The first National Security Strategy re-thought national security for the modern age and focused on protecting citizens from the full range of risks that can cause harm. It showed that the UK's understanding of national security challenges – and responses to them – must move beyond concepts of the security of the state and focus as well on the security of people, addressing the many challenges of the global world.

The updated National Security Strategy:

* outlines what progress the Government has achieved against the commitments made the last year

* sets out how they have continued to strengthen their approach through an updated national security framework; and

* assesses the challenges ahead, and outlines the Government's response to them – from terrorism and instability in Afghanistan and Pakistan, to nuclear security, to energy security and climate change, to pandemics, to failing states and the challenges of strengthening global security through development.

With modern life increasingly dependent on computers and communications technology, cyber space is a new area where hostile states, terrorists, and criminals can all threaten UK security interests. The UK’s first Cyber Security Strategy will help the Government re-shape the way we respond to these challenges swiftly and effectively.