MoD announces specialist programme to fend off cyber attacks

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced a strategy to help defend UK national security from the threat of cyber attacks.

Philip Hammond, the secretary of state for defence, said the MoD will recruit hundreds of computer experts – called 'cyber reserves' – as part of a Joint Cyber Reserve to safeguard data.

“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,” said Hammond. 

“The cyber reserves will be an essential part of ensuring we defend our national security in cyberspace.”

The Joint Cyber Reserve will support the Joint Cyber Unit in Corsham, the Joint Cyber Unit in Cheltenham and other units across the MoD.

Recruitment will begin in October 2013 and will target regular personnel leaving the Armed Forces, current and former skilled reservists and people with no military experience, but the necessary cyber security skills.

“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,” said Hammond.

In July the MoD announced that the UK would look into the opportunity of army reservists to become specialists in cyber security as part of an overhaul aimed at transforming the force.

It was announced that the Territorial Army – to be renamed Army Reserves – is to be doubled in size to 30,000 and will have a role in countering new technological threats and gathering information.

These reservists would enrol in enhanced training programmes to bring them closer to the standards of the regular force members.