GCHQ draws up plans for world-first national AI cyber defence system

GCHQ has unveiled plans for a world-first national AI cyber defence system, aiming to run within five years. The system will use AI agents to detect and flag threats to critical infrastructure, airlines, and telecoms firms, reducing the risk of breaches such as the Jaguar Land Rover incident. Anne Keast-Butler described AI as an unstoppable force the UK must harness for good and outlined a blueprint to hardwire agentic AI into machine-speed cyber defence.

She urged industry and security professionals to advance AI-enabled security at pace and called on the public to improve cyber hygiene from boardrooms to living rooms. The speech also noted the National Cyber Security Centre's 10-year milestone and warned that Russia is increasing hybrid activity against Britain and Europe, urging urgent action by businesses.