Britain's Defense Minister revealed plans to build a dedicated capability to counter-attack in cyberspace and, if necessary, to strike in cyberspace.

“In response to the growing cyber threat, we are developing a full-spectrum military cyber capability, including a strike capability, to enhance the UK’s range of military capabilities,” Defense Secretary Philip Hammond (photo) said in a statement from the Ministry earlier this week.
 
“Increasingly, our defense budget is being invested in high-end capabilities such as cyber and intelligence and surveillance assets to ensure we can keep the country safe,” the statement added.
The S. Defense Department, as well, is beefing up its cyber capabilities, as defense industry firms are ramping up their capabilities in the area.
 
As part of the Ministry of Defense’s full-spectrum military capability, Hammond said the Department is set to recruit hundreds of computer experts as cyber reservists to help defend the United Kingdom’s national security, working at the cutting-edge of the nation’s cyber defenses.

The new Joint Cyber Reserve will have reservists working alongside regular forces to protect critical computer networks and safeguard vital data.

The creation of the Joint Cyber Reserve will represent a significant increase in the number of reservists employed in cyber and information assurance, and members of the Joint Cyber Reserve will provide support to the Joint Cyber Unit (Corsham), the Joint Cyber Unit (Cheltenham) and other information assurance units across defense, the Ministry statement said.
 
Recruiting for the Joint Cyber Reserve will begin in October and target three sectors: regular personnel leaving the Armed Forces, current and former reservists with the necessary skills, and individuals with no previous military experience, but with the technical knowledge, skills, experience and aptitude to work in this highly-specialized area.