The government's renewed commitment to cyber security in its new ICT Strategy is welcome, as is its recognition of IT contractors and others in the sector.

Ministers are keen to ensure that departments fully utilise IT, which will help to ensure the industry gets full recognition as a major profession, according to the British Computer Society (BCS).

The organisation's chief executive, David Clarke, explained that the government's commitment to using technology to break down barriers is a welcome one.

He said: "The economic success of our society and our ability to face up to future challenges depends on us building an information-literate society, with IT literate policies, a respected and well-supported IT profession and a population with the skills and the opportunities to be active and informed citizens."

Mr Clarke added that information assurance is particularly valued by the general public, so security is key to ensuring engagement with newly developed government systems.