Our mission to help keep the UK safe

Our mission is simple: we help to keep the country safe, resilient and prosperous in an uncertain and volatile world - both in the real world and online by;

• Providing insights and countering threats through SIGINT and effects.
• Securely connecting the national security community.
• Making the UK the safest place to live and work online.

We focus on communications: how to access, analyse and – occasionally – disrupt the communications of the UK’s adversaries; and on the nation’s cyber security. We work with the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), MI5, policing, Defence and a myriad of partners overseas, and in the private sector and academia.

Our people at GCHQ come from diverse backgrounds and bring their unique skills, but all share a passion to make a difference for their country. This is as true today as it was when GCHQ was founded over a century ago – it’s been at the heart of Britain’s intelligence and security community ever since.

What’s changed today is that technology is now central to our way of life. It influences everything from how we relate to one another, to how states compete in cyberspace. As technology continues to evolve, we’re pioneering a new kind of security for our increasingly complex and interconnected world. GCHQ’s role is more vital than ever.

History shows that GCHQ has helped shorten wars, thwart terrorist attacks and apprehend serious criminals. To do that we produce intelligence to support policy makers in their decisions and enable partners, such as the military or law enforcement, to take action. 

Through the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), a part of GCHQ, we are making the UK the safest place to live and work online. This work to protect the UK’s citizens, businesses and institutions is crucial to the country’s security, prosperity, and influence as a global cyber power.

We always strive to stay one step ahead of those who would do our nation and its people harm. Our focus is dynamic and changes as the global threats faced by the UK evolve. We see around corners and help the UK prepare; whether that’s for the next wave of Russian aggression, or a massive leap in frontier tech.

Whilst some things must remain secret, we are as open as possible. We work with educators, businesses and government to unlock the creative and problem-solving potential of our country’s extraordinary mix of minds. We operate under one of the strictest legal and oversight regimes in the world, enabling us to uphold Britain’s values of freedom alongside the nation’s security. We are proud to be part of the reason why Britain is a leader in the digital world.