Government wants MoD task force for online warfare

The government wants the armed forces to collaborate on a fourth defence branch to ensure that the UK is prepared for the growing threat of cyber warfare.

Secretary of state Liam Fox outlined a report on the Ministry of Defence in London on Monday, offering his vision for a collaborative approach to cyber warfare to protect the UK's interests.

"The adaptive posture demands that our armed forces become a more flexible and agile force with global reach, [such as] investing in new technology and capabilities more suited to the likely character of future conflict, such as cyber security," he said.

Fox argued that there is a lack of career opportunities for those in the forces to take on new roles to help the UK prepare for any potential conflict in the online world.

"The report addresses the lack of key skills and fragmented career paths within defence, and considers radical ways in which the department can encourage a more joint approach across defence and promote the advocacy of joint capabilities, particularly those that deal with emerging threats such as cyber and cross-cutting issues such as intelligence," he said.

No hard details were given, but Fox's comments underline an increased understanding in government that cyber warfare is a growing threat to the nation.

A further £500m was made available in October 2010 to increase the UK's cyber defences.

Furthermore, the Cyber Security Challenge, launched in July 2010, aims to encourage more of those with the necessary IT skills to get involved in the industry by making them aware of the potential for career progression in the sector.