In an underground control center in Wiltshire, UK military personnel are on high alert, safeguarding HMS Prince of Wales, the Royal Navy’s flagship, during its deployment through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. This strategic chokepoint, situated between Yemen and the Horn of Africa, is a high-risk area, particularly due to threats from Iranian-backed Houthi rebels who have previously targeted ships in retaliation for Israeli actions in Gaza. The operation, codenamed Highmast, involves a dedicated cyber team at the Ministry of Defence’s Corsham base, monitoring and defending against potential cyberattacks on the carrier.
The cyber unit faces a significant workload, dealing with approximately 11,500 cyberattacks monthly. While many are automatically mitigated, around 1,500 require manual intervention, with 130 identified as originating from hostile actors. These attacks range from sophisticated phishing attempts to potential insider threats. Personnel conduct pre-deployment exercises and maintain 24/7 vigilance to ensure the security of the carrier’s systems.
Defence Secretary John Healey has highlighted the strategic importance of these operations, emphasizing that the carrier strike group is as well-prepared and protected as possible. He also noted that increased funding for cyber capabilities would be part of the upcoming defence review. The Corsham facility operates under strict security measures, with personnel prohibited from bringing electronic devices inside, underscoring the sensitivity of the operations conducted within.
This initiative reflects the growing recognition of cyberspace as a critical domain in modern warfare. The UK’s proactive stance aims to counteract the evolving cyber threats posed by state and non-state actors, ensuring the security and operational integrity of its naval assets in strategically vital regions.
