BT extends cyber security agreement with MoD

BT is to extend its cyber security agreement with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) in a deal that will see the company expand its cyber defence service.

BT said work had already begun on the seven-year agreement that builds on an existing service and gives the MoD a wider and deeper defence capability across its global IT network.

BT did not disclose the value of the deal and said it would not provide details of the new capabilities it is to deliver to the MoD for security reasons.

In 2010, the MoD detected and blocked more than 1,000 attempts to infiltrate or disrupt its computer systems. This figure was more than double the number of the previous year.

BT will now deliver and integrate a range of new capabilities for the cutting-edge service, which is designed to deter attacks, as well as respond to and recover from them.

Tim Bishop, head of service operations at the MoD, said UK forces depend on computer networks, at home and in operations around the world.

"Over the past 5 years we’ve seen a significant rise in the number of threats to the UK’s national security through cyberspace, so it is crucial that we look to constantly improve our defence mechanisms to meet those threats," he said.

Bishop said BT had already delivered a world-leading service, so it made sense to develop the relationship further.

Neil Rogers, president of global government at BT Global Services, said the extended agreement testifies to the success and strength of BT's collaboration with the MoD.

"The service has already delivered a range of benefits, not just in terms of security, but also financial and operational efficiencies,” he said. 

"This deal will boost those gains further.”

BT said it is building on its long and close working relationship with the government by helping to deliver the UK National Cyber Security Strategy.

BT is a member of the UK government’s joint task force on cyber defence, the UK Cyber Hub initiative. It is driving the skills development agenda through sponsorship of initiatives such as the Cyber Security Challenge, and is a steering board member of the Partnering for Cyber Resilience programme.