The NCSC published the letter Saturday to mark its 10th anniversary. The King pointed to disinformation and other "hostile online activity" as challenges to trust and security in the digital age. "From threats to our international order, to the need to balance the risks and opportunities of powerful new technologies, strong cyber security is fundamental to making the online environment safer and more resilient," he wrote.
The agency began in 2016 as part of the Government Communications Headquarters, with a job of protecting the UK against cyber threats. The King said its work over the past decade has included defending the country against cyber attacks, safeguarding democratic institutions and protecting "the critical infrastructure upon which daily life depends." He said he was "acutely aware" that much of that work cannot be praised publicly and that he felt "profound gratitude."
Earlier this week, the NCSC offered help to online retailer Asos after hackers used the company's own app system to send a pop-up notification to potentially millions of people. The hack made global headlines Tuesday. Asos said it is investigating "unauthorised activity" involving third-party platforms.
Last month, the King told AI executives the technology carries "existential dangers" if it falls into the wrong hands.