CyberwarfareU.K. launches cyberwarfare reserve force

U.K. defense secretary Philip Hammond announced that the Ministry of Defense (MoD) has begun this month to recruit the country’s top IT specialiststo join the Joint Cyber Reserve Unit (JCRU).

“Increasingly, our defense budget is being invested in high-end capabilities such as cyber and intelligence and surveillance assets to ensure we can keep the country safe,” Hammond said.

The Independent reports that hundreds of reserve specialists would be positioned across the armed forces to play defensive and offensive roles in cyberspace.

“In response to the growing cyber threat, we are developing a full-spectrum military cyber capability, including a strike capability, to enhance the U.K.’s range of military capabilities,” Hammond said.

The Ministry of Defense said that the terms and conditions for recruiting specialists would keep in consideration the unique qualities of specialists who might otherwise not be attracted or able to serve in the reserve forces. Applicants to the JCRU would be subject to security vetting as well as citizenship and residency requirements.

The JCRU will be tasked with protecting the military’s digital and data capabilities, in addition to critical civilian assets.  The new initiative will require private and public cooperation to develop innovative solutions capable of defending assets against cyber threats.

On the importance of the JCRU, Hammond declares that “the cyber reserves will be an essential part of ensuring we defend our national security in cyberspace. 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.”