Industry figures call for international standards on cyber security

Desired standards likened to airport security checks amid calls for global information-sharing

A key figure in the UK cyber security industry has called for an increased push to create international cyber security standards.

Put forward at yesterday's Worldwide Cybersecurity Summit by Martin Sutherland, managing director of BAE Systems Detica, the suggestion met with widespread approval from his co-panellists and delegates.

Sutherland likened the standards he'd like to see to those that regulate the security checks at airports.

"When we get on a plane the security checks are similar all over the world, as they are defined by internationally agreed standards. We should be setting similar standards for cyber security," he said.

He also called for information-sharing on an global scale. He drew a parallel with the insurance industry, where sensitive customer information is shared – even between close competitors – in an effort to prevent fraud.

Highlighting the urgency of the issue, Sutherland pointed to the amount of money lost to cyber crime each year.

"We lose £27bn per year in the UK to cyber crime. Most of that is lost through industrial esionage and theft," he said.

BAE Systems acquired cyber intelligence firm Detica in 2008.