How does cyber security impact the price or competitiveness of a product or service? Does greater cyber security increase the price of goods and services? How much of a difference does it make to the price of products and services? If they internalise these costs, how much is the cost to the manufacturer/supplier? Are more secure products and services outcompeting competitors due to being more secure or are cheaper alternatives (with less security) more competitive in the marketplace? Does greater security of UK products lead to them outcompeting other brands on the international stage? Are UK products considered premium products internationally due to greater security by design? Does security provide competitive advantage both within the UK market and internationally?
Background
In order to ensure the UK is well protected now and in the future we need to build upon our existing knowledge of cyber security risks and the resilience of software supply chains and are working to identify which mitigations the government can leverage to ensure the UK is well protected now and in the future.
We’re also assessing the impact of these mitigations in driving enhanced security measures. A key area of research interest therefore is understanding the consequences of requiring higher levels of cybersecurity for products and digital services sold in the UK. Strengthening this evidence base will help shape and inform future policy work around the regulation of products and business requirements for cyber security.
Some technologies are critical to cyberspace. To build and sustain competitive edge in cyber-related technologies we need a coordinated, rigorous and consistent approach to identify and analyse critical areas of science and technology and prioritise national effort. CSDI is interested inbeing able to better anticipate the science and technology developments most vital to UK cyber power and in analysing thebe opportunities and risks related to those developments.
It is crucial to ensure that digital identity solutions are both secure and inclusive. The directorate seeks to gather further evidence on how best to enable more inclusive digital identity services whilst maintaining robust security measures. Digital identity solutions enable a person to prove something about themselves for the purposes of a transaction, an eligibility check or accessing services. This includes verifying a person’s age when purchasing age regulated products, when undertaking pre-employment checks or opening a bank account. The government is not mandating specific approach, but instead has committed to setting outcomes-based standards in the form of the UK digital identity & attributes trust framework. (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-digital-identity-and-attributes-trust-frameworkbeta-version/uk-digital-identity-and-attributes-trust-framework-beta-version)
Organisations that adhere to these standards and agree to oversight from the Office for Digital Identities and Attributes (OfDIA) will receive a trust mark, so that businesses and individuals can be confident that their digital identity solution is safe and secure.
Next steps
If you are keen to register your interest in working and connecting with DSIT Digital Technology and Telecoms Group and/or submitting evidence, then please complete the DSIT-ARI Evidence survey - https://dsit.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cDfmK2OukVAnirs.
Please view full details: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/department-for-science-innovation-and-technology-areas-of-research-interest/dsit-areas-of-research-interest-2024
Source
This question was published as part of the set of ARIs in this document:
Related UKRI funded projects
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Research Institute in Science of Cyber Security (RISCS) Phase 2
The Digital Economy is a key part of the strategy for UK economic growth. But as more businesses move into the digital space, they need to be able to protect their assets (such as their Intellectual Property) and process...
Funded by: EPSRC
Why might this be relevant?
The project focuses on developing security solutions and measuring the impact of security measures, directly addressing the question on how cyber security impacts the price and competitiveness of products.
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Return On Cyber Security Investment (ROCSI)
To be of business value, any investment must be selective and focus on high priority areas of the business. However, boards find it difficult to justify the cost of investment and formulate ROI arguments on cyber securit...
Funded by: ESRC
Why might this be relevant?
The project specifically addresses the challenge of justifying cyber security investments and calculating ROI, which is directly related to the question on the cost implications of cyber security measures.
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Cyber Local Meet The Buyer
UMi and Innovation SuperNetwork (ISN) in partnership with CyberNorth, is excited to announce the upcoming Cyber Local Supplier Village at Venturefest North East 2025. This addition to the established event will connect t...
Funded by: Innovate UK
Why might this be relevant?
Partially addresses the impact of cyber security on products and services, but does not cover all aspects of the question. Authors have expertise in cyber security.