Clive Jones

Deputy Director Cyber Security, UK Trade & Investment Defence & Security Organisation (UKTI DSO)

Guest blogger for Robin Barnett

Part of UK in Poland

18th December 2015 Dublin, Ireland

Challenges and solutions of cyber security for public and private sector

There is no doubt that cyber security is of growing importance to countries around the world with demand for high quality technology and services booming. Poland is no exception. Last week I spoke at a well-attended cyber security event at the British Embassy in Warsaw. I used this great opportunity to discuss the importance of cyber security within critical national infrastructure, and the challenges and opportunities presented to both Britain and Poland.

During the event, I was impressed by the six UK companies who presented on their services and capabilities. These six companies, BT, Deep Secure, Templar Executives, Assuira, Swivel Secure, and Dark Trace, represent a broad range of expertise from the UK cyber security sector. The UK is home to one of the most advanced cyber industries in the world. In 2014, British cyber security exports grew significantly with the sector worth around £17.6 billion and employing over 100,000 people.

I was also impressed that Ambassador, Robin Barnett, found time out of his busy schedule with Prime Minister Cameron who was also visiting Poland, to video link into the event.

Looking ahead into the New Year, cyber security remains high on the agenda for the British and Polish Governments. In the UK, the Chancellor’s recent announcement of a new National Cyber Centre and the upcoming publication of the Government’s second five year National Security Strategy are both focused on making sure Britain remains a world leader in cyber security.

During my conversations with members of the Polish cyber security community I was struck by the similarities between the two markets and feel that there is a lot that we can learn from each other. These positive discussions reinforced my view that it’s a good time to be strengthening the collaboration and partnership between British and Polish companies in this critical sector and I look forward to continuing this dialogue.

About Robin Barnett

Robin Barnett was British Ambassador to Ireland from 2016 to 2020. Between 2011 - 2016 he held the post of British Ambassador to Poland and his career has previously concentrated…

Robin Barnett was British Ambassador to Ireland from 2016 to 2020. Between 2011 - 2016 he held the post of British Ambassador to Poland and his career has previously concentrated on Central and Eastern Europe and multi-lateral diplomacy.

Robin began his career in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1980 as Desk Officer for Indonesia and the Philippines. In addition to Ireland, he has been posted to Vienna, New York and Bucharest, where he was Ambassador. He has also served as Director of UK Visas and Managing Director of the Business Group in UK Trade and Investment

Robin studied Law at Birmingham University. He has a son and a stepson and is a great admirer of Sir Alex Ferguson and a supporter of Manchester United.