Raytheon Cyber Innovation Centre becomes operational
“This is the first cyber eco-system of its kind in the UK where industry, customers, partners and academia come together under one roof to solve some of the most complex cyber issues,” said Richard Daniel (right), chief executive of Raytheon UK. “Raytheon has invested £3 million and the centre will house more than 100 of the UK’s most talented cyber professionals with expertise from big data and analytics to network defence. Raytheon works extremely closely with its supply chain and actively fosters innovation. To that end, the company is also announcing that it will be launching a new cyber innovation competition aimed at small to medium-sized businesses with prizes totalling £100,000.”
Trade and Investment Minister Lord Livingston said: “I am delighted to be opening this new Raytheon Cyber Innovation Centre which demonstrates the UK’s leading position in cyber security and ensures UK firms benefit from a more trusted digital environment.
“The UK is at the forefront in cyber security innovation, with strong support across government helping the rapid growth of this sector which is now worth over £6 billion, employs around 40,000 people and expected to reach £2 billion in exports by 2016.”
The UK government considers state-sponsored cyber attacks and large-scale cyber crime as a Tier 1 risk to national security. Such sophisticated and targeted attacks could cost the UK economy billions of pounds every year.
Richard Graham, MP for Gloucester, noted how cyber threats have been capturing headlines across the world as attacks become more frequent and prominent. “Cyber security is an increasing issue for governments and businesses around the world and there is no better time to exploit this increased cyber awareness to ensure a safer digital economy. Our Prime Minister and President Obama called for greater US-UK cooperation in developing cyber capabilities. I welcome Raytheon's investment in innovation and its supply chain, which positions our city and country at the heart of a sector that will boost growth and jobs.”
The facility joins Raytheon’s global network of cyber centres and will focus on cyber and information assurance projects, while utilising the company’s decades of experience, international capability and global partnerships.
Those partnering with Raytheon include: principal partner BT, Assuria Computer Network Defence, Dark Trace, ERA-Persides, Esuasive, Exonar, Helyx SIS, Mass, Microsoft, MWR Infosecurity, Nettitude, Technology Management Associates, Zeta Associates, Lancaster University and University of Warwick.
