How Will the MoD's New Cyber Command Unit Work?
The keyboard has become a weapon of war, according to Defence Secretary John Healey. In recent years, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has faced an escalating number of cyberattacks from hostile states such as Russia and China, with over 90,000 attacks reported in the past two years alone.
This alarming rise in cyberwarfare has prompted the MoD to invest heavily in artificial intelligence and a "hacking army" as part of the government's long-awaited defence review. Healey announced plans to bolster the UK's cyber capabilities, including the establishment of a new Cyber and Electromagnetic Command unit.
Located at the UK military's cyber HQ at MoD Corsham in Wiltshire, this new unit will coordinate offensive cyber operations against hostile states. It is expected to "unite all the UK's cyber personnel currently working across GCHQ, the MoD and other government units" to counter online threats.
The Cyber and Electromagnetic Command unit will also oversee a £1 billion investment in upgraded targeting systems, including an AI network that will connect all three branches of the Armed Forces. This digital targeting web, known as a "kill web," aims to provide quicker decisions on the battlefield by filtering massive amounts of data generated.
While details about Britain's offensive cyber capabilities remain classified, vulnerabilities are less secure. There is currently a significant gap between the threat and the government's ability to defend against it. The MoD has acknowledged that crumbling computer systems have been outpaced by cybercriminals, with experts in short supply.
The Rise of Cyberwarfare
Cyberattacks on the UK military have surged over the past two years, with 90,000 reported incidents associated with hostile states. This represents a more than doubling of previous attacks and highlights the intensifying nature of cyberwarfare.
One reason behind the rise in attacks is that the military has improved its ability to detect attempts. However, these attacks are also becoming increasingly sophisticated, making them harder to defend against.
The New Cyber Command Unit: A Response to Rising Threats
The new Cyber and Electromagnetic Command unit aims to counter this growing threat by bringing together the UK's cyber personnel under one roof. By integrating their efforts, the unit hopes to provide a more cohesive response to online threats.
But some experts are questioning whether creating another organisation will simply add layers of bureaucracy. Defence officials insist that no single system or company can provide the whole picture, and the new "kill web" aims to knit together data on a larger scale than current software.
The Impact on Future Defence Reviews
The MoD's defence review, announced by Labour last year, will focus heavily on autonomy and cyber capabilities. This marks a significant shift in approach, with military chiefs being blocked from discussing the details publicly.
As the UK seeks to adapt its military capabilities to an increasingly digital threat landscape, it remains to be seen whether this new Cyber Command unit will prove effective in countering rising cyberattacks.
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