Defence
Data Security & Sovereignty in Defence
METCLOUD DEFENCE provides data security and sovereignty for the UK Defence Sector. Vetted by NCSC Agencies and supported by UK Government Security Cleared (SC) personnel. METCLOUD’s, highly secure cloud services provide Government and supply chain companies optimum security and digital resilience.
The UK defence sector operates under stringent data security regulations to ensure that sensitive information, whether related to national security or defence operations, is protected from unauthorised access and foreign interference. These regulations are guided by national laws, standards, and international frameworks.
1. Defence Cyber Protection Partnership (DCPP) and DEFSTAN 05-138
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) established the Defence Cyber Protection Partnership (DCPP) to enhance cyber resilience in the defence supply chain.
Key elements include:
· DEFSTAN 05-138: The “Cyber Security for Defence Suppliers” standard outlines the baseline security measures that must be met by all suppliers. It categorizes the data and systems into different levels of protection requirements based on the sensitivity of the information.
· Cyber Risk Assessment: Suppliers are required to conduct risk assessments based on the MOD’s Cyber Risk Profile, categorised from “Very Low” to “Very High.”
· Compliance with Cyber Essentials: All defence suppliers must have at least the Cyber Essentials certification to demonstrate they have implemented basic cybersecurity controls. For contracts involving more sensitive data, Cyber Essentials Plus is often required, which includes independent verification of controls.
2. UK Official Secrets Act (OSA)
· The Official Secrets Act is a key piece of legislation that governs the handling of classified information in the UK. The act places strict obligations on defence personnel, contractors, and anyone handling information classified as Official, Secret, or Top Secret to ensure that sensitive information is not disclosed or mishandled.
3. Government Security Classifications (GSC)
The UK government uses a classification scheme to protect sensitive information, which also applies to defence data. The Government Security Classifications (GSC) system categorises information into three tiers:
· Official: Routine government and defence business, which could have adverse impacts if disclosed.
· Secret: Information that could seriously harm national security or international relations.
· Top Secret: Information where unauthorized disclosure could cause exceptionally grave damage to national security.
For each classification, there are specific handling, storage, and transmission requirements, including encryption standards and secure communication protocols.
4. Data Protection Act (DPA) 2018 and UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK-GDPR)
The Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK-GDPR regulate how personal data, including that of defence personnel, is processed and protected. Defence organisations must ensure:
· Lawful and Transparent Data Processing: Ensuring that data is collected and processed legally and that individuals are informed of the processing purposes.
· Security of Personal Data: Implementing measures such as encryption, pseudonymization, and access controls to protect personal data, especially in the context of defence operations and systems.
· Data Minimization and Retention: Personal data must be kept to a minimum and not retained longer than necessary for the purpose.
5. Network and Information Systems (NIS) Regulations
The NIS Regulations apply to operators of essential services in the defence sector and require them to take appropriate and proportionate measures to:
· Manage cybersecurity risks affecting network and information systems.
· Implement incident response mechanisms.
· Report cybersecurity incidents to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
Defence entities falling under the Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) must comply with NIS and NIS2 regulations, as disruptions could have significant national security implications.
6. MOD Information Assurance (IA) Policies
The MOD has its own Information Assurance policies, which are outlined in the JSP (Joint Service Publication) 440: Defence Manual of Security and other related documents. These policies include:
· JSP 440: This is the primary security manual governing protective security within the MOD. It provides guidelines on protecting classified information, managing personnel security, and ensuring physical and IT security measures are in place.
· JSP 604: Addresses IT systems security, specifying the requirements for network security, encryption standards, and secure communications.
7. Cyber Security Model (CSM)
The MOD’s Cyber Security Model (CSM) was introduced to ensure a consistent and structured approach to cybersecurity across the defence supply chain. It involves:
· Conducting a Supplier Cyber Protection Assessment.
· Ensuring that suppliers align with specific cyber risk profiles based on the sensitivity of the data being handled.
· Implementing a governance framework that includes regular audits, compliance checks, and continuous improvement of cyber defences.
8. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Control Regulations
For defense organizations working with international partners, compliance with export control regulations is essential:
· ITAR: Regulates the export and transfer of defence-related data, technologies, and services. UK defence companies working with U.S. counterparts must ensure compliance with ITAR restrictions, especially when dealing with sensitive data that falls under U.S. jurisdiction.
· UK Export Control Act and Regulations: Control the export of military and dual-use items and technologies. Defence entities must ensure that the export and sharing of data with foreign entities do not violate these regulations.
9. Security Policy Framework (SPF)
The Security Policy Framework (SPF) is a government-wide policy that sets out the protective security measures required to safeguard HMG assets. For the defence sector, it establishes requirements for:
· Information Security: Policies and controls to protect digital and physical assets.
· Physical Security: Requirements for securing sensitive sites and facilities.
· Personnel Security: Vetting and background checks for all individuals handling classified information.
10. ISO/IEC 27001 Compliance
Many defence organizations in the UK align their information security management systems (ISMS) with ISO/IEC 27001 standards. This provides a structured approach to managing sensitive information and helps in meeting MOD’s IA requirements.
11. National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) Guidelines
The NCSC provides guidance and standards for the defence sector on securing systems and data against cyber threats. These include:
· 10 Steps to Cyber Security: A foundational guideline for protecting networks and systems.
· Cloud Security Guidance: Recommendations for securely implementing cloud services in defence contexts.
· End User Device Security: Best practices for securing mobile devices, laptops, and other equipment used in defence.
Overall, compliance with these regulations and standards is crucial to maintaining the security and sovereignty of UK defence data and ensuring that sensitive information is protected from both domestic and foreign threats.
EXPLORE OTHER COMMON CYBER SECURITY ISSUES
Let's Get Connected
Call 0121 227 0730 and speak to one of our experts.
Email the team at hello@metcloud.com.
Register with us for more information and news.