View all newsletters
Receive our newsletter - data, insights and analysis delivered to you
  1. Technology
  2. Cybersecurity
December 21, 2017

UK locked and loaded for cyber warfare as GCHQ doubles weapons

While GCHQ has revealed the UK's significant offensive cyber capabilities, NATO considers whether cyberattack could be the best form of defence.

By Tom Ball

As the threat of cyber warfare looms larger and larger on the horizon, GCHQ has revealed the extent to which it has armed the UK with offensive cyber capabilities.

According to the Government Communications Headquarters, the UK now has twice the power to deliver cyberattacks than it did prior to 2014, now wielding the ability to deliver devastating infrastructure attacks.

GCHQ said to the Intelligence and Security Committee that is has “actually over-achieved and delivered almost double the number of capabilities we were aiming for…  It is the full spectrum of capabilities from tactical stuff… right through to what we would say is the high end of counter state offensive cyber capabilities.”

This revelation comes amid growing concern regarding the cyber and real world threat posed by North Korea, the state blamed by the UK government and now the United States government for the WannaCry attack that debilitated the NHS.

The news has also arrived well-timed with the announcement that NATO is set to discuss the guidelines regarding the use of cyberattacks for engaging the enemy. Britain, the United States, Germany and Spain will consider taking an offensive approach to cybersecurity, rather than simply deflecting attacks.

NATO: Could cyber attack be the best form of defence?
Trump aide pins WannaCry blame on North Korea
North Korea linked to London bitcoin heist attempt

Cyberattacks are still fresh in the memory of the UK government itself, with an attack earlier this year targeting the email accounts of MPs. While part of the blame was attributed to weak passwords, suspicions were also raised to the potential that the attack had nation-state origins.

Content from our partners
How businesses can safeguard themselves on the cyber frontline
How hackers’ tactics are evolving in an increasingly complex landscape
Green for go: Transforming trade in the UK

While the prospect of nation-state driven attacks that intend to influence democratic processes are troubling, attacks on infrastructure are far more concerning. The Ukraine has been a frequent target of major cyberattacks on elements of critical infrastructure like power grids, with attacks leaving people without power for extended periods of time on more than one occasion.

Websites in our network
Select and enter your corporate email address Tech Monitor's research, insight and analysis examines the frontiers of digital transformation to help tech leaders navigate the future. Our Changelog newsletter delivers our best work to your inbox every week.
  • CIO
  • CTO
  • CISO
  • CSO
  • CFO
  • CDO
  • CEO
  • Architect Founder
  • MD
  • Director
  • Manager
  • Other
Visit our privacy policy for more information about our services, how New Statesman Media Group may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.
THANK YOU