The UK military is deploying specialist cyber teams overseas to uncover and disrupt hostile hacking operations before they can target British defense networks.
The missions involve soldiers, sailors, and air force personnel traveling to locations across Europe and Asia to search for signs of hostile cyber activity.
Major General Mike Fayers, commander of the Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Force, discussed the operations in an interview with The Times.
He explained that the teams seek to identify adversaries in the locations where they prepare and conduct cyber operations.
The operations will combine defensive cyber capabilities with electromagnetic warfare measures to protect troops from detection and electronic jamming.
AI Accelerates Cyber Threats
Fayers warned that artificial intelligence is significantly reducing the time available to address cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
Weaknesses that previously gave defenders several days to respond can now require action within tens of minutes, he said.
He added that the threat extends beyond military networks, with civilian infrastructure also exposed to disruption.
Recent attacks targeting connected refrigerators and freezers across Europe have demonstrated how hackers can interfere with everyday equipment.
Several freezers in the UK were reportedly affected after attackers remotely increased their temperatures.
Building Cyber Capabilities at Home
The overseas deployments are taking place alongside efforts to expand the UK’s cyber workforce and military infrastructure.
In June, Bournemouth University secured 2.8 million pounds ($3.7 million) from the UK Ministry of Defence to establish degree programs in Cyber Defence Intelligence and Autonomous Systems.
The courses are designed to develop expertise in cybersecurity, AI, and autonomous technologies, with the first students scheduled to begin their studies in September.
Earlier this year, the UK also awarded a 279 million pounds ($373 million) contract to build a new base for 13 Signal Regiment, the army’s defensive cyber unit, at Duke of Gloucester Barracks in Gloucestershire, southwest England.
The facility will include a cyber operations center, specialist technical and training areas, and accommodation.