Written question asked by Lord Patten (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord West of Spithead (Labour) on Thursday, 3 December 2009.

Cyber Security

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Office of Cyber Security will be fully operational by March 2010.

Answer: The Office of Cyber Security was established in September 2009, and is already working in support of delivering the Cyber Security Strategy. Within the strategy it was felt sensible to plan for an initial operational capability—which included being staffed by approximately 20 people from different departments and agencies—by March 2010. They presently have 12 staff but are not waiting for an arbitrary initial operational capability; they are already making progress in their priority work areas. Other staff will be recruited over the remainder of the financial year.

Secondary information