Defence to set up new cyber units 25.11.11
10The Ministry of Defence is to play an increased role in the UK's cyber security. A new government strategy will see the spies of GCHQ take the lead on keeping us all safe online -- with an MOD Joint Cyber Unit being set up that could LAUNCH internet attacks. Today's long awaited strategy adds new detail to Defence's role: we already knew a defence cyber operations group was being set up, but now we know there will also be two Joint Cyber Units. One based at GCHQ will work on tactics, another at Corsham will work on techniques, including what are being called proactive measures "to disrupt threats to our information security". The exact details though remain shrouded in secrecy. "The UK Cyber Security Strategy: Protecting and Promoting the UK in a Digital World" also includes measures to help the private sector protect itself and for the police to recruit more so-called "cyber specials": IT professionals prepared to volunteer as part time police officers specialising in online crime. Earlier this month, the UK hosted an international cyber security conference, drawing together representatives from 60 nations. The event came soon after GCHQ warned that cyber attacks on the UK were at "disturbing" levels. Iain Lobban, the head of GCHQ, told the conference that a "significant" attempt was made to target the computer systems of the Foreign Office and other government departments over the summer. Baroness Neville-Jones, the Prime Minister's special representative to business on cyber security, said Russia and China - who both attended the conference - were some of the worst culprits involved in cyber-attacks. Outlining the national security strategy last October, Foreign Secretary William Hague said businesses and individuals must be aware of the risk of cyber attacks, as well as governments. He said such attacks could become a major threat to the country's economic welfare and its national infrastructure, such as electricity grids.