PS23323 - App/App Store Cyber Vulnerabilities - Impact on Society

***** THIS IS AN AWARD NOTICE, NOT A CALL FOR COMPETITION ***** This procurement is being concluded following a mini competition under the CCS Research and Insights framework RM6126 DPS. Brief Description of Requirement In 2022, the UK Government published The National Cyber Strategy (NCS) which details plans to ensure that the UK remains confident, capable, and resilient in a fast-moving digital world; and that we continue to adapt, innovate, and invest to protect and promote our interests in cyberspace. The Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT) leads on the Technological Advantage Pillar. As part of the Department's work on this, it has implemented a range of initiatives to ensure that digital services and consumer connected technologies follow better standards of cyber security. Apps are increasingly essential to everyday life and work. Apps are primarily accessed through app stores across a range of devices. The UK Government has investigated the app ecosystem and found a range of threats relating to malicious and poorly developed apps. Following a public consultation, the government has developed a voluntary Code of Practice "The Code" for all app store operators and app developers. The Code sets out the minimum security and privacy requirements which should be followed by app store operators and app developers. The Government believes this Code will help protect users from malicious and poorly developed apps.