UK set for cyber security centre
Updated on 15 June 2009
The Government is to launch a national cyber security centre to help protect the UK from online attacks.
The centre will advise Whitehall departments and companies on defending against hacking by foreign powers, organised criminals and terror groups, the Guardian has reported.
It will form the centrepiece of the new national security strategy to be launched by Prime Minister Gordon Brown later this month, sources confirmed.
The changes will see the Cabinet Office co-ordinating anti-cybercrime efforts across Government.
Successful cyber attacks could bring down essential computer systems, or allow foreign governments to access them.
Last year MPs were warned about emails apparently sent by the European Parliament - amid fears they could be used by Chinese hackers to implant viruses.
The head of MI5, Jonathan Evans, has also warned business and legal firms of the rise in the online threat from Chinese state organisations.
Reports in 2007 said hackers, believed to have come from China's People's Liberation Army (PLA), hit the network of the Foreign Office and other key departments.
Chinese hackers were also thought to be responsible for shutting down the House of Commons computer system in 2006.
In 2005 the Government issued a warning of "concerted Trojan email attacks from the Far East against UK Government and business interests".
These news feeds are provided by an independent third party and Channel 4 is not responsible or liable to you for the same.
