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17/07/2012
MPs Urge Spy Agencies To Wage Cyber Warfare
In the interests of national security, MPs have urged the UK’s spy agencies and military to wage cyber warfare.
Saying that defending against cyber attacks is no longer enough, the Intelligence and Security Committee is recommending covert operations to disrupt the computer networks of those targeting the UK.
The new report come almost two years after the launch of a £650m national cyber security programme, which aimed to transform the UK's cyber security skills and capabilities by 2015, with more than half of the money allocated to the intelligence and security agencies.
Last month, the head of MI5, Jonathan Evans, said the agency was battling "astonishing" levels of cyber-attacks on UK industry and warned internet "vulnerabilities" were being exploited by criminals as well as states.
The report states that cyberspace attacks now represent a significant threat to the UK and defending against them should be a priority. Continuing: "We believe that there are also significant opportunities for our intelligence and security agencies and military which should be exploited in the interests of UK national security."
Chairman of the ISC, Sir Malcolm Rifkind MP, said: "The committee is concerned at the lack of progress over 18 months into the National Cyber Security Programme, more needs to be done if we are to keep ahead in this fast-paced field."
(H)
Saying that defending against cyber attacks is no longer enough, the Intelligence and Security Committee is recommending covert operations to disrupt the computer networks of those targeting the UK.
The new report come almost two years after the launch of a £650m national cyber security programme, which aimed to transform the UK's cyber security skills and capabilities by 2015, with more than half of the money allocated to the intelligence and security agencies.
Last month, the head of MI5, Jonathan Evans, said the agency was battling "astonishing" levels of cyber-attacks on UK industry and warned internet "vulnerabilities" were being exploited by criminals as well as states.
The report states that cyberspace attacks now represent a significant threat to the UK and defending against them should be a priority. Continuing: "We believe that there are also significant opportunities for our intelligence and security agencies and military which should be exploited in the interests of UK national security."
Chairman of the ISC, Sir Malcolm Rifkind MP, said: "The committee is concerned at the lack of progress over 18 months into the National Cyber Security Programme, more needs to be done if we are to keep ahead in this fast-paced field."
(H)
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