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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Britain's building a £1bn ‘army of hackers' – but they have already been outpaced by Russia
'The keyboard has become a weapon of war,' Defence Secretary John Healey announced at MoD Corsham, the UK's military cyber HQ, on Wednesday. Britain's digital defences are facing daily attacks from hostile states, he warned, and the time has come to fight back with a £1 billion injection to fund new artificial intelligence capabilities and an army of hackers. Yet while the money is certainly a welcome boost, the language used has raised a few eyebrows. It's 'talking about cyber operations as if they're new,' scoffed Matthew Savill, director of military science at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) on the BBC's Today programme on Wednesday. 'It's been 15 years since Stuxnet.' Savill, who it's fair to say has the inside scoop after several years as a senior civil servant in the Ministry of Defence (MoD), was referring to the highly sophisticated computer virus discovered in 2010 that had been used to sabotage Iran's nuclear facilities, widely attributed to a joint operation between the US and Israel. It was a watershed moment in cyber warfare – proving how nation states could now cause vast damage from behind a computer screen, without a shot being fired. Not only that, but it also revealed – to the concern of many – the impressive cyber operations several countries now had in their locker. Indeed, the US had made dominance in cyber a strategic goal as far back as the mid-1990s. China and Russia had quickly followed in the early 2000s, with Moscow investing heavily in technology to boost its intelligence units and Beijing openly integrating 'information warfare' into its military strategy. Britain, however, was slower off the mark. Despite first being hit by state-sponsored cyber espionage in 2003, when malware designed to steal sensitive data was found on a government employee's device, it wasn't until 2010 that the National Security Strategy officially ranked cyber attacks as a 'Tier 1' threat – on par with terrorism. Some 15 years on, as Savill told the BBC's Jonny Dymond, defence chiefs appear yet again to be 'catching up'. The danger this lack of action and investment has put the UK in was laid bare earlier this month in a report by the House of Commons' Public Accounts Committee (PAC). Crumbling Government computer systems have been outpaced by cyber criminals, MPs warned, with more than a quarter of all public sector IT systems using vulnerable, older 'legacy' technology. Britain's critical infrastructure has already felt the impact of these weaknesses – from the devastating WannaCry ransomware attack on the NHS in 2017 to the recent hits experienced by retailers such as Marks & Spencer, the Co-op and Harrods. Each attack only reaffirms the need to improve resilience. Indeed, the UK Government is in no doubt of the need for – and effectiveness of – a world-leading cyber operation. Just keeping at bay the 90,000 cyber attacks the country has faced from hostile states in the past two years is difficult enough (double the previous number in the same time period up to 2023), less actually going on the offensive. 'One of the reasons you might be seeing a pivot to spending more money on cyber in our armed forces, rather than bombs and bullets, is because it can level the playing field,' says Prof Alan Woodward, cybersecurity expert from the University of Surrey. 'It acts as a force multiplier. 'Smaller countries can get a bigger bang for their buck – there's no longer as much need for an overwhelming physical superiority over the enemy, you can instead just turn off their lights and gas. We are a much smaller military nation than we once were – the armed forces can't even fill Wembley Stadium. So cyber is a way of punching above our weight. 'If you spend the money wisely and you can develop the capability, then there is the possibility you can be ready for some of the threats in what is an increasingly volatile world. It's what allowed Ukraine to make a damn good fist of fighting what on paper should be an overwhelming physical force from Russia.' The UK's armed forces and intelligence agencies do in fact possess significant cyber expertise – Britain's GCHQ being the jewel in its crown, helped by its close allegiance with its counterpart in the US, the National Security Agency. Its offensive cyber unit once conducted a hugely successful cyber campaign against Islamic State in 2017 that made it 'almost impossible' for the terror group to 'spread their hate online, to use their normal channels to spread their rhetoric, or trust their publications,' according to Jeremy Fleming, then-head of GCHQ. A major problem, however, lies in its size. The scale of its cyber teams is modest – numbering in the low thousands – and often relying on contractors or partner support for advanced operations. In contrast, adversaries like China or Russia deploy vast numbers of keyboard warriors. This was spelt out in the recent PAC report, which warned of a shortage of cyber skills experts, particularly in the public sector. Woodward points to two main reasons behind this: firstly, the lack of students opting to study engineering, and secondly, the poor pay on offer for those who opt for the civil service. In China, between 30 to 40 per cent of graduates have a STEM (science, technology, engineering or mathematics) qualification – compared to around 5 per cent 'if you're lucky' in the UK, he says. 'They're hard, complicated subjects and people don't want to do them, even though if you do computer science your chances of getting a job are practically guaranteed, and you'll be earning one of the highest salaries.' Yet the big-money jobs are generally only available in the private sector – where the pay on offer can often be nearly twice as much as their public sector counterparts. 'How do you compete against banks and people like that paying large salaries?' says Woodward. In contrast, other nation states like China are going 'hell for leather' in attracting the best talent to the military and government agencies. Industry insiders have certainly noted the skills shortage. 'Police, security services and government departments need to recruit and accelerate cyber skills and capabilities to stay one step ahead of the bad actors,' says Ed Dolman, head of Europe, Middle East, and Africa at digital forensics firm Cellebrite, which provides the MoD and other government agencies with the technology to carry out cyber investigations. 'Britain cannot afford to play catch up any more and sleepwalk into this increasingly dangerous world. 'Growing volumes of increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks perpetuated by rogue states and organised criminal groups mean that ramping up the UK's security capabilities should be at the very top of the Government agenda.' The Government has at least been looking to bolster its defences with cyber personnel. In 2020, the Government established a specialist unit called the National Cyber Force to carry out the UK's offensive cyber activity to protect the UK. Its aim is to reach 3,000 cyber experts by the end of the decade. To give a sense of scale of the fight Britain is up against however, estimates for China's own 'hacker army' range between 50,000 to 100,000. The latest £1 billion injection to the UK's cyber defences will fund a new Cyber and Electromagnetic Command, which will upgrade targeting systems using an artificial intelligence 'kill web' that connects military systems. Experts suggest it hints that the UK may start to go on the offensive with its cyber operations, similar to its allies and enemies. 'The UK has been very cagey about talking about its offensive cyber capability,' Savill told the BBC. 'It's only a very slight cracking open of what remains a pretty secretive world. But it sounds like they want to talk a little bit more about their ability to take on hostile states.' Woodward suggests the UK may in fact have far more capability than has been publicly acknowledged. 'The UK has definitely been building its offensive cyber capabilities,' he says. 'Indeed, just because we haven't yet used it, doesn't mean we don't have the technology. It's a bit like saying: 'I've got a nuclear weapon, you've got a nuclear weapon, but I'm behind because I've never used it.'' Instead, unlike Moscow, the UK has to be far more careful – and often it's better not to show your hand until you need to, he says. 'Moscow has been far more aggressive and brazen about it. They like the disruption. Putin's regime is very happy to play fast and loose with these things and takes a lot more risk than the British government is willing to. 'We would never admit to it [offensive cyber operations], because if we did it would be an act of war.' For several years, Russia has carried out cyberattacks on Western critical infrastructure through criminal groups – allowing them to deny any involvement. Yet on the battlefield, particularly in Ukraine, they have been far more gung-ho with trying out autonomous AI weapons, such as drones that can recognise targets and fire. In its fight for survival, Ukraine has also tried such technology out. For the UK however, this presents an 'ethical dilemma'. 'Britain finds it hard enough with driverless cars,' jokes Woodward. Neither can it use criminal groups as a proxy for its dirty work. Yet, he suggests the UK has already carried out extensive digital espionage and may well be ready to unleash its own cyber weapons in the near future. 'If you're going for real disruption, like taking energy grids down, you don't want to play your hand,' he says, suggesting that it may have already started the process. Stuxnet, for example, was only discovered years after it had been lying in place. 'We may have already planted the seeds in various places. But actually triggering them is a different proposition – you don't want to use it until you really have to.' So while it might seem like we're late to the party, Woodward believes we may in fact be better prepared than some fear. 'It's not a sudden revolution in thinking, it's an evolution,' he says. 'I just think it's accelerated.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
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First Post
27-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Bunkers and brinkmanship: Japan doubles bomb shelter capacity, prepares for the unthinkable
Japan is undergoing a profound shift from postwar pacifism to proactive civil defence, building a nationwide shelter network to confront growing regional threats and redefine its role in an uncertain world read more Japan is making major changes to its defence preparations, reflecting a shift in how the country approaches national security in today's increasingly unstable world. For many years, Japan relied on the peace-focussed rules in its postwar constitution, which kept it from building up its military too much. But now, Japan is quickly improving its defence systems because of growing fears about missile threats from nearby countries. As part of this major change, Japan has started a large project to build enough bomb shelters for 10 million people. This includes making more underground and long-term shelters, especially near Taiwan and other islands in the southwest, as reported by Nikkei Asia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This is more than just building new shelters—it shows a deeper change in how Japan sees its role. The country is working to become a stronger and more protected island combining stronger buildings and shelters with more military readiness. This change was clearly stated in Japan's updated National Security Strategy, which came out in December 2022. In that report, Japan said its security situation is now 'more severe and complex than at any other time in the post-Second World War period,' showing just how serious the country views today's threats. Doubling shelter capacity: A race against time According to the Cabinet Secretariat, Japan now has more than 58,000 designated bomb shelters. But as reported by Nikkei Asia, only about 3,900 of these—or around 7 per cent—are underground, which many see as the most important type for protecting people from modern missile attacks. These underground shelters can currently hold only 5 per cent of Japan's population. To fix this, the government has set a new goal: to increase capacity so over 10 million people can be protected, nearly doubling the current limit of 6 million. As part of this effort, the government is looking at 1,489 more possible sites for underground shelters. This could add around 4 million square meters to the current total of 4.91 million square meters of shelter space. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Japan Times explained that using the short-stay space standard of 0.825 square metres per person, this would be enough room to protect more than 10 million people during an emergency. These shelters are being divided into short-term spaces for quick safety and long-term ones where people could stay for up to two weeks. The areas closest to Taiwan are getting special attention, especially the Sakishima island chain. According to The Japan News, this includes Ishigaki, Miyakojima, Yonaguni, Taketomi and the village of Tarama. These islands are considered frontline areas if a conflict involving Taiwan breaks out with Yonaguni being just 110 kilometres away from Taiwan and lacking many options for evacuating large groups of people. To protect the residents, the Japanese government is planning to build strong, new shelters that can hold people for about two weeks. The Japan Times reported that these shelters will have 30-centimetre-thick reinforced walls, multiple entry and exit points, emergency ventilation systems, food and water supplies and strong structures that can resist missile strikes and bombings from the air. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In Yonaguni Town, local leaders have asked the government for help building these shelters. Defence Minister Gen Nakatani, as quoted by The Japan News said that people in the area are very concerned and agreed that 'strengthening the defence system in the Nansei area is an urgent issue.' To support this, the defence ministry has included funding in the 2025 budget to help pay for building these vital shelters in the region. Tokyo's underground response Japan's capital, Tokyo, is also getting ready for possible major emergencies. According to The Japan News, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is planning to build its first long-term underground shelter inside Azabu-juban Station on the Toei Oedo subway line. This new shelter is meant to protect people if the city ever faces a long-lasting missile attack since many citizens are worried that current evacuation centres wouldn't be strong enough to handle such a situation. The planned shelter will have food and water supplies, emergency electricity, air ventilation and communication systems to help people stay safe for an extended period. But as The Japan News also pointed out, the project comes with big money and planning problems. Each shelter could cost hundreds of millions of yen, so making similar shelters across the entire city would be very hard unless private companies help. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Tokyo is now looking at creative ideas like turning underground parking areas into shelters and encouraging private builders to create spaces that can be used both in everyday life and during emergencies. A psychological and social turning point Japan's major push to build more bomb shelters shows not just a change in defence planning but also a big shift in how people think and feel about safety. For many years, civil defence wasn't a big focus in Japan. It was seen as something from the past, especially because the country followed a pacifist path and relied on protection from the US through its nuclear shield. But now, both the government and the public are starting to face the hard truth that a military conflict in East Asia could directly affect Japan. This change in thinking has two sides. First, building more shelters makes people more aware that Japan could be in real danger—it's a sign that the country is no longer untouched by rising tensions in the region. But at the same time, it helps create a stronger feeling of unity and readiness. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who has supported civil defence efforts for a long time saying that showing a strong attitude—like saying, 'Shoot if you can, but not a single Japanese citizen will die'—can actually help prevent attacks. Businesses are also reacting to the possible risks. A Kyodo News survey shared by the Eurasian Times found that 53 per cent of Japan's major companies have already made emergency plans in case a crisis breaks out over Taiwan. These plans include evacuation routes and storing supplies. This shows that Japanese companies are increasingly worried about how a conflict could impact them, especially because Japan has close business and investment ties with Taiwan. Shelter specifications and comparative insights To make sure the new shelters work well, Japan is setting strict safety and building standards. In early 2025, the government carried out a nationwide survey to check if existing shelters were strong and safe enough under the Civil Protection Law. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As reported by The Japan Times, the results showed that 61 per cent of shelters had walls that met the required thickness of 30 centimetres. However, only 46 per cent had strong enough ceilings to handle powerful impacts. On a more positive note, 73 per cent of the shelters had the needed multiple entry points for people to get in and out safely. Japan is also looking at how other countries have built their shelter systems. According to The Japan Times, Finland has shelters for 86 per cent of its population. These are designed to protect people from chemical attacks and can support three-day stays. South Korea has gone even further, with shelters that could hold 331 per cent of its population. All of them are underground and fully equipped. When compared to these countries, Japan's shelters are still very different in terms of how well they are built and what they offer. This shows just how much work Japan still has to do to reach similar levels of protection. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Strategic context: Deterrence by denial Japan's shelter-building campaign is not happening on its own. It's a key part of a bigger plan to stop threats before they happen, as explained in the country's major defence update from 2022. In the National Security Strategy, National Defence Strategy and Defence Buildup Program released that year, Japan laid out its goal to raise defence spending to 2 per cent of its GDP by 2027 and to add counterstrike missile systems to its defences. Japan's new defence thinking is focussed on what it calls 'deterrence by denial.' This means making it harder for enemies to succeed if they attack, by strengthening both military and civilian defences. The basic idea is that if a country like Japan can take a hit and keep going, then enemies may be less likely to attack in the first place. This way of thinking is especially important now, as China becomes more forceful over the issue of Taiwan. Tokyo understands that if China takes action against Taiwan, it could also affect Japan—especially in places like the Senkaku Islands, which both Japan and China claim. So, Japan's efforts to improve civil defence are not just about keeping people safe during an attack. They are also about sending a clear message to potential enemies: attacking Japan won't be easy or worth it. Community preparedness: Civil defence as civic duty Local communities in Japan are also playing a big role in getting ready for emergencies. According to The Japan Times, five cities and towns in the Sakishima Islands were picked for the first round of shelter construction because they had already done evacuation planning and run civil defence drills. This shows how important it is for everyday people to be involved in preparing for disasters. These drills are not done alone—they are organised together with both the prefectural and national governments adding an important layer of safety and teamwork. Local governments are also working closely with the central government to make evacuation maps, let people know where the nearest shelters are and improve emergency alert systems. In some areas, residents are being taught basic survival skills and first aid bringing back old community traditions of helping each other during crises—traditions that had slowly disappeared after the war. Costs and challenges Even with strong progress, Japan faces many challenges ahead. Building strong shelters, especially underground ones designed for long stays, costs a lot of money. The Tokyo metropolitan government has already said that to build many of these shelters across the city, help from private companies will be needed. Japan also needs to balance civil defence needs with current laws like the Building Standards Act, which might not cover situations like wartime attacks. The government plans to create a clear policy by the end of fiscal 2026 that will guide shelter construction and may update these laws, according to The Japan Times. Another big issue is protection against unusual threats like nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) attacks. Unlike Finland, Japan's current shelter plans do not include systems to defend against these NBC threats, leaving an important weakness in the country's civil defence system. Japan's focus on building strong civil defence is a major part of its security identity in the 21st century. The plan to expand shelters, especially near Taiwan, shows that Japan is seriously facing regional dangers and choosing to be prepared and resilient. This change from a mostly peaceful approach to one of defensive readiness is more than just a strategy—it is a deep shift in how Japan thinks about its future safety. If done well, this plan could help Japan delay or stop attacks and give the country more influence in keeping peace.
The Mainichi
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Mainichi
Japan gives rescue boat to Fiji in 1st provision of security aid
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's government on Monday provided the Fiji navy with a rescue boat and other equipment for surveillance activities, in the first such delivery to a foreign military under Tokyo's security aid framework launched in 2023. The provision was made under Japan's Official Security Assistance program that is intended to deepen security ties with like-minded countries. The scheme was launched as China intensified its military activities in the Indo-Pacific region. A handover ceremony was held at the Stanley Brown Naval Base in the Fijian capital of Suva, attended by senior officials from both governments, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry. The assistance is expected to "contribute to secure a free and open Indo-Pacific through maintenance and enhancement of maritime security in the seas around Fiji and the Indo-Pacific region," the ministry said. Having set aside 400 million yen ($2.8 million) for aid to Fiji in fiscal 2023, Japan will deliver additional items such as patrol and rescue boats to the Pacific island nation. The defense aid program was created months after the National Security Strategy, Japan's long-term policy guideline, was updated in December 2022 amid a worsening security environment, including North Korea's expanding missile and nuclear activities and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Japan has also decided to supply defense equipment to Bangladesh, Djibouti, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia and the Philippines under the program. For fiscal 2025 that began in April, the government earmarked 8.1 billion yen for OSA assistance, up from 2 billion yen in fiscal 2023 and 5 billion yen in fiscal 2024.
The Print
23-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
What's a National Security Strategy & why CDS Gen Chauhan feels India doesn't need one on paper
In his newly published book, 'Ready, Relevant and Resurgent: A Blueprint for the Transformation of India's Military', Gen. Chauhan writes that the absence of a document should not be mistaken for the absence of a strategy. The NSS is a comprehensive document that articulates a country's long-term vision, strategic objectives, threat perceptions and policy direction across all dimensions of national security, including military, internal, economic, cyber, energy and diplomatic domains. New Delhi: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan has dismissed calls for a written National Security Strategy (NSS), asserting that India already has the requisite structures in place to secure itself. 'Strategic analysts and political pundits often state that India does not have a NSS. That is incorrect and a myopic understanding of the issue. What we don't have is a written document called NSS, which is published periodically by Western nations,' the CDS states in the book, which was released Thursday by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi. Citing examples, he writes that Israel, 'the most threatened nation on earth', has never released a formal NSS, while Pakistan issued a National Security Policy in 2022 but continues to face economic crisis, political instability and civil-military discord. 'Pakistan had the written document but lacked organisational structures, processes and policies to secure itself,' he adds. Gen. Chauhan contends that the strategic coherence behind the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories illustrates the presence of an existing national security framework. 'Such decisions would not have been possible without the elements, 'Policy, Processes and Organisational Structures' that constitute the National Security Strategy (NSS),' he writes. This is not the first time the CDS has questioned the utility of a written NSS. Last year as well, at a book launch in May, he had made similar remarks, stating that an NSS comprised 'policy, processes and practices', all of which India already had. 'The only thing missing is a written policy. I don't know why people insist on that,' he had said. The CDS had also argued that the absence of a written NSS had not prevented India from successfully executing strategic actions like the Balakot and Uri strikes, or the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status. But just a few months later, in November, Gen. Chauhan appeared to reverse course. At an event titled 'Future Wars and the Indian Armed Forces' in New Delhi, he said a 'written (national security) document' was indeed being prepared. Also Read: India, Pakistan DGMOs agree to extend measures aimed at reducing border tensions Where does India stand While countries such as the US, China, and Russia routinely publish such documents, either in full or abridged form, India has never officially released one, despite recurring demands and several attempts. In 2021, former CDS Gen. Bipin Rawat had flagged the absence of a clearly articulated NSS as a significant shortcoming. Additionally, former Army Chief Gen. M.M. Naravane echoed this in 2022, warning that creating theatre commands without an overarching national security strategy would be ill-advised. The conversation around an NSS first gained traction in the aftermath of the 1999 Kargil War, when the Kargil Review Committee led by K. Subrahmanyam called for major structural reforms to India's national security architecture. This led to the establishment of the National Security Council (NSC), Strategic Policy Group (SPG), National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) and the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS). In 2007, a draft NSS was prepared by the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) and submitted to the National Security Adviser and the Prime Minister's Office. However, it did not receive approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) and was never adopted. The government set up the Defence Planning Committee (DPC) under NSA Ajit Doval in 2018, comprising the three service chiefs, the defence secretary, the foreign secretary and the chief of the IDS. One of its core objectives was to formulate an NSS. Though the committee began consultations, no final document emerged. In 2019, former Northern Army Commander Lt Gen. D.S. Hooda (retd.) had submitted 'a comprehensive and exhaustive' strategy document on national security—informally known as the 'Hooda Document'—to Rahul Gandhi after the Congress party had roped in for a task force to prepare a vision paper for the country. More recently, in 2023 and 2024, the NSCS initiated inter-ministerial consultations to frame a comprehensive strategy. However, no public update or timeline has since been announced. (Edited by Tony Rai) Also Read: Rajnath calls for global supervision of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. 'Insecurity,' says Islamabad
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
India does not need a written National Security Strategy, structures are in place: CDS General Anil Chauhan
NEW DELHI: Dismissing the need for a written National Security Strategy, chief of defence staff General Anil Chauhan has said India has the requisite organisational structures, processes and policies in place to secure the nation. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In his new book "Ready, Relevant and Resurgent: A Blueprint for the Transformation of India's Military", the CDS said strategic analysts and political pundits often state that India does not have a NSS. "That is incorrect and a myopic understanding of the issue. What we don't have is a written document called NSS, which is published periodically by Western nations," he said. Israel, the "most threatened nation on earth", does not have a written policy document or NSS. "On the contrary, Pakistan issued a written National Security Policy in 2022 and ran into economic problems, political instability, rift between the Armed Forces and the citizens and problems on its western borders," he added. Pakistan had the written document but lacked organisational structures, processes and policies to secure itself, the CDS said. In 2022, after retiring as Army chief, Gen M M Naravane had argued that India needed to have a NSS that lays down long-term national and geopolitical objectives in the face of myriad threats, stating it would be a folly to create theatre commands without a policy in place.
