Study: U.K., U.S. wield most 'Cyber Power'

Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP

The United Kingdom and United States lead other developing countries in their ability to withstand cyberattacks and develop strong digital economies, according to a new study by Booz Allen Hamilton and the Economist Intelligence Unit.

The U.K. tops the rest of the Group of 20 nations, including the U.S., in the "Cyber Power Index." The European Union, considered the 20th member of the G20, was not included.

The index, which put the U.S. in the No. 2 spot, rates the countries on their legal and regulatory frameworks; economic and social issues; technology infrastructure; and industry.

"Overall, the top five countries exhibiting cyber power, as measured by the index--the U.K.; the U.S.; Australia; Germany; and Canada--illustrate that developed Western countries are leading the way into the digital era," the companies said in a statement.

Other major economies such as Russia, Argentina, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia, do not have cybersecurity plans, nor do they seem to be developing them, the study found.

"The Cyber Power Index identifies those countries that understand what it takes to operate in a digital era...and those that don't," Booz Allen Vice Chairman Mike McConnell said in a statement.

While the study concluded that the U.S. "has the most supportive economic and social context for fostering cyber power," other powerful countries like China exhibit relatively modest levels of strength in cyber issues.