UK's new cyber defence unit may include 'convicted hackers'

The UK's new cyber defence unit will reportedly include convicted hackers if they pass security vetting.

Head of the Joint Cyber Reserve Unit, Lt Col Michael White said that the unit will look at individuals when assessing applicants and it will be focused on capability development rather than personality traits.

According to the BBC, the Joint Cyber Reserve Unit was announced by the government in September and under the 500million pound initiative, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is set to recruit hundreds of reservists as computer experts to work alongside regular armed forces.

The newly announced unit is aimed to defend the national security in the cyberspace by safeguarding crucial computer networks and vital data apart from launching strikes in the web world if required.

The MoD said that the recruitment would target regular personnel leaving the armed forces, current and former reservists with the required skills, and civilians with the appropriate technological knowledge.

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said that the armed forces do not have an absolute bar on people with criminal convictions and depending on individual applications, those convicted may also be employed, the report added.