New app is among measures to boost cyber security skills
12 December 2014
The government has announced a number of measures to build skills for the UK’s growing cyber security sector, including a new app developed by students on placements at GCHQ.
Fri, 12 Dec 2014 | By Nicola Sullivan
The government has announced a number of measures to build skills for the UK’s growing cyber security sector, including a new app developed by students on placements at GCHQ.
The Cabinet Office revealed that the app Cryptoy will highlight developments in cipher and code breaking for a “new generation” of cyber specialists.
A press statement from GCHQ said the app, aimed at schools students, enables users to understand basic encryption techniques and have a go at creating their own encoded messages. Cryptoy also references historical events such as the breaking of the German Enigma code.
In other measures, the Cabinet Office also announced:
According to figures from the Cabinet Office, in 2013 the UK’s cyber security industry was worth £6bn and employed 40,000 people.
In a press statement, professor Stephanie Marshall, chief executive of the Higher Education Academy, said: “If the UK is to be equipped to respond to cyber threats we need to strengthen the pipeline of cyber talent and help prepare students for entry-level security career opportunities.”
Tony Samuel, sales director of CyberSecurityJobsite.com and Securityclearedjobs.com, told Recruiter. “I don’t think anyone could have seen how quick the growth would be in cyber security.”
Among the jobs that are in most demand, said Samuel, are penetration testers. “Once [an organisation] has implemented the cyber security practice, a penetration tester is someone that tries to hack the site to make sure there aren’t any gaps.” Hirers are also looking to recruit security architects and digital forensics.
Samuel added that working in cyber security is “more of a sexy job than bog-standard IT support”.
• Want to comment on this story? The Comment box is at the bottom of the page. Sorry for the glitch but just scroll right down and share your opinions!
The Cabinet Office revealed that the app Cryptoy will highlight developments in cipher and code breaking for a “new generation” of cyber specialists.
A press statement from GCHQ said the app, aimed at schools students, enables users to understand basic encryption techniques and have a go at creating their own encoded messages. Cryptoy also references historical events such as the breaking of the German Enigma code.
In other measures, the Cabinet Office also announced:
- Grants for colleges and universities in Birmingham, Liverpool, London and Newcastle to improve cyber security education and learning.
- New ‘cyber camps’ and mentoring schemes to help computing graduates gain practical experience and start a career in cyber security.
- A virtual hub to inspire students into cyber security careers and provide advice and information on job opportunities.
- New cyber security careers resources for students within the Graduate Prospects careers website.
- An updated guide for business on the cyber security skills initiatives that will help develop their own staff and future talent.
According to figures from the Cabinet Office, in 2013 the UK’s cyber security industry was worth £6bn and employed 40,000 people.
In a press statement, professor Stephanie Marshall, chief executive of the Higher Education Academy, said: “If the UK is to be equipped to respond to cyber threats we need to strengthen the pipeline of cyber talent and help prepare students for entry-level security career opportunities.”
Tony Samuel, sales director of CyberSecurityJobsite.com and Securityclearedjobs.com, told Recruiter. “I don’t think anyone could have seen how quick the growth would be in cyber security.”
Among the jobs that are in most demand, said Samuel, are penetration testers. “Once [an organisation] has implemented the cyber security practice, a penetration tester is someone that tries to hack the site to make sure there aren’t any gaps.” Hirers are also looking to recruit security architects and digital forensics.
Samuel added that working in cyber security is “more of a sexy job than bog-standard IT support”.
• Want to comment on this story? The Comment box is at the bottom of the page. Sorry for the glitch but just scroll right down and share your opinions!
