MPs urge UK government to do more for cyber security

A group of MPs has urged the UK government to do more to counter major cyber-attacks as, according to them, the armed forces depend so heavily on IT, and a sustained attack could cripple the military.

Ministers, however, deny they had been complacent over cyber security and say they had allocated £650 million towards fighting threats over the next four years.

The report by the Commons Defence Committee warns a cyber-attack could render entire combat units, including aircraft and warships, out of action.

Meanwhile, there is an ongoing drive in the UK aimed at getting more talented young people to work in cyber security, a growth industry in the country.

Last autumn saw the UK hold its first cyber security boot camp, designed to recruit the best hackers and programmers.

According to organisers, schools were not doing enough on this.