The UK government has recently unveiled more details about a new initiative aimed at bolstering the nation’s defenses against cyber-threats. With a total investment of £1.9m ($2.3m) from both government and private sectors, the “Cyber Local” scheme will fund 30 projects across England and Northern Ireland. The primary goal of these projects is to safeguard the digital economy and enhance the UK’s cyber skills.
Initially introduced at a global cybersecurity meeting organized by the UK last September, the full list of projects set to benefit from the funding has now been disclosed. These initiatives encompass various objectives, including reinforcing local business resilience against cyber-attacks, attracting more young individuals to pursue careers in cybersecurity, backing neurodiverse talent, and providing upskilling opportunities for employees of small businesses.
Furthermore, specific projects will be launched in regions such as Northern Ireland, the Midlands, Yorkshire and Humber, the South West, North East, and North West of England. One noteworthy project in the West Midlands will focus on supporting women and girls to protect them from cyber-related violence and abuse.
The UK boasts one of the world’s largest cybersecurity sectors, contributing £11.9bn to the national economy. Nonetheless, similar to many other countries, the UK faces significant skills shortages in both its public and private sectors. Recent estimates suggest that the country’s cyber-workforce gap has widened by 27% annually and is projected to exceed 93,000 vacancies by 2024. This shortage is especially concerning given that the UK’s digital economy is valued at over £158bn per year.
Jonathan Ellison, the director for national resilience and future technology at the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), believes that the implementation of the Cyber Local scheme will contribute to making the UK a safer place to live and work online. By empowering local communities with essential skills and support to combat digital threats, Ellison highlights the importance of investing in workforce development and promoting neurodiverse talent to foster resilient and diverse cyber communities.
However, Andy Kays, the CEO of Socura, emphasized the need to distribute cyber skills more evenly across the UK. He noted that regions with a surplus of cybersecurity professionals offer better protection against threats compared to areas lacking in talent. Kays expressed reservations about the size of investment relative to the scheme’s ambitious goals, highlighting concerns that the funding might not be sufficient to have the desired impact across multiple regions. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that the initiative is a positive step in the right direction.
Overall, the Cyber Local projects aim to address the critical need for enhanced cybersecurity measures in the UK and promote a stronger, more secure digital environment for businesses and individuals alike. With a focus on skill development, workforce diversity, and community resilience, these initiatives seek to fortify the nation’s defenses against evolving cyber threats and ensure a safer online landscape for all.