Tech & Biz

Britain hiring former computer hackers to secure cyberspace

by Suranee | June 25, 2009 at 05:34 am

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To prevent cyber attacks on Britain's government, businesses and individuals from foreign spies, thieves and terrorists, Britain has turned to hiring former computer hackers and young computer geeks.

They will be a part of a new security unit based in Cheltenham, in western England.

LONDON (AP) — Britain is hiring former computer hackers to join a new security unit aimed at protecting cyberspace from foreign spies, thieves and terrorists, the country's terrorism minister said.

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. Britain will also develop its capability to wage cyber warfare against the country's foes, he said.

The country's internet users spend about 50 billion ($82.6 billion) online per year. Britain also loses about 52 billion pounds ($86 billion) each year as a result of malicious attacks on computer systems.

Britain estimates about 52 billion pounds ($86 billion) is lost to the world economy each year as a result of malicious attacks on computer systems. Britons spend about 50 billion ($82.6 billion) online per year.

A Whitehall official said the government's aim is to develop information systems to allow it to launch denial-of-service attacks and to spy on chosen targets.