New Times,
New Thinking.

  1. Spotlight on Policy
7 January 2020

NCSC chief executive Ciaran Martin to leave post

According to its own data, since 2016, the National Cyber Security Centre has dealt with over 2,000 major cyber security incidents.

By Rohan Banerjee

Ciaran Martin, the founding chief executive of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), will step down from his post in the summer. 

The 45-year-old, a career civil servant, was appointed to the board of UK Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) in December 2013. He recommended the establishment of the NCSC – a government organisation to offer support and guidance for the public and private sector in avoiding digitised threats – to ministers after the 2015 General Election. It was created the following year under his leadership.  

The NCSC, which is based in London, employs around 1,000 staff and has an annual operating budget of £250m.

According to its own data, since 2016, the NCSC has dealt with over 2,000 major cyber security incidents. The organisation has also provided evidence to enable Westminster to publicly name states behind cyberattacks and has taken steps to enhance national infrastructure security, including telecommunications. 

It has also helped the government to identify and decommission fraudulent websites, namely those which spoof public sector services such as HM Revenue and Customs.

Select and enter your email address Your weekly guide to the best writing on ideas, politics, books and culture every Saturday. The best way to sign up for The Saturday Read is via saturdayread.substack.com The New Statesman's quick and essential guide to the news and politics of the day. The best way to sign up for Morning Call is via morningcall.substack.com
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how Progressive Media Investments may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
THANK YOU

“When we created the NCSC, we set out to achieve something truly special,” Martin said in a statement. “I hope and believe we are leaving UK cyber security in much better shape.”

He added: “Challenges around securing technology are only going to get ever more complex, so it’s right that after six-and-a-half years that someone else takes this world-class organisation to the next level.”

GCHQ has confirmed that the search for Martin’s replacement is underway and is confident of appointing one in the coming months. After leaving his post at the NCSC, Martin will become a visiting professor at King’s College London from September.

Content from our partners
Can green energy solutions deliver for nature and people?
"Why wouldn't you?" Joining the charge towards net zero
The road to clean power 2030