UK data centres recognised as critical national infrastructure amid rising cyber security concerns

The UK Government recently classified data centres as critical national infrastructure (CNI), marking their first new CNI designation in nearly a decade. This move underscores the growing importance of data infrastructure in our increasingly digital world.

This move aims to bolster the security and resilience of data centres against cyber attacks. As a result, they will now receive the same level of protection as other vital services, such as energy, water, and emergency services. This designation provides operators with increased support in the event of an emergency, addressing rising cybersecurity concerns including:

• Dedicated CNI data infrastructure support team
• Prioritised access to security services
• Enhanced government support during critical incidents
• Coordination with emergency services

James Williams, Director of TMT at global cybersecurity company, NCC Group:

“This decision, alongside the upcoming Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, is a significant step in updating the UK’s cyber laws to address today’s sophisticated and evolving cyber threats. It ensures that all critical infrastructure is equipped to withstand cyber attacks.

“Data centres are a little known cornerstone of our economy and daily lives, powering everything from business operations to essential cloud services. Our reliance on data centres to provide continuous, uninterrupted service and connectivity is without question but often overlooked.

“Classification of these centres as critical infrastructure is a much needed change that will better protect and secure our every day lives, and is a recommendation we’ve been in discussions with the UK government on for some time. It signals this government’s commitment to embedding cyber security within a wider security strategy.”