The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has announced a new scheme to deliver tailored support for building cyber security skills across regions of England and Northern Ireland.
It will draw on local knowledge to fund initiatives to meet the relevant needs of individual areas, with the possibilities including apprenticeships and companies developing new forms of cyber security.
A total of £1.3 million is being made available for organisations such as universities, local councils and businesses to provide cyber skills training, and to fund organisations developing new innovations in cyber defence.
This follows a spate of high profile cyber incidents including those that have hit NHS service providers, local authorities and Transport for London.
DSIT has also announced that UK Government is bringing together a group of nations including the US, Canada, Japan and the EU for talks on how to tackle the growing threat of cyber attacks. Talks will take place over the next three days at Wilton Park in West Sussex.
Advancing collaboration
The Government has also commissioned a new report for which attendees at the discussions will agree the key areas of focus. The recommendations are expected to be published by the end of the year with the aim of advancing international collaboration to improve cyber skills and face down cyber crime.
In addition, the UK is teaming up with CREST International – a non-profit organisation representing standards in the global cyber security community – to launch the Cyber Accelerated Maturity programme (CREST CAMP).
The scheme, sponsored by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, will provide mentoring to cyber service providers to develop their capabilities in line with CREST's standards, and bolster training. Countries in Europe, Africa, South-East Asia and the Middle East have been invited to join as founding partners.
Improve defences
Cyber Security Minister Feryal Clark said: “The UK needs a significant improvement in its cyber defences after the previous government failed to strengthen our cyber laws – we're fixing that.
“Later this year, we’ll bring forward new measures to better protect the nation from cyber crime and our new regional skills programme will support the next generation of cyber talent and innovators.
“But this is a shared challenge, which is why we’re bringing together global allies to discuss and agree steps to keep us safe online, improve cyber skills and protect our economy and public services.”
DSIT has also launched a competition to find the best young cyber talent to represent the UK on the international stage.
