Cyber Primer

Fundamentals of cyber
• independent decisions may need to be made when it is necessary
to maintain operational tempo and, where appropriate, authority for
action has been delegated by the commander.
1.23. Skills. More generally, skills relevant to the cyber environment are
articulated in the Institute of Information Security Functional Skills Framework
and the MOD Information Assurance Portal provides additional reference
material on information assurance and cyber related subjects.
Law applicable to cyber
1.24. There are a number of bodies of law which may be applicable to
cyber activity. The applicable laws will depend on whether the activity is
supporting military operations during peacetime (including training and
testing) or an armed conflict. There are no international treaties specifically
addressing cyber activity, but existing international law is applicable. UK
cyber activities must follow international and domestic law. Legal support to
military operations must include an operational understanding of the cyber
activities, including intended effects and possible unintended consequences.
More details on international law applicable to cyber activity can be found at
Annex 1A.
International engagement
1.25. Collaboration with international partners is important to develop
Defence’s cyber capabilities. International engagement is managed by
MOD’s Cyber and Space Policy, which has close links with the Foreign and
Commonwealth Office’s International Cyber Policy Unit.
1.26. While broader Defence bilateral partnership objectives are a key
factor, cyber engagement is principally driven by existing and anticipated
military requirements, hence there is a strong allied relationship. The UK
is a leading nation in North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on cyber,
working to ensure that it secures its own networks and encouraging all
partners to develop their own cyber capabilities.
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Cyber Primer (2nd Edition)