Transparency data

Cyber Security capacity building: objectives 2017 to 2018

Published 16 February 2018

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/official-development-assistance-oda-fco-programme-spend-objectives-2017-to-2018/cyber-security-capacity-building-objectives-2017-to-2018

1. Overview

This programme helps partner countries improve their national cyber security capability and supports UK objectives under the Aid Strategy to strengthen global peace, security and governance and promote global prosperity. It also contributes to the development and delivery of DFID’s Digital Development Strategy and the UK National Cyber Security Strategy.

2. FCO Objectives on Cyber Security

The FCO works internationally to support a free, open, peaceful and secure cyberspace and deter malicious cyber activity. We work with partner countries to strengthen their cyber security capacity, reinforce the application of human rights online, promote stability in cyberspace and promote the multi-stakeholder approach to internet governance.

3. Official Development Assistance and Cyber Security Capacity Building

Evidence shows that Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) and the internet play important roles to advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. As research such as the World Bank’s Digital Dividends 2016 Report has found, ICT and secure internet access can:

  • promote economic growth and reduce the economic costs of cybercrime
  • promote inclusive and sustainable development by building resilience in infrastructure and helping foster innovation
  • support peace and justice, including by reducing illicit financial flows; tackling online sexual exploitation of children and increasing trust in secure e-government services

This programme supports cyber security capacity development and strengthens national capacities to agreed international norms. This includes national legislation; police and judiciary capacity; public awareness raising and the provision of education and training.

FCO Cyber Security Programmes are funded by a blend of ODA and non-ODA. ODA scoring within Cyber programmes is limited to ODA-eligible activities in DAC-listed countries.

4. Cyber Security Capacity Building project objectives

Projects focus on a wide range of cyber security capacities depending on individual countries’ needs. Projects fit within the five themes of the Global Agenda on Cyber Capacity Building, agreed by the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise in Delhi in November 2017. These are:

  • Cyber Security Policy and Strategy
  • Cyber Incident Management and Critical Infrastructure Protection
  • Cybercrime
  • Cyber Security Culture and Skills
  • Cyber Security Standards
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