Cyber Security Challenge UK hosts three-day bootcamp

Military personnel and civilians have undergone a cyber security training programme at a defence academy based in Wiltshire. The exercise is a scheme designed to increase the numbers of cyber defenders in the UK.

The course, which lasted for three days, was part of  the Cyber Security Challenge UK, which comprises numerous competitions to result in more security professionals working in the industry.

The challenge began in 2010 when a group of professionals from academia, government, and industry formed to close a skills gap that has been increasing in the sector.

It has expanded the variety of contests, which includes a school competition, and now has the support of over 75 sponsors.

Cyber Security Challenge UK’s chief executive, Stephanie Daman, said that the pilot camps, which took place last year, demonstrated that there are a significant number of amateurs looking to enter the industry.

She said:

“The camps give everyday civilians the chance to see what it’s really like to work as a professional in this sector and what’s involved in defending the UK from ever-growing cyber attacks.”

The emphasis on shoring up the cyber security industry was in response to a growing concern related to threats from cyber criminals. With more trained professionals available, the more options UK businesses will have when it comes to filling information security vacancies – and the more protected the country will be with regards to company and customer data.