The British government has recently bestowed the status of “critical national infrastructure” upon data centers, placing them on par with essential systems like energy and water supply. This designation aims to enhance the protection and recovery of data centers during critical incidents, ultimately reducing harm to the economy and ensuring the stability of crucial services such as healthcare and financial systems.
This decision comes in the wake of the announcement of a major project for the construction of a data center in Hertfordshire, backed by an investment close to 4 billion pounds. The project is expected to generate over 700 local jobs and support around 14,000 tech-related jobs across the country. It underscores the economic significance of data centers, which play a vital role in storing and processing vast amounts of data ranging from personal photos to medical records.
Granting the status of a “book” allows the government to be more proactive in safeguarding the sector during emergencies such as cyber attacks or natural disasters. As part of this new policy, a specialized team will be established to monitor threats and coordinate access to security and emergency services. This initiative aims to bolster confidence in the UK as a secure destination for investment in digital infrastructure.
The importance of these measures is underscored by recent incidents, including cyber attacks on a provider that resulted in disruptions to 60% of the country’s medical institutions. Bestowing the status of a “book” upon Data Centers will help prevent such catastrophic outcomes in the future and ensure the reliability of digital infrastructure.
Furthermore, the government plans to enhance cyber protection by introducing a new cybersecurity and resilience law that will mandate the safeguarding of critical infrastructure supply chains. This move is set to fortify Great Britain’s position as a frontrunner in data protection and provide an additional boost to the sector’s development.