National Highways and BAE Systems collaborate to tackle evolving cyber threats
Image courtesy National Highways
The contract builds on a relationship that has spanned two decades, with BAE Systems already providing cyber consultancy and assurance for National Highways’ digital services team.
The new three-year contract will see the Company provide support across several areas including cybersecurity and data protection, information security analysis and the provision of cyber threat intelligence services.
These services will help combat a diversifying threat landscape that has seen malicious actors attempting to harm digital progress across critical national infrastructure in recent years. With hacking attempts on transport infrastructure rising, the need to build increasingly resilient solutions, while ensuring more agile management and protection, has never been greater.
Wesley Bill, Head of Transport at BAE Systems’ Digital Intelligence business, said: "Like many other countries around the world, England’s national infrastructure is increasingly a target for cyber-attacks – with transport and National Highways a critical component of that infrastructure.
"Amidst this complex threat landscape, we’re proud to expand our longstanding relationship with National Highways through services and expertise that will help strengthen the country’s resilience today and into the future."
As part of the proposal, BAE Systems will leverage expertise from across industry, collaborating with AtkinsRéalis, Capgemini and PA Consulting to deliver advanced cyber services.
Julia Thorne, Technology Programmes Director at National Highways, said: "Having access to quality capabilities enables us to deploy transport infrastructure projects at pace, while maintaining our cyber resilience in the face of considerable and rapidly evolving cyber threats.
"We look forward to taking the next step on our journey with BAE Systems as we drive our digital strategy in a way that continues to deliver security against the latest threats."
Leveraging its existing expertise across rail, road, air, sea and space, BAE Systems will also provide National Highways with analysis on how the cyber landscape is expected to evolve in the decades to come. The development of autonomous vehicles, connected smart cities, drones, quantum computing and much more will be explored to ensure the public continues to enjoy an innovative and safe road network in the coming years.
