Security review highlights cyberwar as ‘top tier’ threat to UK
The government’s national security strategy has highlighted the threats posed by criminals, terrorists and state backed units in cyberspace pose one of the greatest threats to UK security.
Despite looming cuts and being reasonably well placed internationally, thanks to the electronic surveillance centre at GCHQ, the government insufficiently concerned by the threat to boost spending on online security by £500m.
Implicit in the announcement is an indication that an offensive cyber warfare capability could be developed with both attack and defence reliant upon the same strategies.
Like all developed economies now Britain has become increasingly reliant upon electronics to regulate military, industrial, economic and other critical services.
John Bassett, associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute said: “It’s like turning over a stone – the more we looked the more creepy crawlies we found.”
The concern comes as GCHQ chief Iain Lobban warned of, “massive intellectual property theft” being conducted in the UK.