Mr Hammond the UK defence secretary has announced that the UK is to create a new cyber unit to help defend national security. This would form part of Ministry Of Defence’s (MOD) full-spectrum military capability, the Defence Secretary, Philip Hammond, has announced that the department is set to recruit hundreds of computer experts as cyber reservists to help defend the UK’s national security, working at the cutting-edge of the nation’s cyber defences.
The Joint Cyber Reserve will see reservists working alongside regular forces to protect critical computer networks and safeguard vital data. He said:
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.
The Cyber Reserves will be an essential part of ensuring we defend our 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.
The MOD said the recruitment of reservists will target civilians with the appropriate technological skills as well as regular personnel leaving the armed forces and current and former reservists with the required skills. It said the “creation of the Joint Cyber Unit (Reserve) will allow it to draw on individuals’ talent, skills and expertise gained from their civilian experience to meet these threats”.
Recruiting for the Joint Cyber Reserve will commence in October and target 3 sectors: regular personnel leaving the Armed Forces, current and former reservists with the necessary skills, and individuals with no previous military experience, but with the technical knowledge, skills, experience and aptitude to work in this highly-specialised area.
All personnel applying to join will be subject to a security clearance process.
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