighted the risk from organisations and businesses contracting out IT services. The cyber security expert urged 'every organisation' to plan IT infrastructure 'that seeks to minimise the scale of any attack's impact' and 'to be able to continue and rebuild when an attack gets through'. Dr Horne added hostile nations 'have weaponised their cyber capabilities' and are 'operating daily'. China 'remains the pacing threat in the cyber realm', while he warned of 'acts of sabotage' directed by Russia. The cyber security boss also pointed to an ongoing threat from Iran and revealed how British firms 'are being targeted' by North Korean operatives 'disguising themselves as freelance third-country IT workers'. In order to defeat hackers using ransomware, Dr Horne said organisations must build 'the resilience that's needed to ensure recovery can happen without payment'. Cabinet office minister Pat McFadden told the conference cyber attacks such as those on major retailers were 'serious organised crime' and should be a 'wake-up call for the public sector, for businesses up and down the country'. Mr McFadden also said that while 'critical infrastructure is more interconnected than ever', this 'creates risks and vulnerabilities' as the technology can be 'weaponised'. But as well as the threat, the minister said British IT firms – the third-largest exporter of online security products and services - could turn the situation to their advantage. A survey found cyber attacks may cost UK businesses as much as £64bn a year – with 53 per cent of firms having suffered at least one incident in the last three years. The research published yesterday by cyber security provider ESET also found 43% of affected businesses reported a long-term impact on growth – but 15% of businesses had no cybersecurity budget. Jake Moore, Global Cybersecurity Advisor at ESET, warned: 'Cyber resilience is no longer optional – it's essential.'
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Government to roll out passwords replacement on Gov.UK to boost cyber security
The Government has announced plans to replace passwords as the way to access its digital services platform for the public. In contrast to using a password and then an additional text message or code sent to a user's trusted device – known as two-factor authentication – passkeys are unique digital keys tied to a specific device that proves the user's identity when they log in without requiring them to input any further codes. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said this approach is more secure because the digital key remains stored on the user's device and cannot be easily intercepted or stolen, making them resistant to being compromised through phishing and scam emails or texts, unlike passwords, which can be more easily shared. The NCSC said it considers the adoption of passkeys as a vital step in improving cyber resilience on a national scale, in particular in the wake of high-profile cyber attacks against major retailers, including Marks and Spencer and Co-op. The NCSC's chief technical officer, Ollie Whitehouse, said: 'The NCSC has a stated objective for the UK to move beyond passwords in favour of passkeys, as they are secure against common cyber threats such as phishing and credential stuffing. 'By adopting passkey technology, Government is not only leading by example by strengthening the security of its services but also making it easier and faster for citizens to access them. 'We strongly advise all organisations to implement passkeys wherever possible to enhance security, provide users with faster, frictionless logins and to save significant costs on SMS authentication.' AI and Digital minister Feryal Clark said: 'The rollout of passkeys across services marks another major step forward in strengthening the UK's digital defences while improving the user experience for millions. 'Replacing older methods like SMS verification with modern, secure passkeys will make it quicker and easier for people to access essential services — without needing to remember complex passwords or wait for text messages. 'This shift will not only save users valuable time when interacting with government online, but it will reduce fraud and phishing risks that damage our economic growth.' The announcement came on the first day of the CyberUK conference in Manchester, where NCSC chief executive Richard Horne warned that the number of 'nationally significant' cyber attacks in the last eight months has doubled on the same period a year ago. Mr Horne said the agency had dealt with 200 incidents since September 2024, including twice as many causing widespread disruption as the same period last year. Also at the conference, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden said the cyber attacks in recent weeks should be a 'wake-up call' for British businesses as he announced a £16 million package to boost defence at home and abroad.
Business News Wales
30-04-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Timeline Set Out For AI Growth Zone Scheme
The first hosts of flagship AI Growth Zones are set to be announced in the summer. Investors and local authorities were at TechUK in London as the UK Government started its formal qualifying process, giving them the opportunity to discuss their proposals and learn more about the vision for AI Growth Zones with AI Minister Feryal Clark and the Prime Minister's AI Adviser Matt Clifford. The initial Expressions of Interest (EOI) which opened earlier this year saw more than 200 responses. The UK Government says that AI Growth Zones will attract billions in private investment. Potential sites identified across the country through the EOI process include former industrial areas with land and infrastructure ready for redevelopment. Proposals should demonstrate access to large existing power connections of at least 500MW – enough energy to power 2 million homes – or set out a clear plan for how they will get there. The qualifying process will also examine other criteria, including site readiness, and local impact. Minister for AI Feryal Clark said: 'Just like coal and steam powered our past, AI is powering the future. Our AI Growth Zones will transform areas across the UK into engines of growth and opportunity – unlocking new jobs and revitalising communities across the UK. 'This is our Plan for Change in action, ensuring the benefits of AI are felt in every region and securing the UK's place as a world leader in this vital technology. The Prime Minister's AI Adviser Matt Clifford said: 'The UK has an extraordinary opportunity in AI, but speed is everything. Today's launch sends a clear signal to investors and local communities that we've already moved into high gear. 'I'm looking forward to discussing these proposals in more detail today as we continue to work alongside investors and local authorities to deliver a once-in-a-generation opportunity. To mark the launch, Minister Clark and Matt Clifford are leading a series of engagements with investors and MPs to outline the UK Government's vision, bid timelines, and qualifying criteria. The first additional sites will then be announced this summer with an ambition for building work to be underway by the end of 2025.
