Our history
Read about the key events that lead to the formation of the National Cyber Security Centre.
Over the last century, many milestones – including numerous heavily influenced by our parent organisation GCHQ – have brought us to this point, and we must prepare for many more changes.
The volume of telecommunications has exploded in the last 100 years, and has been accompanied by a huge rise in public awareness of the importance of staying protected.
However, government awareness of this pressing need has been around for centuries, with National Archive examples from as far back as the 16th century of encrypted official dispatches, particularly those being sent to and from diplomats.
This spirit was intensified through the 20th and 21st century, with many technological developments coming from Bletchley Park and beyond that helped to create the current booming digital economy in the UK.
The following timeline summarises the key milestones in the NCSC's history. To find out more about our legacy, you can download our launch brochure (PDF) below.
