GCHQ has "over-achieved" at developing state hacking tools

 A report by the Intelligence and Security Committee said GCHQ spies have “over-achieved” in the last 12 months, developing twice as many potential hacks than its targets.

The GCHQ is developing these hacking capabilities to use against criminals when they launch cyber crimes. It means the UK government is prepared to attack another country's vital infrastructure, such as their communications systems or automated weapons.

There are three stages to the GCHQ's mission, the first of which has been completed ahead of schedule according to the Intelligence and Security Committee report.