The government has announced that the UK's cybersecurity sector will be boosted by by millions in new investment and a roadmap for growth, as part of the Plan for Change.

The government has set out the Cyber Growth Action Plan that will chart a course for the UK’s cyber industry including the technologies, processes, and services designed to protect digital systems.

Led by independent experts at University of Bristol and Imperial College London’s Centre for Sectoral Economic Performance, the Plan will examine the strengths of the UK’s cyber sector and provide a roadmap for its future growth. This will be followed by a set of recommendations later this summer for government to plan what steps can be taken to deliver maximum impact. 

Furthermore, up to £16 million in new investment has been announced in 2 cyber sector programmes to kickstart growth.

Up to £10 million in additional funding will be invested in the CyberASAP programme over the next four years, to support the UK’s academic cyber sector to turn their research into commercial companies.

Up to £6 million will be also allocated to support cyber startups and SMEs.

Cyber Security Minister Feryal Clark said: "Cyber security is essential to our economic strength and national resilience. Today’s announcement is backed by investment showing we’re serious about making the UK a global leader in cyber innovation and protection.

"Through our Plan for Change, we’re backing the sector to create high-quality jobs through the Cyber Growth Action Plan and ensuring our public services are built on secure foundations with the expert support of the Government Cyber Advisory Board."

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden said: "Today’s investment will help to turn innovative ideas into successful businesses up and down the country, and the new research will support our mission to grow the economy.  

"Recent cyber attacks show just how important it is we foster the development of the sector - delivering the double dividend of high paying jobs as well as strengthening the country’s cyber security."