UK is setting up a cyber army to protect networks and data, and launch attacks if needed

The UK is setting up a new cyber army to protect computer networks and important data, as well as launch cyber attacks if necessary, BBC reports.

The UK military will be developing a cyber strike capability to defend itself against enemies, seeing as cyber attacks have the power to disable enemy communications and weapons. This means that cyber weapons can be used together with conventional weapons such as those employed on land, in the air and under water.

UK Defense Secretary Philip Hammond says that the cyber security unit is essential considering that last year, the UK blocked around 400,000 advanced, malicious cyber threats to the government’s intranet. The Ministry of Defense will start recruiting for reservists to join the new unit next month.

➤ UK to create new cyber defence force [BBC News]

Headline image via Khaled Desouki/AFP/Getty Images