In a significant step towards fortifying the UK’s digital resilience, Technology Secretary Peter Kyle has announced that data centres will now be designated as part of the country’s critical national infrastructure (CNI). This move, led by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), seeks to enhance the protection of these vital facilities from cyber threats and IT disruptions.
Data centres play a pivotal role in supporting the UK’s digital economy and public services, managing vast quantities of information. As part of the new designation, data centres will benefit from priority access to security agencies, including the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), and proactive threat monitoring and response capabilities.
This marks the first CNI designation since 2015, highlighting the growing importance of the digital sector in national security. The Government aims to bolster the resilience of the sector against growing cybersecurity risks, aligning with its broader goal of positioning the UK as a global leader in data security.
The initiative is part of a wider effort to overhaul cybersecurity regulations, as reflected in the forthcoming Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. As the Government pushes for the NHS to transition from analogue to digital systems, the demand for secure data centres will only increase.
The UK Government emphasises a “defend as one” approach, calling for collaboration across CNI sectors to address cybersecurity risks. This includes breaking down silos, improving data visibility, and fostering a diverse, skilled workforce. Data centre providers and their customers are expected to work closely to ensure that citizens’ data remains secure.
For organisations with critical national infrastructure, this means investments in proactive risk management, threat hunting, and network monitoring will be essential to safeguarding the nation’s digital infrastructure. With the largest number of data centres in Western Europe, the UK is setting the stage for a more secure, resilient digital future.