FORMER computer hackers are being employed by GCHQ to help in the fight against cyber-terrorism.

Security Minister Lord West revealed the fact as he published the Government's new Cyber Security Strategy aimed at heading off online threats.

As well as potential cyber-attacks from terrorists, the UK faces a growing threat from foreign governments and from organised criminal gangs, he said.

As part of attempts to beef up defences, a new Office for Cyber Security will be set up to co-ordinate Government policy.

It will also lead to the creation of a cyber-forensics team at the Cheltenham intelligence headquarters.

The Cyber Sec- urity Operations Centre will con- stantly monitor, analyse and counter cyber att- acks.

Lord West said the terrorists' ca- pability to launch attacks was som- ething he believed "will develop" in the future.

Among those the Government has turned to for help on cyber crime are former illegal hackers, Lord West said.

He said GCHQ had not employed any "ultra, ultra criminals" but needed the expertise of former "naughty boys" he said.

"You need youngsters who are deep into this stuff," he said.

"If they have been slightly naughty boys, very often they really enjoy stopping other naughty boys."

The cyber strategy is part of the updated national security plan which was published for the first time this year.

A spokesman for GCHQ said the intelligence agency welcomed the Government's new and strengthened approach to cyber security.

He said: "It will be a multi-agency organisation and will create a small number of new jobs in Cheltenham by bringing together existing work."

Asked about employing hackers, the spokesman said: "We have had a long-standing requirement for people with IT skills and expertise. I would say that everyone at GCHQ is required to operate within the law"