BORIS Johnson aims to make Britain a cyber superpower with a new force to tackle the threat of digital warfare.
Thousands will be signed up to defend the nation.
The PM is to set up a “cyber corridor” across the North of England to develop high-tech systems to keep the UK safe.
A far-reaching review will be part of the biggest overhaul of national security in decades.
Experts believe hacking and computer virus attacks have replaced bombs, missiles and poison as the most likely threats to our national security.
They warn Britain risks losing future battles to tech-savvy China and Russia without a shot being fired unless it adapts.
Mr Johnson said: “Cyber power is revolutionising the way we live our lives and fight our wars — just as air power did 100 years ago.
“We need to build up our cyber capability so we can grasp the opportunities it presents while ensuring those who seek to use its powers to attack us and our way of life are thwarted.”
In a boost for former Labour “red wall” seats, the PM will announce the new National Cyber Force will be based in the North of England.
Manchester is already home to a GCHQ office and is Europe’s fastest-growing tech cluster.
A White House-style “situation room” costing more than £9million will also be set up as a command bunker for future emergencies, such as terror attacks or pandemics.
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