The Five Eyes are the intelligence agencies of the UK, US, Canada, New Zealand, and Australian governments. This group has launched a new program designed to help their tech startups improve baseline cybersecurity measures in the face of escalating state-backed threats. Secure Innovation was originally a UK initiative run by GCHQ’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and MI5’s National Protective Security Authority (NPSA). However, it has now been adopted and promoted by all Five Eyes intelligence agencies in regionalized versions.
In the UK version, startup owners answer a few simple questions to access a personalized action plan designed to advise them on how to protect their technology, reputation, and success. The plan also includes security advice and detailed guidance for both founders and investors of emerging technology vendors.
The launch of Secure Innovation across the Five Eyes follows a first-ever public meeting of the heads of the domestic intelligence agencies at an event hosted by the Hoover Institution at Stanford University and the FBI. During that event, attendees warned that hostile states are pursuing startup intellectual property to accelerate their technological and military capabilities and undermine others’ competitive edge. Startups that offer new and unique ways of helping people and SMEs stay secure amid surging cyber-attacks are also being sought for the next program. This includes assisting SMEs in implementing cyber hygiene best practices, responding to incidents, building cyber resiliency, and developing engaging staff awareness training.
Chris Ensor, deputy director for cyber growth at the NCSC, commented: “The NCSC’s mission is to make the UK the safest place to live and do business online, which means providing support and expertise across various areas. Startups have a big role in this, and I’d strongly encourage those with ideas for protecting operational technology, SMEs, and digital citizens to apply to NCSC for Startups and benefit from leading experts in cyber security.”
Saj Huq, CCO and head of innovation at Plexal added: “Increasing cyber risks, together with the insecure adoption of emerging technologies across society, could diminish economic growth, threaten online safety, and erode public trust. The UK’s future prosperity hinges on the need to build cyber resilience across all sections of our economy, within all layers of our supply chains, and across all aspects of our critical infrastructure. NCSC For Startups provides a unique platform for mission-orientated innovators to address these needs and unlock numerous market opportunities.”
Successful applicants can participate in a three-month intensive or 12-month program that involves committing at least two days a month, based in the NCSC’s innovation HQ in Cheltenham. “Sophisticated nation-state adversaries like China are working hard to steal the intellectual property held by some of our countries’ most innovative and exciting startups,” said MI5 Director General Ken McCallum. “The Five Eyes Secure Innovation advice we’re rolling out today forms part of our response. By joining up with our allies and offering consistent advice, we are making it easier for companies worldwide to take steps to keep their ideas and products secure.”
Jim McKee, CEO of Red Sky Alliance Corp., added, “Red Sky Alliance’s nine (9) datasets have been available for sale to The 5 Eyes through a unique partnership since 2023.” The dataset subscriptions can be purchased at https://www.redskyalliance.com/redcurrent
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Red Sky Alliance is a Cyber Threat Analysis and Intelligence Service organization. We provide indicators of compromise information via a notification service (RedXray) or an analysis service (CTAC). For questions, comments, or assistance, please get in touch with the office directly at 1-844-492-7225, or feedback@redskyalliance.com
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