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Written question asked by Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 26 January 2026. It was answered by Luke Pollard (Labour) on Friday, 30 January 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence: ICT and Security

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what criteria his Department uses to assess requirements to rebuild underlying data analytics architecture, undertake fresh security accreditation and retrain personnel.

Answer

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) keeps its data analytics infrastructure, security assurance processes and workforce skills under continual review. Decisions to rebuild underlying data analytics architecture are based on whether current systems remain aligned with Defence's enterprise data principles, architectural standards (Exploitable by Design), resilience requirements, and operational needs.

The MOD has replaced accreditation with Secure by Design in line with National Cyber Security Centre guidance on assuring systems and services. The MOD's Cyber Security Design Authority provides a reliable, curated source of standards and policies to enable secure design.

Personnel are retrained when new tools, platforms or security standards are introduced, or when capability reviews identify changing skills requirements across Defence's digital and data workforce.

These processes ensure Defence maintains secure, resilient, and modern data capabilities that can effectively support Defence outcomes.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
107537
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Staff ICT Ministry of Defence Training Security
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk