Cyber security leaders from the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) meet in London.
The NCSC CEO, Lindy Cameron, and Jen Easterly, the Director of CISA, met up to discuss topics of fundamental importance, such as operational efforts to confront ransomware. As well as this, the leaders took the time to reflect on diversity in cyber security and collaboration with industry.
Transatlantic cyber security priorities
On September 9, these cyber security leaders had their first in-person engagement, where they met to discuss the two organisations’ priorities, which included a commitment to combatting the threat of ransomware.
The two officials reflected on the effects ransomware attacks have had this year, and how it is necessary for industries to collaborate in order to complement the government’s operational efforts against ransomware attacks.
NCSC Chief Executive Lindy Cameron said: “It was a pleasure to host Director Easterly for our first in-person bi-lateral meeting to discuss the critical issues in cyber security today.
“Ransomware is a serious and growing security threat that cuts across borders, and it is important for us to maintain a continuing dialogue with our closest ally to tackle it.”
Ensuring diversity in cyber-security
The cyber-security leaders also discussed the importance of gender diversity in the field, with both officials firmly agreeing that further work was necessary in order to eliminate the barriers currently facing women and girls who want to enter into the profession.
They deliberated the NCSC’s CyberFirst Girls Competition, which has the objective of facilitating the entry of more women into cyber security by getting girls interested in cyber with fun and challenging team events for teenagers. On the other side of the pond, CISA has a continuing dedication to enhancing the available opportunities for young women and girls to pursue careers in cyber security and technology, as well as closing the gender gap that is present in these fields.
Bringing government and industry together
The officials also discussed government collaboration with industry, including the NCSC’s Industry 100 scheme and CISA’s Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative.
The Industry 100 scheme entails combined public and private sector talent in the UK pooling their knowledge to challenge vital cyber security issues. Comparably, the Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative has brought US public and private sector bodies together to combine crisis action planning and protect against dangers to US critical infrastructure.
Lindy Cameron will also meet this week with John Tien, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, in London to discuss cyber-related issues.
