Office of Cyber Security and Information Assurance (OCSIA)

The Office of Cyber Security & Information Assurance (OCSIA) is headed by James Quinault.

The Office of Cyber Security & Information Assurance (OCSIA) supports the Minister for the Cabinet Office, the Rt Hon Francis Maude MPand the National Security Council in determining priorities in relation to securing cyberspace. The unit provides strategic direction and coordinates action relating to enhancing cyber security and information assurance in the UK.

The OCSIA alongside the Cyber Security Operations Centre based in Cheltenham work with lead government departments and agencies such as the Home Office, MoD, GCHQ, CESG, CPNI and BIS in driving forward the cyber security programme for UK government and give the UK the balance of advantage in cyberspace.

Aims and Objectives

The Office of Cyber Security and Information Assurance (OCISA) is responsible for implementing a number of cross cutting agendas including:

• Providing a strategic direction on cyber security and information assurance for the UK including e-crime;
• Supporting education, awareness, training and education (for example, Get Safe online and the Cyber Security Challenge);
• Working with private sector partners on exchanging information and promoting best practice. Ensuring that the UK’s information and cyber security technical capability and operational architecture is improved and maintained;
• Working with the Office of the Government Chief Information Office (OGCIO) to ensuring the resilience and security of government ICT infrastructures such as the Public Sector Network (PSN) and G-cloud;
• Engaging with international partners in improving the security of cyberspace and information security.

Contact Email: ocsia@cabinet-office.x.gsi.gov.uk