Security Minister Dan Jarvis adheres to the National Security Act enacted in 2023
The Lowdown on Protecting UK Security: A Guide for Security Professionals in the Digital Age
In the bustling world of security, you're no stranger to the complex web of threats we face every day. It's not just about keeping up with the bad guys; it's about staying ahead of them and countering their ever-expanding tactics.
Adversaries from various states are posing an increasing threat to our nation's stability — damaging our infrastructure, stealing sensitive information, challenging our values, and even threatening dissidents living within our borders, all while manipulating public discourse. The methods they employ are constantly evolving, making it crucial for security professionals like you to play a pivotal role in counteracting this danger.
MI5's Director General, Sir Ken McCallum, warns that state actors often rely on proxies, whether knowingly or unknowingly, to carry out their illicit activities. This chilling statement underscores the importance of vigilance within our industry.
Security professionals, with their unique skills, access to information, and proximity to individuals of interest, have become an attractive target for hostile actors eager to exploit them.
To maintain the UK's safety and safeguard your own interests, it's essential to stay vigilant to these threats and take decisive actions to mitigate them. This can help safeguard the nation and secure your career.
Following the passing of the National Security Act 2023, the UK has become a tougher nut to crack for states conducting hostile activities against us, including those carried out through proxies. Working for a foreign power isn't illegal, but aiding them in activities that harm the UK is now considered a criminal offense.
Here's a brief rundown of the actions that could fall under this category:
- Working for a foreign intelligence service, even through second parties hired by these organizations.
- Accepting or agreeing to accept material benefits originating from a foreign intelligence service.
- Engaging in foreign interference activities, such as sowing discord, undermining public safety, or targeting foreign dissidents.
- Retaining or sharing protected information or trade secrets on behalf of a foreign power.
Although these changes may seem daunting, the government has provided new guidelines, available online, to support you and your businesses in implementing these checks correctly. By adhering to due diligence checks, you can minimize threats and ensure compliance with the law.
To shore up your defenses, remain cautious, understand the law, and be aware of who your clients are. Due diligence checks are a vital weapon in your arsenal. If you encounter any suspicious activities or concerns, report them to the authorities with as much detail as possible so the government can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the frequency and nature of malicious state actor activity.
Remember, the involvement of a state may not always be immediately apparent. Some states operate covertly, making it challenging to discern their intentions or involvement. Others target the UK through intermediaries, seemingly innocent people or businesses.
Take every precaution to confirm that you're not knowingly engaging in harmful activities for a foreign power. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and don't ignore red flags when they surface. Be inquisitive, meticulous, and mindful in your work to protect yourself and our nation.
Countering the growing threat of state actors requires a team effort. Working together with the private sector, academia, and our partners, we will make the UK a safer, more secure, and more resilient nation. As security professionals, you play a crucial role in our country's national security. Under the National Security Act 2023, you can confidently carry out your duties, knowing that you're serving your country and not the interests of a hostile state actor.
Sincerely,
Minister of State (Minister for Security) Dan Jarvis MBE MP
January 20, 2025
In light of the National Security Act 2023, security professionals must stay informed about the new guidelines for countering state-sponsored activities, as adhering to due diligence checks can help minimize threats and ensure compliance with the law. Proactive involvement in policy-and-legislation discussions surrounding politics and general-news related to security is crucial for staying ahead of hostile actors in the digital age.
