GCHQ wants internet providers to rewrite systems to block hackers

GCHQ is urging internet providers to change long-standing protocols to stop computers from being used to set off large-scale cyber attacks.

The Government’s cyber-defence arm said it plans to work with networks such as BT and Virgin Media to rewrite internet standards to restrict “spoofing” – a technique that allows hackers to impersonate other computers and manipulate them to carry out anonymous attacks.