The organisers of the Infosecurity Europe show have welcomed the publication of the government's cyber security strategy, but warn that there is still a long way to go before anyone can say that the UK PLC is more secure than other countries in terms of cybersecurity.

 Claire Sellick, event director for the show, said that the aims of the strategy are laudable, but added that it is still too early to say whether the strategy will succeed or fail. She also called for the private sector to rally in its support for the government on the strategy plan.

 "It is excellent to hear that the government understands the huge economic and social value that the Internet brings to business and society in general. It's also good news to see that the government understands the need for society's core values of liberty, fairness and transparency to be transposed on to the regulation - and usage - of the Internet within the UK," she said.

"Objective one - that of tackling the problem of cybercrime to the extent of making the UK one of the most secure places in the world to do business in cyberspace - has to be made a key priority for the government in its execution of the strategy plan, as without this objective becoming reality, everyone in society will lose out," she added.

The Infosecurity Europe event director went on to say that the second objective - making the UK more resilient to cyber attacks, as well as fully enabled to protect our interests in cyberspace - is also very welcome.

Sellick explained that the UK's reliance for tax revenues from the City of London - especially now that North Sea oil and gas revenues have slackened - is something that economists have commented on for several years.

If the government's strategy on cyberspace security reaches fruition by 2015, she says, then the UK will become one of the main places to operate business from on the Internet, and so generate healthy additional virtual revenues for the Treasury.

Sellick added that the observations that she and her team have made at the Infosecurity Europe events - which are held every spring in London - suggest that industry is well prepared for the challenge in making the UK the best place to conduct business on the Internet, replicating the high status that the City of London has in the financial sector.

"And it's against this backdrop that we welcome the clear definition of the government's cybersecurity strategy. It now needs our industry to get behind this strategy and ensure that the laudable targets set for 2015 become reality," she said.

"Our continuing aim with the Infosecurity Europe show - the next event in the annual series will be held in London on April 24 -26 - is to create a strong framework for the education and exchange of information between like-minded IT security professionals. This is supported by an unrivalled education programme that continues to be offered free of charge," she added.

For more on the Infosecurity Europe show: http://www.infosec.co.uk

For more on the Government's cyber security strategy: http://bit.ly/rZVxfW

About Infosecurity Europe

Infosecurity Europe, celebrating 17 years at the heart of the industry in 2012, is Europe’s number one Information Security event.  Featuring over 300 exhibitors, the most diverse range of new products and services, an unrivalled education programme and visitors from every segment of the industry, it is the most important date in the calendar for Information Security professionals across Europe.  Organised by Reed Exhibitions, the world’s largest tradeshow organiser, Infosecurity Europe is one of four Infosecurity events around the world with events also running in Belgium, Netherlands and Russia.  Infosecurity Europe runs from the 24th – 26th April 2012, in Earls Court, London.  For further information please visit www.infosec.co.uk

ENDS

Notes for editors

For further press information please contact Neil Stinchcombe on (0)20 7183 2833 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.