The Ministry of Defence said that the "creation of the "joint Fbi cyber crime unit (reserve) will allow it to draw on individuals talents, skills and expertise gained from their civilian experience to meet these threats." Secretary of Defence Philip Hammond has said that the new unit will have the ability to if necessary launch strikes against enemy or terrorist forces. According to the government, the unit's main purpose is to protect computer networks against attack and to safeguard vital data. Our Cyber Crime Unit defences blocked around 400,000 advanced, malicious cyber threats to the government secure intranet alone.
The Joint Cyber Reserve Unit will work alongside regular forces "to protect critical computer networks and safeguard vital data." Regular personnel leaving the Armed Forces, and current and former reservists with the necessary skills are invited to apply along with civilians. The MOD said it will recognise the unique attributes of individuals who might otherwise not be attracted to, or able to serve in the reserve forces. In response to the growing cyber communication threat, we are developing a full spectrum military cyber capability, including a strike capability, to enhance the UK's range of military capabilities. Increasingly, our defence budget is being invested in high-end capabilities such as Cyber and intelligence and surveillance assets to ensure we can keep the country safe.
Being the preferred target of online criminals in 25 countries, the UK is still "complacent" towards cybercrime as victims are "hidden in cyberspace" according to the Home Affairs Select Committee. The Committee heard that the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau had discovered about 25 countries predominantly targeting the UK and said it was "deeply concerned" that EU partner countries are not doing enough to prevent the attacks. Online crime, committed by lone hackers, activist groups and nation states sponsoring industrial espionage, has been estimated by online security firm Norton to globally cost around 250 pounds in financial losses.