The United Kingdom has classified data centers across the country as critical national infrastructure, following the growing threat faced by sensitive information stored there.
Peter Kyle, secretary of state for science, innovation and technology, announced the designation on Thursday, highlighting the importance of safeguarding data centers as they become “engines of modern life.”
“Bringing data centers into the critical national infrastructure regime will allow better coordination and cooperation with the government against cyber criminals and unexpected events,” he said.
According to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the status assures investors that the British government is committed to protecting data centers against malicious activities.
A CNI classification provides an industry with a dedicated team of senior government officials overseeing the monitoring of potential threats. It also gives the sector access to security agencies such as the National Cyber Security Centre and emergency services. The designation was last awarded to the space and defense sectors in 2015.