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.<\/p>\n
The Ministry of Defence is looking to recruit hundreds of computer experts to help defend Britain’s national security.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The centre-right party kicks off its annual conference on Sunday.<\/p>\n
“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,” Hammond said.<\/p>\n
“Increasingly, our defence budget is being invested in high-end capabilities such as cyber and intelligence and surveillance assets to ensure we can keep the country safe.<\/p>\n
“The cyber reserves will be an essential part of ensuring we defend our national security in cyber-space.<\/p>\n
“This is an exciting opportunity for Internet experts in industry to put their skills to good use for the nation, protecting our vital computer systems and capabilities.”<\/p>\n
As well as targeting regular personnel leaving full-time roles and existing reservists with the right skill set, Hammond hopes to attract experts who would not otherwise consider joining up. Recruitment starts in October.<\/p>\n
In January, parliament’s defence scrutiny committee warned in a report that the British military’s dependence on information technology meant it could be “fatally compromised” by a cyber-attack.<\/p>\n
The committee heard evidence that cyber-attacks could disrupt military communication and information systems, radars and satellites, and leave combat units such as planes or ships dysfunctional.<\/p>\n
The MPs expressed concern that the government did not have a back-up plan in the case of a failure of technology, instead focusing on averting such attacks in the first place.<\/p>\n
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