UK seeks young geeks to combat cyberterror

LONDON: Britain is hiring former computer hackers to join a new security unit aimed at protecting cyberspace from foreign spies, thieves and terrorists, the country's terrorism minister said.

Alan West said the technology-savvy staff will join efforts to trace the source of - and prevent - cyber attacks on Britain's government, businesses and individuals. Britain will also develop its capability to wage cyber warfare against the country's foes, he said.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced the creation of the unit yesterday as he published an updated national security strategy.