OREANDA-NEWS. July 04, 2012. BT today announced a major extension to its cyber security agreement with the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) in a deal that will see the company expand its world-leading cyber-defence solution.

 Work has already begun on the seven year arrangement that builds on the success of an existing service and gives the MOD a wider and deeper defence capability across its global IT network.

 In 2010, the MOD detected and blocked more than 1,000 ‘potentially serious’ attempts to infiltrate or disrupt its computer systems, 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, react to and recover from any such attack or exploitation.

 Air Commodore Tim Bishop, Head of Service Operations MOD, said: “Our forces depend on computer networks, both in the UK and in operations around the world. Over the last 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.

 “BT has already delivered a world-leading solution, so it makes sense to develop our relationship further.”

 Neil Rogers, President, Global Government, BT Global Services, said: “This agreement is a huge achievement for BT and it is testament to the success and strength of our 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 – this deal will boost those gains further.”

 As a respected authority on cyber defence and information assurance, BT is building on its long and close working relationship with the Government by helping to deliver the UK National Cyber Security Strategy. The company is also a member of the UK Government’s joint task force on cyber defence; the UK Cyber Hub initiative and is driving the skills development agenda through sponsorship of initiatives such as the Cyber Security Challenge. BT is also a steering board member of the Partnering for Cyber Resilience programme.