UK set to create cyber defence unit

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is all set to create a cyber unit to help defend the national security in the cyber space.

The Ministry will be recruiting hundreds of reservists as computer experts to work alongside regular forces in the creation of the new Joint Cyber Reserve Unit.

The Defence Secretary, Philip Hammond, said that the new unit will also launch strikes in cyber space, if required, the BBC reports.

Hammond said that the threat to national security via cyber attacks is 'real' adding that last year, their cyber defences blocked around 4, 00, 000 advanced, malicious cyber threats to the government secure intranet alone.

The MoD said that the Joint Cyber Reserve Unit will allow it to draw on individuals' talent, skills and expertise gained from their civilian experience to meet these threats.

Hammond said that the fifth domain of military is 'cyber' and clinical 'cyber strikes' could disable enemy communications, nuclear and chemical weapons, planes, ships and other hardware.

He further announced that their commanders can use cyber weapons alongside conventional weapons in future conflicts.

The role of the unit is to protect computer networks and safeguard vital data and the recruits will include personnel leaving the armed forces, current and former reservists with the required skills and civilians with the appropriate technological skills and knowledge, the report added.