From: PublicService.co.uk

British intelligence agency GCHQ has launched a new academic research institute to help in the fight against cyber threats.

Funded by a £4.5m grant, the institute is made up of teams from six universities and will attempt to find new ways of automatically analysing computer software to reduce its vulnerability to cyber threats.

This is the second academic research institute to be launched by GCHQ, with the first already established in September last year.

The intention is to allow leading UK academics to connect with industry experts and international researchers.

Collaboration is hoped to address cutting edge security issues.

David Willetts, the minister for universities and science, said: “This institute will build on the UK’s global reputation for cyber security research and innovation. It complements wider work government is doing in partnership with academia and industry to boost the economy through improved cyber security.”