Cyber Defence Unit Set Up By UK Military

[Lee J <lee () riskbasedsecurity com>]

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/cyber-defence-unit-set-uk-military-124806054.html#QFncfrS

A new cyber unit is being set up by the Ministry of Defence to help protect
the UK's critical computer networks from attack.

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has appealed to Britain's top IT experts
to join up and work as military reservists.

The MoD wants to recruit hundreds of part-time specialists across the Armed
Forces <http://uk.news.yahoo.com/armed-forces/> to help boost Britain's
efforts to block cyber assaults and even "to strike in cyber space".

The Joint Cyber Reserve Unit will work alongside regular forces "to protect
critical computer networks and safeguard vital data".

Regular personnel leaving the Armed Forces, and current and former
reservists with the necessary skills, are invited to apply along with
civilians.

Recruitment starts next month.

The MoD said it "will recognise the unique attributes of individuals who
might otherwise not be attracted to, or able to serve in the reserve
forces".

Mr Hammond said: "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.

"The cyber reserves will be an essential part of ensuring we defend our
national security in cyber space.

"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."

Anyone applying would be subject to security vetting, officials pointed
out, as well as citizenship and residency requirements and a commitment to
take part in at least a minimum level of annual training.

Last July, a group of MPs said the threat of a cyber assault on Britain is
considered so serious it is marked as a higher threat than a nuclear attack.

Despite being the preferred target of online criminals in 25 countries, the
UK is still "complacent" towards cybercrime as victims are "hidden in
cyberspace", according to the Home Affairs Select Committee.

The group of MPs said funding and resources for tackling online crime,
which includes identity theft, industrial espionage, credit card fraud and
child exploitation, has not been sufficiently allocated.

The committee heard that the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau had
discovered about 25 countries predominantly targeting the UK and said it
was "deeply concerned" that EU partner countries are not doing enough to
prevent the attacks.

Online crime - committed by lone hackers, activist groups and nation states
sponsoring industrial espionage - has been estimated by online security
firm Norton to globally cost around £250bn ($388bn) in financial losses.

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