UK Designates Data Centers as Critical National Infrastructure to Enhance Cyber Defenses

Sep 12, 2024, 09:18 AM

The UK government has officially designated data centers as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). This new status, announced by Technology Secretary Peter Kyle, places data centers on par with essential services such as the NHS, power grid, water, and emergency systems. The designation aims to enhance cyber defenses and protect against IT outages and cyber attacks, ensuring the security of NHS, financial, and personal smartphone data. The move is expected to bolster investor confidence and improve coordination between the government and data center operators to mitigate cyber threats and unexpected events. This is the first CNI designation in almost a decade, covering both physical buildings and cloud systems.