Advertisement
World

Britain to set up special military unit to counter cyberattacks

Britain is to set up a dedicated military unit to counter cyber attacks, the defence secretary announced Sunday as he issued a call for tech-savvy new recruits.

Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
Britain is in need for tech-savvy new recruits in setting up a dedicated military unit to counter cyber attacks. Photo: AP

Britain is to set up a dedicated military unit to counter cyber attacks, the defence secretary announced Sunday as he issued a call for tech-savvy new recruits.

The Ministry of Defence is looking to recruit hundreds of computer experts to help defend Britain’s national security.

The “cyber reservists” would work alongside regular forces in the new Joint Cyber Reserve Unit in a bid to to protect key computer networks and safeguard data.

Advertisement

The new capability would be able to “counter-attack in cyber-space and, if necessary, to strike in cyber-space as part of our full-spectrum military capability”, Prime Minister David Cameron’s Conservative Party said.

The centre-right party kicks off its annual conference on Sunday.

Advertisement

“In response to the growing cyber threat, we are developing a full-spectrum military cyber capability, including a strike capability, to enhance the UK’s range of military capabilities,” the Conservative Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said.

Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x