David Blunkett calls for 'new Nato' to include business and law enforcers in cyber security fight

Former home secretary David Blunkett has called for a "Nato plus" organisation to sit business and law enforcement stakeholders around the same table as military and government representatives, in order to better tackle the huge rise in cyber attacks.

Speaking at the McAfee Focus customer even in London on Wednesday, Blunkett warned that most organisations today have no idea of the scale of the cyber threat facing them.

"We're in a world where many international companies are being attacked and smaller firms are being put out of business. It's happening on a daily basis and it's growing," he said.

"We almost need a new 'Nato plus' to involve business and law enforcement with military and government to see where the weak spots lie. Even now with all the knowledge we have and the examples we have around us ... people are going about their business without any idea of what is about to hit them."

Blunkett is chairman of the not-for-profit International Cyber Security Protection Alliance, an organisation set up this year to bridge the gap between law enforcement, government and business to combat the growing threat posed by cyber attacks.

Despite his political affiliation, Blunkett praised the government for its £650m commitment to cyber defence, as well as foreign secretary William Hague's initiative in setting up a London Conference on Cyber Space next week which will tackle many cyber security issues.

"It's not a massive amount [of money] but ... it's really encouraging and if we build on it and take this seriously we can make progress," he said.

"This is a moment where we can increase awareness and ensure people understand the challenge they face."