UK ranked top G20 nation for 'cyber power'

A new index from technology consulting firm Booze Allen Hamilton has placed the UK as number one among the G20 countries for 'cyber power'.

In the index, cyber power is described as an overall summary of various factors, including infrastructure and the IT skills of the workforce.

"Cyber power is created when a complex digital information network is combined with a secure and robust physical infrastructure and developed by a skilled workforce."

The index itself is designed to benchmark the ability of a country to withstand cyber attack, and to deploy the digital infrastructure required by a modern economy.

 "The index measures both the success of digital uptake and the degree to which the economic and regulatory environment promotes national cyber power," said the index's authors in its description.

Although the UK ranked top overall, closely followed by the US, it was found to be weakest on IT education and skills.

The index's supporting notes explained that these are important facets to a nation's overall cyber power.

"Cyber power relies on a solid foundation that includes technical skills, high educational attainment levels, open trade policies, and an innovative business environment.

"The US has the most supportive economic and social context for fostering cyber power according to the index. This is driven by high tertiary education enrolment, research and development investment, and an open trade environment."

Overall the research behind the index showed the UK to be strong in its commitment to cyber development, intellectual property protection, and the quality of and access to ICT.

However, the UK was found to be only average among G20 nations in terms of education and skills, the innovation environment and the development of smart grids.

This chimes with last week's report from the Royal Society that the UK is in dire need of specialist ICT teachers.