A new academic research institute to improve understanding of the science behind the growing Cyber Security threat has been announced by government.

A new academic research institute to improve understanding of the science behind the growing Cyber Security threat has been announced by government.

The Institute, opened on 1st October 2012, is hosted at UCL and is led by Professor Angela Sasse (UCL Computer Science).

The Institute is funded by a £3.8 million grant and is part of a cross-government commitment towards increasing the nation’s academic capability in all fields of cyber security. Its research ultimately make it easier for businesses, individuals and government to take informed decisions about how to implement better cyber protection measures and safely benefit from the huge opportunities offered in cyber space.

Established by GCHQ, in partnership with the Research Councils’ Global Uncertainties Programme (RCUK), (led by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)), and the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS), the Institute is a virtual organisation involving seven universities. It allows leading academics in the field of cyber security including social scientists, mathematicians and computer scientists from across the UK to work together. 

It also connects with the collective expertise of industry security experts and international researchers in the field to tackle some of the UK’s toughest challenges in cyber security, in both the public and private sectors.

This collaborative approach between academia, industry and government ensures that research is relevant and inspired by real world, cutting edge, security issues.

Francis Maude, Minister for Cyber Security said "The UK is one of the most secure places in the world to do business - already 8% of our GDP is generated from the cyber world and that trend is set to grow. But we are not complacent. Through the National Cyber Security Programme we are putting serious investment into the best UK expertise to lead thought in the science of cyber.

“The UK's first academic Research Institute will strengthen capability in a strategically important area, keeping the UK at the forefront of international research in the field."

Congratulating the successful teams, David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science, said: "Britain has one of the largest online economies in the world and a growing cyber security sector, and we need to ensure this success continues. This new Research Institute will draw on the leading expertise in our universities from both technological and behavioural disciplines to address key challenges. It will help businesses, government and individuals to better protect themselves from cyber threats so they can make the most of the opportunities the internet presents."

Universities were selected following a tough competitive process, in which they had to devise new research programmes to address one of two key challenges:

• How secure is my organisation?

Addressing these very practical challenges requires a blended approach from researchers, drawing from both technological and behavioural disciplines. Four teams were successful:

• UCL, working with University of Aberdeen
• Imperial College, working with Queen Mary College and Royal Holloway, University of London
• Royal Holloway, University of London
• Newcastle University, working with Northumbria University

Director of Research, Professor Angela Sasse said: “I am delighted to be leading the new research Institute. This is an opportunity to work closely with colleagues from different scientific disciplines to tackle the technical, social and psychological challenges that effective cyber security presents.”