CYBERCRIME
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what progress his Department has made in improving cyber-security within the defence supply chain; and if he will make a statement; [159061]
(2) what discussions he has had with his US counterpart on cyber-security breaches at Qinetiq North America; and if he will make a statement; [159062]
(3) what assessment he has made of the potential risks to UK national security arising from cyber-security breaches at Qinetiq North America; and if he will make a statement. [159063]
Mr Dunne, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) takes information assurance and cyber security very seriously. We continuously work with our suppliers to counter cyber threats. The MOD/Industry Defence Supplier Forum recently endorsed a joint programme to improve supply chain security including work on: measurements and standards, communications, skills, training, and information sharing.
QinetiQ North America is an independent US company separated from QinetiQ by a proxy agreement. There have been no discussions relating to the specific issue of security breaches at this company between the Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), and Secretary Hagel.
We judge that our cyber strategy and plans are robust and capable of addressing a wide range of threats to our cyber defence. It would be inappropriate to comment further on the detail of the specific measures we take to protect our systems.