UK to step up cyberattacks on Russia and China
London will significantly step up offensive cyber operations against Russia and China, UK Defense Secretary John Healey announced on Thursday following the inauguration of the country's new Cyber and Electromagnetic Command.
In a statement quoted by The Times, Healey claimed that 'the keyboard is now a weapon of war' and said the UK's new cyber command would coordinate both defensive and offensive operations, including hacking into enemy systems to disrupt attacks and spread of propaganda.
Asked whether this would include Russia and China, Healey responded: 'Yes.'
Healey's statement marks the first time a British minister has explicitly confirmed cyberattacks on other states. While UK ministers had previously confirmed cyber operations against non-state actors like Islamic State, they have not until now acknowledged attacks against other countries.
The defense secretary added that more than £1 billion ($1.35 billion) has been allocated by the UK government for a 'digital targeting web' to enable real-time battlefield intelligence-sharing between troops, spy planes and satellites.
Healey's comments come ahead of the publication of a strategic defense review on Monday. According to The Times, the review will stress that cyberattacks on Britain, allegedly being carried out by Russia and China, are 'threatening the foundations of the economy and daily life.'
Both Moscow and Beijing have consistently denied accusations of carrying out cyberattacks against Western nations, characterizing the claims as baseless and politically motivated.
Additionally, Russian officials have in recent months repeatedly raised concerns over what they describe as Western Europe's continued militarization and aggressive anti-Russian rhetoric, said to be in response to the alleged threat posed by Moscow.
The Kremlin has vehemently denied having any hostile intent towards any western country, and has accused European politicians of 'irresponsibly stoking fears' to justify increased military expenditures, which Moscow had labeled an 'incitement of war on the European continent.'
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