Britain forms national “hacking” force to attack hostile countries and terrorist groups if necessary

The United Kingdom announced on Thursday (November 19) the formation of the UK National Cyber Force. The force is made up of government cyber hackers responsible for waging offensive cyber warfare against hostile nations, terrorist organizations, and organized crime groups that pose a threat to the United Kingdom.

The force was formed jointly by the UK Government Communications Headquarters and the UK Ministry of Defense. Reuters quoted Jeremy Fleming, head of the British government’s communications headquarters, as saying that the force “will bring together intelligence and defense capabilities to transform Britain’s ability to confront adversaries in cyberspace.”

So far, U.K. officials have not specified the force’s specific goals and operations, but Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the force has launched attacks against terrorism, organized crime, and hostile nations since it began operations earlier this year.

The Cyber Hacking Unit can prevent terrorists from contacting their contacts by jamming cell phones; help prevent the Internet from being used as a global platform for major crimes, including child sexual abuse and fraud; and ensure that British military aircraft are not targeted by hostile weapons systems.

The UK has always had a strong cyber-attack capability. The British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), the Ministry of Defence, and the Government Communications Headquarters all have their own cyber operations forces, but the British rarely talk about this aspect of their power or are reluctant to use it.

However, in 2018, UK government communications chief Fleming said that the UK had conducted a “major cyber offensive war” against the Islamic State (ISIS). These operations “made a significant contribution to the coalition’s ability to stop the Islamic State’s propaganda, stop its ability to coordinate attacks, and protect coalition forces in the field.

For the first time, the National Cyber Force brings together cyber warfighters from the British government’s communications headquarters, the Ministry of Defense, the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), and the Defense Science and Technology Laboratory. The Guardian says that insiders say the National Cyber Force wants to focus on the fight against the Islamic State and other terrorist groups, but that it could also take on Russia or China if necessary.

It is estimated that about 60 countries worldwide have cyber offensive capabilities, with Iran and North Korea possessing capabilities that should not be underestimated. These two countries have a documented history of launching attacks against the United Kingdom. In addition, intelligence agencies in Moscow and Beijing have state-sponsored hackers.

In March 2013, the U.S. Cyber Command announced that it would add 40 new cyber units. Thirteen of these were identified as attack forces to be used to counterattack in the event of a major cyber attack on the country.