Police forces sign up civilian 'iPlods' to beat cyber crime

Hundreds of computer experts are to be recruited as special constables to protect Britain against cyber attacks.

The civilians, dubbed "iPlods", will join police forces across the country to work at least 16 hours a month to target cyber criminals.

A small number of "cyber-Specials" already work for the Metropolitan Police's central e-crime unit but ministers now want to deploy more to beef up the UK's cyber defences.

They will be trained in intelligence and analysis work, processing forensic material and will be used in search and arrest teams. Home Office minister James Brokenshire said: "The Metropolitan Police has helped lead the way in the fight against cyber crime. We want to encourage other forces to make use of such cyber-specials."

The recruitment drive is part of the Government's new cyber security strategy unveiled today which also includes using expertise developed at the GCHQ spy centre to help to boost economic growth.

The Government has committed £650 million to improve cyber security over the next four years. Whitehall and some companies are under constant attack from cyber criminals from countries such as China and Russia.