Terrorists are using cloud computing to plan attacks and remain undetected - and the UK Government needs to keep up with such technological advances.
This was the message of Home Secretary Theresa May, who today outlined the Government's updated counter-terrorism strategy, known as CONTEST.
Cloud, one of the hot topics in the IT world right now, is one example of how terrorists are using modern technologies for their own ends.
"Cloud computing offers new means for storing, sharing and distributing material online," May warned.
"It can be encrypted and configured to work with mobile devices, leaving little or no trace of the data behind."
Cloud-based companies such as Google are also unwittingly helping terrorists, the Home Secretary explained.
"Terrorists are increasingly using online technology, including Google Earth and Street View for attack planning," she said.
"Ahead of its attempted aviation attacks, AQ-AP used commercial systems to allow air mail to be tracked in real time we can speculate that this was to detonate a device over a particular city, to maximise casualties, or perhaps over a particular country, to maximise the political fallout."
May also noted how extremists could use peer-to-peer networks to "distribute files and information rapidly and securely." Furthermore, software to encrypt mobile calls and texts is now widely available and improving, the Home Secretary said.
"To tackle these new and emerging threats our own technology must constantly evolve and adapt. That's why we are investing in new systems and new capabilities," May added.
"Our Communications Capabilities Development Programme will ensure that our investigative capabilities are maintained in the face of rapid changes in digital technology. Legislation will be brought forward to put in place the necessary regulations and safeguards to ensure that the response to this technological challenge is both proportionate and appropriate."
The updated CONTEST strategy also focused on the need to strengthen border security, using technology such as that involved in e-Borders.
The Government will be announcing its own updated cloud computing strategy before September.
Earlier this week, the UK terror threat level was reduced from "severe" to "substantial."
-
Should AI PCs be part of your next hardware refresh?AI PCs are fast becoming a business staple and a surefire way to future-proof your business
-
Westcon-Comstor and Vectra AI launch brace of new channel initiativesNews Westcon-Comstor and Vectra AI have announced the launch of two new channel growth initiatives focused on the managed security service provider (MSSP) space and AWS Marketplace.
-
Starmer bets big on AI to unlock public sector savingsNews AI adoption could be a major boon for the UK and save taxpayers billions, according to prime minister Keir Starmer.
-
UK government targets ‘startup’ mindset in AI funding overhaulNews Public sector AI funding will be overhauled in the UK in a bid to simplify processes and push more projects into development.
-
UK government signs up Anthropic to improve public servicesNews The UK government has signed a memorandum of understanding with Anthropic to explore how the company's Claude AI assistant could be used to improve access to public services.
-
US government urged to overhaul outdated technologyNews A review from the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) has found legacy technology and outdated IT systems are negatively impacting efficiency.
-
Government urged to improve tech procurement practicesNews The National Audit Office highlighted wasted money and a lack of progress on major digital transformation programmes
-
Government says new data bill will free up millions of hours of public sector timeNews The UK government is proposing new data laws it says could free up millions of hours of police and NHS time every year and boost the UK economy by £10 billion.
-
Three giant tech challenges the UK’s new government faces right nowOpinion Five years starts now, and there’s not a second to waste
-
G-Cloud 13: UK government 'inhibiting' cloud SMEs' ability to adapt to harsher business landscapeNews Suppliers on the cloud services portal have hit out at an extension to the current iteration of G-Cloud
