Intelligence agencies look to tap into the ‘Xbox generation’

By GAVIN CORDON
Published on 19/10/2012 00:29

BRITAIN’S intelligence agencies are set to recruit ­apprentice cyber spies in an attempt to ­harness the “Xbox generation”.

Up to 100 18-year-olds will have the chance to train for a ­career in the secret services countering the threat of cyber warfare and internet criminals.

The scheme, announced by Foreign Secretary William Hague, is aimed mainly at GCHQ – the electronic communications agency – but some recruits will join the other agencies – the Secret Intelligence Service, MI6, and the Security Service, MI5.

Speaking at Bletchley Park – the home of Britain’s Second World War codebreakers and the forerunner of GCHQ – Mr Hague said it was important to bring in the best talent to secure the UK’s future cyber expertise.

He said: “It will be the young innovators of this generation who will help keep our country safe in years to come against threats which are every bit as serious as some of those confronted in the Second World War.”

“Today we are not at war, but I see evidence every day of deliberate, organised attacks against intellectual property and government networks in the United Kingdom from cyber criminals or foreign actors with the potential to undermine our security and economic competitiveness.

“This is one of the great ­challenges of our time, and we must confront it to ensure that Britain remains a world leader in cyber security and a pre-eminent safe space for e-commerce and intellectual property online.”

Officials said the Single Intelligence Account apprenticeship scheme would tap the “Xbox generation” who had grown up with social media, global connectivity and interactive gaming.