June 25th, 2009
Britain hires hackers for intel squad
The hackers are coming, the hackers are coming.
Britain is hiring ex-hackers as a security cadre to protect the country’s computer systems from cyber attacks, AP reports.
[Anti-terrorism minister] Alan West said the technology-savvy staff will join efforts to trace the source of — and prevent — cyber attacks on Britain’s government, businesses and individuals. The country also will develop its capability to wage cyber warfare against the country’s foes, he said. Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced the creation of the unit Thursday as he published an updated national security strategy, detailing Britain’s response to global terrorism and emerging threats.
West said the “slightly naughty” make the best anti-hacker.
“You need youngsters who are actually deep into this stuff — and they really get into it. If they’ve been slightly naughty, very often they really enjoying stopping others,” said West, a former head of Britain’s defense intelligence staff.
