Science & Tech · Cybersecurity · 6 hrs ago
UK Sends Cyber Specialists Abroad to Disrupt Attacks Before They Spread
The UK is sending specialist troops abroad to help allies disrupt cyber attacks before they reach their targets.
The Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Force works to find attackers while they are preparing operations against UK military systems.
Suspected attacks have affected supermarkets, German electricity substations, airports and defence-related sites in the Baltics.
Ireland is preparing for security threats as more than 50 leaders gather in Dublin for two political meetings this week.
Irish authorities are investigating threatening emails and hoax messages that have disrupted air travel, but say it is too early to identify who is behind them.
The UK force is being deployed to allies in Europe and Asia, while Ireland’s Cyber Security Centre will take part in the summit security operation.
The UK is sending specialist military cyber teams abroad to disrupt hacking plots before they reach UK military systems.
Maj Gen Mike Fayers, who leads the Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Force, said teams are increasingly being sent to countries across Europe and Asia.
The deployments come amid suspected cyber attacks on sites including German electricity substations, airports and defence-related locations in the Baltic region.
A hoax email campaign has also disrupted air travel across Europe, while Dublin is preparing for two political summits this week.
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin said the country’s Cyber Security Centre would join what he called the largest security operation in the state’s history.
- Who
- Specialist UK military cyber teams, part of the Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Force.
- What
- They are being sent abroad to disrupt cyber attacks before they spread or target UK military systems.
- When
- The deployments are increasingly taking place; no specific start date is stated.
- Where
- Countries across Europe and Asia.
- Why
- To find adversaries where they prepare attacks before targeting UK military systems.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Micheál Martin said hybrid attacks across Europe had increased exponentially.
Suspected cyber attacks hit sites including German electricity substations, airports and defence-related locations in the Baltic region.
Dublin is due to host the European Political Community summit, followed the next day by an informal EU Council meeting.
- Cyber force
- Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Force
- Commander
- Maj Gen Mike Fayers
- Deployment areas
- Europe and Asia
- Dublin summit attendance
- More than 50 heads of state and leaders of international organisations
- Security operation
- Micheál Martin called it the largest ever in the history of the state
What people are saying
Whereas historically we have defended on our territory, we are now defending ourselves forward of our own networks
We call them a hunt force.
I would say it’s the largest ever security operation in the history of the state.