Collaboration with IBM aims to identify staff with aptitude to work on cyber security
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has created a bespoke test designed to identify military personnel with an aptitude for cyber work.
IBM has worked with the ministry in developing the Defence Cyber Aptitude Test (DCAT), which is aimed at finding armed forces personnel who have a particular skill for cyber work.
The MoD said it enhances the existing selection measures for personnel already serving who hope to get posted to a cyber unit in the future.
The test comprises a number of cognitive challenges to assess an individual’s abilities, without measuring prior technical knowledge. It is being rolled out across the UK defence sector for use at the early stages of technical training and service careers.
Project lead Major Harry Porteous said: “It’s a useful tool for service career and branch managers to help identify individuals with natural talent and the right skills to succeed at the cutting edge of defence cyber operations.”
Image from St George's House Local Leadership in Cyber Society report
