Keyboard has become weapon of war: UK launches cyber command to target Russia
Photo: The UK is investing over a million dollars in a cyber offensive against Russia (Getty Images)
The United Kingdom is creating a new cyber command that will carry out offensive operations against hostile states, including Russia. The government is allocating over £1 billion to develop its hacking capabilities and artificial intelligence, The Telegraph reports.
British Defense Secretary John Healey announced that the UK military will spend more than £1 billion (approximately $1.3 billion) on artificial intelligence and a team of hackers.
Healey promised to give the UK's Armed Forces more tools to conduct online operations against hostile states such as Russia, warning that "the keyboard has become a weapon of war."
These offensive operations will be conducted through the newly created Cyber and Electromagnetic Command, which will also oversee investments in upgraded targeting systems powered by artificial intelligence, forming a "kill web" linking military systems.
When asked whether the Ministry of Defence is expanding its capabilities to strike hostile states like Russia and China, Mr. Healey replied affirmatively.
"Yes. The Cyber Command is part of removing duplication, setting new standards, giving new authority behind defensive and offensive cyber," he said.
Countering Russian attacks
The UK and its allies recently uncovered a large-scale cyberattack by Russian intelligence against Western companies that support Ukraine.
It was reported that organizations in the fields of logistics, technology, defense, and humanitarian aid were affected.
In addition, earlier this month, it became known that the European Union wants to create a new independent agency to counter Russian disinformation.
