The UK Government’s long-term plan is to build a stronger, more competitive economy and a fairer society.
The growth of the internet has transformed our everyday lives and is an important part of our economy. The internet-related market in the UK is now estimated to be worth £82 billion a year, while British businesses earn £1 in every £5 from the internet.
But with greater openness, interconnection and dependency comes greater vulnerability. The National Security Strategy categorised cyber attacks as a Tier One threat to the UK’s national security, alongside international terrorism. The threat to our national security from cyber attacks is real and growing. Terrorists, rogue states and cyber criminals are among those targeting computer systems in the UK.
To address this, the Government is investing £860m in a National Cyber Security Programme to strengthen the UK’s cyber capacity. Key objectives within the programme are to raise awareness of cyber risks and improve cyber security skills at all levels.
The Introduction to Cyber Security course offered on FutureLearn is supported by the UK Government and is part of the strategy to improve cyber security skills at all levels.