‘Don’t weaponise the net’ warns former NCSC cyber-chief Ciaran Martin
In cyber-space, a strong defence should take precedence over arming ourselves with new weapons, the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)’s ex-chief has warned.
Ciaran Martin added that we “weaponise” and “militarise the internet at our peril”.
His remarks follow reports of the use of offensive cyber-techniques by nations, including the UK.
Mr Martin said he was not a digital pacifist, but he urged restraint.
“The case for cyber-restraint is a hard-headed one,” he said in a lecture to the Strand Group, part of King’s College.
“A more secure digital environment is the best guarantor of safety and security for Western countries in the digital age.”
Red button
The NCSC is the defensive arm of the intelligence agency GCHQ, Mr Martin was the division’s first chief executive, and stepped down from the role in September.
Source: BBC News