Ministry of Defence to recruit cyber territorial army

Ministry of Defence to recruit cyber territorial army: The Ministry of Defence has announced plans to create the cyber equivalent of the territorial army – a team of reservists whose role will be to help defend UK PLC against a cyber attack.

The gameplan calls for the MoD to recruit hundreds of people to act as reservist computer experts to work alongside regular military forces, as part of a new Joint Cyber Reserve Unit (JCRU).

If necessary, the JCRU will also pro-actively strike foreign forces or similar threats in cyberspace, the UK Defence Secretary Philip Hammond told attendees at the Conservative Party conference over the weekend.

The creation of the JCRU – recruiting for which will start in October – is being pulled together 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,” said Mr Hammond.

The Defence Secretary added that the cyber reservists will be an essential part of ensuring we defend the UK’s 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,” he said.

Mr Hammond went on to say that the creation of the Joint Cyber Reserve will represent a significant increase in the number of reservists employed in cyber and information assurance.