UK is nearly ready to launch force to hit hostile countries with cyberattacks

Britain is in the final stages of setting up a security force to wage offensive cyberwarfare against terrorist groups, hostile states and organised crime groups that are threats to the country, The Independent has learnt.

The American assassination of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani has added urgency to the progress of the specialist unit, amid risks of a cyber conflict that could affect the UK.

The National Cyber Force (NCF), operated by the Ministry of Defence and GCHQ, will be the first organisation in Britain dedicated solely to offensive action against adversaries abroad.