National Highways & BAE Systems Team Up to Boost Road Network Cybersecurity
National Highways, the government agency responsible for England's major roads, has expanded its partnership with defence and security company BAE Systems. The three-year contract, worth up to £20 million, aims to enhance cybersecurity awareness across the country's road network.
The collaboration, part of National Highways' Road Investment Strategy 2 (RIS2), focuses on integrating cybersecurity into major projects and programmes from the outset. This 'design-in cyber security' approach aims to establish a leading cybersecurity standard for the road network. The Digital, Data and Technology Plan (2020-2025) of National Highways supports this initiative.
The partnership seeks to develop new technologies, processes, and training to protect the road network against digital threats. Julia Thorne, technology programmes director at National Highways, stated that the partnership enables swift project deployment while maintaining cyber resilience.
National Highways and BAE Systems are working together to implement a 'cyber-first' approach across England's road network. This £20 million investment underscores the importance of cybersecurity in protecting critical national infrastructure.
