GCHQ unveils new AI defence system to fend off Russian threat

GCHQ has outlined plans for a state-backed AI cyber shield described as the first globally, with aims to be operational within five years. The system would place AI agents to monitor and flag threats across critical national infrastructure, airlines, telecoms firms, and other major companies, in a bid to dampen cyberattack risks such as the Jaguar Land Rover breach. The proposals were presented by GCHQ director Anne Keast-Butler during the agency's inaugural annual lecture at Bletchley Park, highlighting AI as an 'unstoppable force' the UK must harness responsibly. She urged industry leaders to push advancements at the speed of the frontier and called on the public to engage in cyber security efforts.