The Invisible Battlefield - The critical role of cyber security in modern defence

The UK government announces defence review in 'more dangerous and volatile world' - how does cyber security fit in?

When Kier Starmer announced a "root and branch" review of the UK's armed forces, it's telling that he made no mention of the digital threats facing the nation. This omission is a glaring oversight, in an age of increasingly geopolitical hostilities, the digital battlefield may well be the most important fight of them all.

The focus on traditional military capabilities

It's understandable why Starmer and his advisers would focus on traditional military capabilities. The images of tanks, ships, and fighter jets are far more visceral and compelling than the invisible world of computer networks and data flows. But make no mistake - this digital domain is where the real battles of the future will be fought.

Lessons from recent history

It's important to consider the 2007 cyberattacks that crippled Estonia's government and financial systems, the 2017 NotPetya malware that caused over $10 billion in global damages and the ongoing barrage of ransomware, data breaches, and state-sponsored hacking attempts. These digital assaults can be just as devastating as any air strike or amphibious landing.

The threat is growing more severe as time goes on, as the UK's military and critical infrastructure become ever more reliant on an integrated network of technology, the vulnerabilities multiply. A skilled adversary can infiltrate these systems, disrupt operations, steal sensitive data, and sow chaos - all without ever deploying a single soldier.

The blind spot in UK defence

So why the blind spot? Part of it may be that cyber threats simply don't have the same primal, kinetic appeal as traditional warfare. It's harder to get people riled up about firewall breaches and DDoS attacks than it is about tanks rolling across borders. There's also the challenge of quantifying the risks - the damage from a major cyberattack is often invisible and diffuse, making it harder to justify the investment.

Any serious defense review must grapple with the digital threats head-on. This means not just bolstering the nation's cyber defenses, but also developing robust offensive capabilities. The ability to strike back, to impose real costs on adversaries who dare to attack, is crucial for deterrence.

Rethinking military and intelligence collaboration

It also requires rethinking how the military and intelligence agencies work together. Cyber warfare doesn't respect traditional service boundaries. The skills and tools needed to defend critical systems may come as much from the GCHQ spooks as the Army engineers. Starmer's review should look at ways to break down silos and foster greater collaboration.

Investment in digital defence

And of course, there's the question of money. Shoring up the UK's digital defenses will require significant investment - not just in technology, but in recruiting and training the right talent. This is a long-term game, and the government must be willing to make the necessary commitments early to stay ahead of the competition.

Conclusion: a call for digital resilience

The world is indeed becoming more dangerous and volatile. But the greatest threats may not be coming over the horizon, but slipping through the cracks in our networks. Starmer's defense review must recognise this reality and put digital resilience at the heart of the UK's military strategy. Anything less is to leave the nation dangerously exposed.