Cyber Attacks: The UK and China

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Analysis
Conclusion and recommendation
Reference List

Introduction

Background information

In the 21^st century, most countries are focused towards becoming a part of the global economy. Consequently, one of the aspects that governments are concerned about touches on world trade. In a bid to position themselves in the global market, governments are increasingly investing in logistic and supply chain infrastructures such as Information Communication Technology (ICT). Therefore, trade across countries is increasingly being conducted through the Internet.

A report by the World Economic Forum (2012) asserts that technology has significantly facilitated the flow of goods across countries. Consequently, it is imperative for governments to ensure secure transmission of data. However, cyber attacks by foreign governments, terrorists, and “hactivists” among others present a major challenge to governments’ in their efforts to establish effective logistic and supply chain infrastructures.

Aim

The objective of this report is to compare and contrast how the UK and China are facilitating international trade investing in effective logistic and supply chain infrastructure. The report focuses on how the two countries are countering cyber attacks.

Analysis

Management of cybercrime

The UK

The UK government ranks cyber attack as one form of major incidents and international terrorism. Consequently, the government is investing heavily in various defence tactics (World Economic Forum, 2012). In 2008, the UK government formed the Police Central e-Crime Unit (PCeU).

The unit works in collaboration with the private sector and other law enforcement agencies. The government’s effort to curb cyber crime is also evidenced by the formation of the UK Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA). In 2011, the government invested US$1 billion to all the cyber security initiatives in the country. The funds were to be used in training experts and developing software to curb cyber attacks (KPMG International, 2011).

China

Currently, China ranks one of the fastest growing economies in the Middle East (World Economic Forum, 2012). The country’s economic growth has arisen from increment in the volume of trade with other countries. However, China is not fully committed towards fighting cyber crime as evidenced by the fact that the country is considered as the major source of targeted cyber attacks.

A report released in 2009 by KMPG International shows that 200 government websites were hacked in China. In an effort to curb such attacks, the Chinese government integrated computer crimes within the country’s criminal law legislation (KPMG International, 2011). Additionally, the Chinese government is also partnering with other organisations such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United Nations in an effort to fight cyber attacks.

Reflection on the advantages of the strategy adopted by the two governments

The above analysis shows that the UK is more effective in dealing with cyber crime as compared to China. The UK government is actively involved in dealing with cyber attacks. For example, by investing in development of new technology and human capital, the UK will be in a position to curb cyber crime more effectively. On the other hand, China’s strategy to deal with cyber crime is more indirect. Consequently, the outcome might not be very pleasing.

Lesson learnt

Cyber crime presents a major threat in the survival of organisations, which arises from the fact that firms can lose confidential information to hackers hence threatening their future survival. Therefore, it is imperative for firms’ management teams to integrate effective strategies to counter cyber attacks.

Conclusion and recommendation

To counter cyber attacks, organisations and governments should ensure that effective computer security mechanisms are integrated. Moreover, computer systems should be well configured to eliminate possible gaps that might present an opportunity to hackers.
It is also imperative for governments and organisations to review their computer security systems continuously in order to make the necessary improvements.

Reference List

KPMG International. (2011). Issues monitor, cyber crime; a challenge for governments. Retrieved from https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home.html

World Economic Forum (2012). Outlook on the logistics and supply chain industry. Retrieved from http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_GAC_LogisticsSupplyChainSystems_Outlook_2013.pdf

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