CSOC to strengthen UK's cyber defences
The CSOC (preferred location MoD Corsham) will be a dedicated facility staffed by experts that utilises state-of-the-art defensive cyber capabilities to protect the MoD’s cyberspace from malicious actors.
It will enhance our ability to secure Defence networks and systems against cyber threats and bring together our defensive cyber activity which will enable us to continue to operate safely and securely.
As the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) in November outlined, the government will invest £1.9 billion over the next five years in protecting the UK from cyber attacks and developing our sovereign capabilities in cyber space.
The £40 million investment in the CSOC is part of the wider government plan and it will transform the MoD’s operational cyber security capabilities.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: "Britain is a world leader in cyber security but with growing threats this new Operations Centre will ensure that our Armed Forces continue to operate securely.
"Our increasing defence budget means that we can stay ahead of our adversaries in cyberspace while also investing in conventional capabilities."
As part of the National Cyber Security Centre initiative, the CSOC will facilitate the sharing of MoD cyber security challenges across government departments, with allies and with industry. This will act to further strengthen Britain's defences and enable the most efficient working methods.