Tech firms enlist GCHQ experts to protect gadgets from hackers

GCHQ is sending its operatives to work with start-up technology companies to keep hackers at bay.

The Government cyber agency announced it would be working with 11 tech companies in Manchester that are developing smart systems and devices as part of an “accelerator” scheme.

GCHQ’S experts will advise the firms on how to make the connected gadgets and services secure, some of which include smart streetlights that sense how much daylight is left and home heaters that adjust to weather forecasts.

A former Government security worker told The Daily Telegraph that the rapid growth of internet-connected devices was creating more ways for hackers to steal personal information as well as commercial and state secrets.

Prof David Stupples, of City University of London, said the number of internet-connected devices would “explode in the next five years”.

As well as the benefits smart items would bring, he said security services were looking at how they could be exploited by criminals and rogue states.

“If you can hack into a device in a home, like a fridge, that could then actually get you into the iphone,” said Prof Stupples. “And if the iphone connects into a company’s systems because the person works there then there’s a vector that would possibly allow them to get malware into the company.” GCHQ experts on the 16-week programme will advise firms on “improving citizen safety” rather than working directly on developing the products.

The 11 companies were selected from dozens of applicants and are working on products that include smart watches that can call the emergency services and smart homes that monitor the condition of vulnerable or elderly people.

This is the second group to be mentored by GCHQ, which advised four Manchester companies last year.

Prof Stupples said working with the private sector could also help provide GCHQ with ideas and technology that could be used by the security services.

Gav Smith, the GCHQ director general for technology, said: “These businesses have real potential to improve people’s lives in an increasingly digitally connected world. We’re excited to be supporting the thriving technology ecosystem in Greater Manchester, connecting ingenious entrepreneurs and creative technologists with the mission of GCHQ to help tackle some of our hardest challenges.”

‘If you can hack into a device in a home, like a fridge, that could then get you into the iphone’