The UK government has unveiled a £210 million Cyber Action Plan designed to bolster the security and resilience of online public services amidst escalating cyber threats to the public sector. Announced in London on 6 January, the plan aims to protect essential digital services that millions of citizens rely on daily, such as benefits, tax systems, and healthcare platforms. A newly established Government Cyber Unit will oversee the initiative, coordinating defences across departments and ensuring public bodies address vulnerabilities effectively.
This investment is part of the government’s broader digital transformation agenda, which seeks to enhance access to online services, reduce administrative burdens, and unlock up to £45 billion in productivity gains across the public sector. Digital government minister Ian Murray highlighted the direct threat posed by cyber-attacks to state functionality, emphasising the plan’s role in bolstering defences to safeguard both public services and the business sector.
The introduction of the Cyber Action Plan comes amid growing concerns over the cyber risks facing public bodies. Data from the National Cyber Security Centre indicates a 50 per cent increase in highly significant cyber-attacks over the past year. Andy Ward, senior vice-president international at Absolute Security, noted the overdue focus on resilience, citing research showing that 59 per cent of CISOs regard cyber threats as the most significant risk facing the UK.
Sawan Joshi, group director of information security at FDM Group, warned of the accelerating pace of cyber-attacks, with the UK experiencing four nationally significant incidents weekly. He stressed the importance of decisive action from both government and businesses, emphasising the need for continuous training and investment in cyber talent to achieve true resilience.
Ministers assert that cyber resilience is now central to the government’s mission of national renewal. Secure and reliable digital public services are deemed critical for protecting citizens, supporting economic growth, and delivering better value for taxpayers, while maintaining public trust in essential systems.
