Brit businesses warned to lock up their secrets amid China security fears
BRITISH businesses were tonight warned to lock up their secrets by MI5 Director-General Ken McCallum to prevent hostile countries like China from stealing them.
The UK’s top spook joined other heads of the ‘Five Eyes’ domestic intelligence agencies of the US, Australia, Canada and New Zealand to launch a campaign about the potential peril.
Mr McCallum said businesses and other organisations like universities need to secure themselves “before it is too late.”
Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, super computers and synthetic biology are deemed to be at particular risk of espionage.
The warning comes as the number of investigations by MI5 into Chinese activities in Britain has risen by seven times over the last three years.
British tech companies are acknowledged world leaders in their field and regarded as top targets for attack from countries like China, Russia and Iran.
They are being warned that “bad actors” are trying to penetrate IT systems, compromise employees working abroad or place covert spies in their midst.
Companies are particularly urged to be on their guard against Chinese firms which are seemingly independent but in reality under control of their regime.
British universities are also being urged to be vigilant against efforts to steal research for military and commercial advantages.
The threat from aggressive countries in the global technology race is now greater than at any time since the end of the Cold War in the late 1980’s.
MI5 chief Mr McCallum outlined the “sharp rise” in espionage at the summit hosted in California by the Hoover Institution at Stanford University and the FBI.
He said: “The Five Eyes is the world’s oldest and most significant intelligence alliance. The strength of our partnership saves lives in our countries and around the world.
“Across all five of our countries we are seeing a sharp rise in aggressive attempts by other states to steal competitive advantage.
“This contest is particularly acute on emerging technologies; states which lead the way in areas like artificial intelligence, quantum computing and synthetic biology will have the power to shape all our futures.
“We all need to be aware, and respond, before it’s too late.
“So today we’ve jointly bolstered security across our five nations by offering practical steps organisations can take to keep themselves safe.”
The warning from the ‘Five Eyes’ security chiefs, comes as new guidelines were published in the UK last night warning small and medium sized businesses about hostile foreign spies.
An updated five-point ‘Secure Innovation’ advisory from the UK’s National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) informs firms how to protect themselves.
The NPSA – the protective security arm of MI5 and the National Cyber Security Centre – has produced a free Quick Start Guide aimed at technology firms on how to keep their products and work safe,
It includes tips on physical, cyber and personnel security arrangements and covers areas including investments, supply chains, travel, IT networks and cloud computing.
National Cyber Security Centre CEO, Lindy Cameron said: “The UK has one of the best environments for start-ups working in the field of emerging technology, but we know this can make companies a target for malicious actors.
“It is vital organisations take state and criminal threats seriously and ensure they are effectively managing the risks, including those emanating from cyberspace.
“That’s why, working jointly with the NPSA, we have strengthened our Secure Innovation guidance which will help organisations implement cost-effective measures to stay resilient online.”