Nationwide Building Society is ramping up its cyber security training, aiming to boost the number of UK cyber experts and enhance diversity within the field. They’re teaming up with Capslock, a cyber training specialist, to roll out this new program. The goal is simple: create a culture that prioritizes cyber security.
Capslock will manage the onboarding process and train participants for roles in cyber security. Andrea Cullen, the founder and CEO of Capslock, emphasizes that understanding threats is key. “To combat threat actors, you need to think like one,” she explains. This approach means drawing on a range of experiences and backgrounds to strengthen the UK’s cyber resilience.
You don’t need a tech background to join this training. Graduates or career switchers with a passion for cyber are welcome, as they often bring transferrable skills that can be crucial. Participants will undergo 16 weeks of training to earn Certified Cyber Security Practitioner (Ce-CSP) certifications.
A banking IT specialist highlighted the need to understand cyber criminals, noting the value of those who have experience on the “other side.” “You need to think like the criminals. They’re always seeking the weak link,” they said. The struggle against cyber threats is relentless. “Being a cyber security chief at a bank is a thankless task. We haven’t had trouble recruiting, but we may have underestimated how many experts we need.”
Nationwide’s program simulates real-life cyber security scenarios and promotes teamwork. David Boda, Chief Security and Resilience Officer at Nationwide, sees this as an opportunity to enhance both the company’s security and the broader UK cyber security landscape. “Cyber security is ever-evolving. You need diverse perspectives to stay ahead,” he said. Nationwide feels a responsibility to help develop the UK’s cyber skills, which is why they partnered with Capslock.
There’s a pressing skills gap in the cyber security field. A recent National Audit Office report highlighted that one-third of UK government cyber roles were vacant or filled with temporary staff. In several departments, over half of the roles were unfilled, and 70% of security architects were on temporary contracts.
Since launching in 2021, Capslock has trained over 1,000 individuals who have entered the cyber security field. Chris Skinner, CEO of The Finanser, pointed out that expertise from the finance sector is incredibly valuable across other industries. “Where else would you look for cyber security skills if not in the sector that faces the most attacks?” he asked.