14 DAY TRIAL // Early next year, the United Kingdom plans on launching its national Computer Emergency Response Team. The government has appointed Chris Gibson as the organization’s director.
“I am delighted to join CERT-UK as we enter this exciting phase, with implementation underway and the leadership team now being appointed I am looking forward to the task of bringing together government, industry, law enforcement and academia to establish the CERT as a team of professionals forming a world-class response to cyber threats to the UK,” Gibson said.
Before becoming the director of CERT-UK on November 11, Gibson worked as director of e-crime at Citigroup. He is recognized on an international level as an expert in cyber incident response.
The United Kingdom already has a CERT, but it’s more focused on critical infrastructure, defense forces and government networks. The new CERT, the launch of which was recently postponed, aims at complementing existing structures.
It will be tasked with leading international CERT engagement, and providing core incident management response. The national CERT will also coordinate information sharing and situational awareness for the entire country.
“Chris Gibson brings with him a wealth of experience in cyber incident response in the private sector, both in the UK and internationally. His first-hand knowledge and understanding of cyber security will be invaluable as he leads the national CERT,” commented Francis Maude, the Minister for Cabinet Office.
“We set out in our national Cyber Security Strategy the importance of strengthening our response to cyber incidents. By establishing CERT-UK we will build on and complement our existing CERT structures,” Maude added.
“This will help improve national co-ordination of cyber incidents and act as a focus point for international sharing of technical information on cyber security.CERT-UK will be the expert single point of contact for other nationalCERTs around the globe.”