UK’s cyber unit targets military foes, terrorists online.

The National Cyber Force works to counter state-sponsored hackers globally, including Russia and China.

The recently formed UK hacking unit, the National Cyber Force (NCF), asserts its daily disruption of terrorist groups, distributors of child sexual abuse material, and military adversaries. In its inaugural policy statement, “Responsible Cyber Power in Practice,” the NCF expresses its commitment to combating organized online threats. While specific methods remain undisclosed, the NCF acknowledges employing tactics to counter state-sponsored hackers’ techniques and utilizing technical means to hinder the distribution of terrorist propaganda.

Additionally, the NCF aims to thwart the operational capabilities of UK military adversaries and conduct persistent campaigns to eliminate images of child abuse, reducing the accessibility of illegal content online. Established in 2020, the NCF represents a collaboration between the GCHQ intelligence agency and the Ministry of Defence, marking the first consolidation of the UK’s cyberattack capabilities into a recognized unit. Notably, Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea are identified as supporters of hacking groups engaged in stealing political and trade secrets or executing ransomware attacks demanding substantial payments for system restoration.

By conducting the hack, coalition forces acquired crucial details on the acquisition of drones, missiles, and pilot training by ISIS. This information proved instrumental in neutralizing their capabilities, thereby diminishing the military threat to ground troops in Iraq and Syria.

James Babbage, a GCHQ officer with a three-decade tenure, leads the National Cyber Force (NCF). His identity, previously confidential, is now disclosed, making him one of only four publicly known British intelligence officers, alongside the heads of MI5, MI6, and GCHQ.