In response to significant IT outages linked to CrowdStrike, Technology Secretary Peter Kyle has declared that UK datacentres will now be designated as critical national infrastructure (CNI).
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) indicates that ranking datacentres alongside essential services such as water, energy, and emergency systems will enable the sector to receive enhanced government support for both incident recovery and proactive threat management. This initiative will establish a specialized CNI data infrastructure team, comprised of senior government officials, tasked with monitoring potential dangers, granting prioritized access to security agencies like the National Cyber Security Centre, and coordinating emergency services in the event of incidents.
DSIT also suggests that this CNI designation may deter cybercriminals from targeting datacentres that store crucial health and financial information, thereby reducing disruptions to individuals, the NHS, and the economy. For example, in the case of an attack on NHS datacentres, the government has pledged to step in to ensure plans are in place to minimize impacts on vital services, including patient appointments and surgeries.
“Datacentres are the backbone of modern life,” stated Kyle. “They fuel the digital economy and safeguard our most sensitive information. Integrating datacentres into the critical national infrastructure framework will enhance our collaboration with the government to counter cyber threats and other unforeseen challenges.”
DSIT also noted that these protections could bolster business confidence in investing in UK datacentres. For instance, DC01UK has proposed a £3.75 billion datacentre in Hertfordshire, which would become the largest in Europe, generating over 700 local jobs and supporting an additional 13,740 data and tech positions nationwide.
Earlier this summer, DSIT revealed plans to introduce the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill aimed at strengthening the nation’s cyber defenses by requiring essential infrastructure providers to safeguard their supply chains against attacks. Moreover, Labour has committed to removing planning obstacles that have impeded datacentre projects.
In his inaugural address to Parliament on September 3, Kyle highlighted the government’s vision for a more efficient state supported by swift digital infrastructure, encompassing everything from datacentres that power advanced AI to broadband connections that foster opportunities across communities.
Matthew Evans, COO at TechUK, commented on the designation of datacentres as critical national infrastructure: “Datacentres are essential to our evolving digital economy and serve as a significant growth engine. We are eager to work closely with the government and our stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of these new measures and their positive impact on the sector. Ongoing collaboration will be crucial in achieving our mutual goals of a secure, resilient, and prosperous digital economy.”
