Cyberspace attacks are a constant and real threat - RAF cyberspace communication specialists monitor, protect, and defend UK interests 24/7/365, operating state of the art cyberspace facilities
The RAF’s cyberspace communications specialists are operating on the cutting edge to protect the RAF and UK against cyberspace threats.
The UK’s potential adversaries are growing their capability and confidence to launch cyberspace attacks that could prevent our ability to protect UK airspace and provide air power overseas.
Our RAF cyberspace communications specialists are continuously working in the UK and deployed around the world to combat these threats.
- Monitoring and safeguarding our military IT networks from intrusions
- Keeping UK military aircraft safe from targeting by hostile weapons systems
- Protecting the UK’s critical civilian and military air and space systems, such as air traffic control
- Ensuring the RAF’s information and communications are safe and secure
60
attacks per day on British Military targets which were serious enough to warrant an intervention
We also have the cyberspace expertise, technology, and capability to exploit opportunities and gain a military advantage over our adversaries.
We can conduct cyberspace operations to deny, disrupt and degrade their capabilities in the air, space, land, sea and cyberspace domains.
Importantly, the UK conducts cyberspace operations in line with a well-established domestic legal framework and deploys its cyberspace capabilities in accordance with international law.
Cutting edge communications
Secure communications
Secure communication is essential for our people, aircraft, and equipment to operate and provide air power.
Our cyberspace communications specialists deploy worldwide to establish and secure advanced, encrypted communication networks, plus radars and air traffic equipment.
Our role is critical to what the Air Force does. The RAF as a whole can't survive without communications: our job is to defend those communications
RAF Cyberspace Communications Specialist
Working in partnership
We continuously collaborate on cyber security with the Royal Navy and British Army, and other UK partners such as the National Cyber Security Centre and the National Cyber Force.
The National Cyber Force brings together defence and intelligence capabilities under one united command to conduct targeted, responsible offensive cyber operations that support the UK’s national security priorities.
We also collaborate closely with our international allies on cyberspace security.
For instance, RAF cyberspace communications specialists regularly participate with international forces in large exercises like Red Flag (Nevada, USA) to train for combating cyber threats.
RAF Cyberspace roles
Days are varied. One minute things appear relatively normal, then all of a sudden an operation is stood up to address a new threat.
RAF Cyberspace Communications Specialist
Working in cyberspace is highly technical so we invest in world leading training and qualifications to develop ‘deep’ specialisms in our people.
Our cyberspace specialists attend the Defence Cyber School, a centre of excellence, supplemented with expertise from industry and academia.
The RAF's cyberspace range allows teams of cyberspace defenders to train in realistic exercises against simulated threats.
Inside AIR podcast
Can you respond to a cyberspace-attack with force? Do laws on earth extend into space?
Episode 11 - Law of armed conflict in space and cyber
Further reading
National Cyber Security Strategy 2016 to 2021
Academic papers on aviation cyber security
Aviation cyber security strategy