An offensive cyber-force to combat hostile states, terrorist groups and domestic gangs will be set up by the Ministry of Defence and GCHQ, The Timesunderstands.
The £250 million unit will comprise about 2,000 digital warriors, with experts recruited from the military, security services and industry. It will quadruple the number of personnel in offensive cyber-roles and marks a step change in the nation’s ability to disrupt and destroy computer networks and internet-connected devices.
The creation of the force comes as the threat from Russia is escalating and follows successful UK cyber-attacks against Islamic State in Syria and Iraq. Recruits will also target criminal gangs, including people-traffickers and paedophile rings.
The force is expected to be announced soon and follows a review ordered by Gavin Williamson, the defence secretary. Initially given the working name “joint cyber-force”, it will have its own headquarters because GCHQ’s central base in Cheltenham is at capacity. Sites under consideration include RAF Wyton in Cambridgeshire and MoD Corsham in Wiltshire.
For the full story, see “Britain launches £250m cyber‑force to wage war on terrorists,” The London Times, September 21, 2018.
The featured photo which appeared in the article:
GCHQ will set up a new cyber-force base because its headquarters in Cheltenham is at capacityALAMY
See also, the following:
https://sldinfo.com/2018/07/uk-mobilizes-reserves-for-cyber-conflict/