“The NCF carries out cyber operations on a daily basis to protect against threats to the UK, further the UK’s foreign and national security policy, support military operations, and prevent serious crime,” says the document.

Despite his high-profile role leading the NCF, which defends Britain against international threats such as terrorism and hostile nations, Mr Babbage will be moving to a mid-ranking role at the NCA, which combats organised crime.

A spokesman for the NCA said: “He will replace Rob Jones as the temporary director general threats [overseeing] economic and organised crime.”

Cyber industry sources were puzzled by the move, which was first reported by The Record, a cyber security website.

One told The Telegraph: “I had heard a rumour that he was moving to NCA, but presumed it was going to be something higher than this.”

Hacking and fraud costs the UK economy billions every year despite attempts to crack down on foreign-based criminals targeting British businesses.

Earlier this year IT outsourcer Capita said it expected to take a hit of up to £20m after being hit by a Russian ransomware attack. Criminals stole millions of pensioners’ details from a web service it operated on behalf of 350 UK pension funds.

GCHQ declined to comment.