MoD and GCHQ Set to Launch Offensive Cyber Force

The UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) and surveillance service GCHQ are reportedly working on launching a £250m cyber task force which is designed to enhance the nation’s offensive capabilities.

This new unit will definitely gather the contractor, GCHQ spies and the military personnel in a force of up to 2000 online experts.

“By adopting offensive cyber techniques in the UK we are leveling the playing field and providing new means of both the deterring and punishing states that wish to do us harm,” said general Richard Barrons, former commander of Joint Forces Command.

The force will be also tasked to target the terrorists groups, according to the Sky News.

UK has already been playing a major role alongside the US in a series of clandestine operations against the Islamic State, which includes the one known as Glowing Symphony.

These efforts have successfully decreased the IS propaganda online and that restrict the ability of groups.

James Hadley, CEO of the Immersive Labs, welcome the news.

“This statement shows that the UK is continuing its responsibility as a forerunner in cybersecurity and positions it as a secure place to conduct global business,” he added.

“Equally, companies should be looking to create their own cyber-strong workforces and ensuring that their skills process is consistent to keep up with the changing threat landscape.”

However, it is yet not clear that the UK has even those skilled personnel to operate the operations, given current skills shortages.

“This announcement highlights the growing need for more cyber-savvy workers in the UK, to secure our future at a national, organizational and personal level,” argued Colin Lobley, CEO of Cyber Security Challenge UK.

“While many people are still unsure of what a career in cybersecurity would look like, the reality is that many of these jobs require similar skills and knowledge to more known careers; for example, we need architects to build secure the networks, lawyers to process the cybercrime cases, psychologists to assess how human behavior influences security, as well as military roles to act against national threats.”