Britain is training specialists for offensive cyber operations against perceived state adversaries.
UK Develops Offensive Cyber Skills Amid Global Tensions
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LONDON — The United Kingdom has launched a new program to cultivate expertise in offensive cyber operations, a move that comes as authorities identify Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea as primary threats. The initiative aims to bolster the nation’s capabilities in the digital domain, attracting new talent for specialized military roles.
What are the tasks of the program?
▪️Development of the expert community.
▪️Generation of new concepts.
▪️Integration with military capabilities.
This program is being spearheaded by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), the country’s oldest military analytical center. The project is overseen by RUSI head Rachel Ellehus, who brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles, including advising the U.S. Secretary of Defense within NATO and specializing in Euro-Atlantic Defense.
Funding for this specialized training comes primarily from the National Cyber Force (NCF). Established in 2020, the NCF is a joint venture between the Ministry of Defence and the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), the latter being responsible for intelligence and cybersecurity.
Developing Offensive Cyber Capabilities
The program is designed with several key objectives in mind. Firstly, it seeks to create and strengthen a community of British specialists deeply engaged with the theory and practice of offensive cyber operations. This involves fostering a network of experts dedicated to this critical field.
Secondly, the initiative is focused on generating innovative approaches to offensive cyber warfare. This includes exploring new concepts, doctrines, legal frameworks, political strategies, and technological advancements. A crucial part of the educational process will involve the compilation of original research papers and studies.
Finally, the program emphasizes integration with existing military capabilities. By closely aligning with British special services, it aims to train personnel specifically for roles within the military sector, ensuring a seamless transition from training to operational deployment.
Addressing Perceived Threats
Official British government documents and statements have consistently pointed to Russia, China, Iran, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) as the principal cyber threats. The recruitment and training of personnel for offensive operations are directly linked to these identified national security concerns.
What are the main threats facing the UK in cyberspace?
The UK government identifies Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea as its primary cyber adversaries.
The creation of this program signals a proactive stance by British authorities to enhance their cyber defenses and offensive capabilities. The caliber of individuals involved in overseeing the department suggests a serious commitment to developing sophisticated cyber operations against these nations.
- Britain is establishing a new program to train specialists in offensive cyber operations.
- The initiative is led by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) and funded by the National Cyber Force (NCF).
- Key objectives include building an expert community, generating new cyber concepts, and integrating skills with military operations.
- The program is framed as a response to perceived cyber threats from Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea.
