It will play a crucial role in efforts to make the UK the safest place to "live and do business online", she said.

The opening of the NCSC by the Queen comes amid mounting concern over the damage state hackers or terrorists could inflict on the country's economy and infrastructure.

It was revealed at the weekend that Britain's national security is threatened by dozens of cyber attacks every month, with assailants attempting to steal secrets from the heart of government.

Ms Whitney said cyber is in the "top tier" of national security threats.

She said: "There are terrorist groups that have an intent when it comes to cyber attacks, but they don't have the capability."

The scale of cyber crime has been laid bare by official figures showing there are an estimated two million computer misuse offences a year.