House of Commons and House of Lords Hansard Written Answers
Q
Asked by Stewart Malcolm McDonald
(Glasgow South)
Asked on: 28 June 2017
Ministry of Defence
Defence Equipment: Cybercrime
1544
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to ensure that UK military technology is protected from cyber attacks.
A
Answered by: Mark Lancaster
Answered on: 05 July 2017
We take the growing threat of cyber attacks on our networks, systems and technology extremely seriously, and are taking action to defend against increasingly sophisticated attacks. Our systems are regularly targeted by criminals, foreign intelligence services and other malicious actors seeking to exploit Ministry of Defence (MOD) personnel, disrupt MOD business and operations, corrupt our systems and steal information. This is not unique to the MOD; other Government Departments and businesses are also affected.
In October 2016 we announced that the UK will invest £265 million to boost the defence of military cyber systems. This investment, supporting the new Cyber Vulnerability Investigations programme, will help the MOD better understand the cyber risks to our military equipment and systems. This will complement the £40 million investment into the Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC), enhancing our ability to secure Defencenetworks and systems against cyber threats.
Building on pioneering MOD science and technology, the MOD has completed cyber vulnerability investigations for a range of Defence systems and platforms, and is successfully mainstreaming the process into its ways of working.
Q
Asked by Jim Shannon
(Strangford)
Asked on: 27 June 2017
Ministry of Defence
Lebanon: Military Aid
1350
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with his counterparts in Lebanon on the provision of weapons and helicopters assistance.
A
Answered by: Mark Lancaster
Answered on: 04 July 2017
The Lebanon Government have not approached the Ministry of Defence for provision of weapons or helicopter assistance. Any request for military assistance and equipment to support the Lebanon Armed Forces fight against Daesh and other extremist groups in Lebanon is normally directed through the Lebanon Executive Military Committee which is chaired by the Deputy Director of the Lebanese Army and has international representation from the United Nations and key allies
Q
Asked by Jim Shannon
(Strangford)
Asked on: 27 June 2017
Ministry of Defence
Defence: Industry
1525
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the cooperative involvement UK defence companies and Israeli defence companies have had on mutual assistance and job creation.
A
Answered by: Harriett Baldwin
Answered on: 04 July 2017
The UK and Israel have a strong and important trading relationship, with nearly £6 billion in bilateral trade last year. The UK is the No. 1 destination for Israeli foreign direct investment in Europe, and there are now more than 300 Israeli companies established in the UK.
We welcome co-operation which safeguards the UK’s national security and promotes our prosperity. However no assessment has been made of the number of jobs that are linked to the cooperative involvement between UK and Israeli defence companies.
Q
Asked by Louise Haigh
(Sheffield, Heeley)
[N]
Asked on: 29 June 2017
Ministry of Defence
Armed Forces: Cybercrime
2033
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many cyber specialists are employed by the armed forces.
A
Answered by: Mark Lancaster
Answered on: 04 July 2017
The Ministry of Defence recognises the importance of cyber specialists in the Armed Forces, and we are significantly growing the number of dedicated cyber experts to deliver cyber operations. This includes the Joint Cyber Reserve Unit, who are experts from industry and academia using world leading skills and experience to provide crucial support to our Armed Forces.
In addition, c