14 DAY TRIAL // The United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Defence Philip Hammond has announced the creation of a new Joint Cyber Reserve. The new cyber unit will be tasked not only with countering attacks, but also with launching strikes, if necessary.
The Ministry of Defence will recruit hundreds of IT experts, including cyber reservists. They will be responsible for protecting critical computer networks and valuable information.
“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. 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,” Hammond stated.
“The Cyber Reserves will be an essential part of ensuring we defend our national security in cyberspace. 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,” he added.
The new Joint Cyber Reserve will provide support for the joint cyber units in Cheltenham and Corsham, but also to other information assurance units under the Ministry of Defence.
The recruiting starts in October. Three main categories can apply: current and former reservists, regular personnel leaving the Armed Forces, and IT security experts with no previous military experience. They will all undergo a security clearance process.
In January 2013, the UK’s Defence Committee released a report in which it warned that the Armed Forces’ ability to operate could be fatally compromised by cyberattacks.
At the time, the Chair of the Committee, Rt Hon James Arbuthnot MP, urged the Ministry of Defense to take advantage of cyber tools and techniques to enhance the military capabilities of the Armed Forces.