MOD blocks Wikileaks after ...er... leaks

The MOD has blocked access to Wikileaks from 1000s of it's own computers after the website was found to be used to put on military manuals used by troops in the field. Items placed on the website include a 2007 manual for tactics in Iraq and Afghanistan and a handbook on Istar.

The manuals leaked so far are at the low-level of "restricted" but the MOD fears other materials getting onto the site though blocking access would be difficult (and in any event there would be many ways to easily circumvent any blocking such as simply e-mailing the document to someone on a non-MOD computer to upload to Wikileaks for you).

Office of Cyber Security (OCS) to be formed

After much speculation it is now official, the UK will form a cyber-security agency the Office of Cyber Security (OCS). The OCS will draw together what is already being done in the area of cyber-security and info-warfare by the MOD, intelligence agencies and police meanwhile GCHQ will be the base for the Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC) which will protect critical IT systems. The OCS will look to developing the capabilities for offensive cyber warfare too, including DDoS attacks and spying on "enemy" computer systems.

However offensive cyber warfare will be retained as an option but not used as a first response an unnamed official said.

MOD axes new spy plane and battlefield intelligence projects

In an effort to save £1.5 billion the MOD has cancelled or postponed a number of spy plane and battlefield intelligence projects which could leave troops on the ground in places like Afghanistan exposed. 20% of the Defence Intelligence Staff will also be cut along with a cut in 3 new Nimrod MRA4s, postponing the Nimrod R1 replacement, cancelling Soothsayer listening in devices and postponing an upgrade to the Sentry AWACS fleet.

New Defence Intelligence hub to be established

A new defence intelligence hub will be built at RAF Wyton in Huntingdon. This will relocate and collect together the "Headquarters Intelligence Collection Group from Feltham, JARIC - the National Imagery Exploitation Centre - from RAF Brampton, as well as Headquarters Joint Aeronautical and Geospatial Organisation and 42 Engineer Regiment (Geographic) from Denison Barracks in Hermitage and Ayrshire Barracks in Germany, to RAF Wyton in Cambridgeshire".



New purpose built facilities and accommodation will be built at Wyton, Other non-intelligence units at RAF Brampton will be moved to Wyton allowing the closure and sale of Brampton. The move is expected to be completed by the Summer of 2013.

Russian link to MOD/RN cyberattack?

An internet virus that has attacked various MOD and Royal Navy computers has apparently sent e-mails from the computers to a server in Russia. Some RAF e-mails have also been sent to servers in Russia though there is no evidence of Russian government (or even Russian civilian) involvement. Russia do have a recent history of cyber warfare though.


You never had these problems back in the days of Big Iron

Georgia was subject to cyber attacks as part of the general Russian effort against them in last year's South Ossetian conflict. Back in 2007 Estonia came under heavy cyber attack, Estonia accusing Russia of being behind it, Russia confirmed that they had the ability to conduct such attacks though it was elements of a non-Russian organisation based in Transnistria that claimed responsibility.

MOD & RN hit by computer virus

A number of Ministry of Defence systems have been infected by a computer virus including the admin networks aboard Royal Navy warships. NavyStar (N*) is the system infected, luckily it doesn't do anything too dangerous like launch Trident missiles but is used for "storekeeping, email and similar support functions". The virus was likely transferred as "N* ship nets connect to wider networks by shore connection when vessels are in harbour and using satcomms when at sea". The major impact has been the loss of the e-mail service which sailors use to keep in touch with family and friends.


Don't worry lads, this is fine. (Bridge controls from HMS Cumberland)

The MOD said "no command or operational systems had been affected". So now accidental nuclear war then. That's good. The RAF has also been affected.