A cyber security plan for the 2012 London Olympics is to be developed to help disrupt criminal activity on the internet and protect IT networks.

Minister for security, Baroness Neville-Jones announced the plans at an Olympic security conference organised by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in London.

The announcement follows a review of Olympic security plans that showed preparations are on track but identified key areas of work in the crucial planning phase in the run-up to 2012.

The Baroness also unveiled plans for a new Olympic counter-terrorism exercise programme to test security plans and ensure that the police and emergency services are fully prepared for any threat to the Games.

Security minister Baroness Neville-Jones said: "I am heartened that no-one involved underestimates the task ahead and that there is an effective partnership in place to deal with it".

She added: "I have every confidence that come September 2012 we will realise our shared vision of an inspirational, safe and inclusive Olympic and Paralympic Games. The next six months will be crucial as our plans mature and begin transitioning into operations."