The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is teaming up with IBM and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) to boost diversity in the booming cyber security sector. Through this partnership, IBM will power the online platform for CyberFirst Girls, an annual program aimed at girls aged 12 to 13. This initiative helps these young girls develop computing and security skills while sparking their interest in careers in the UK’s £13 billion cyber industry.
Diversity is crucial in this field, especially since women only make up 17% of the workforce. Westminster recognizes the need for improved representation and is focused on closing the existing pay and skills gaps. As cyber threats grow, it becomes vital to ensure that the next generation of security leaders comes from varied backgrounds.
Cyber security minister Feryal Clark emphasized the importance of building a diverse workforce that represents all communities in the UK to safeguard against online threats. By collaborating with IBM on the CyberFirst Girls Competition, they aim to empower young girls and help cultivate future leaders in cyber security. These participants could even represent the UK Cyber Team, showcasing top British talent on the global stage.
Mark Hughes, IBM’s global managing partner for cyber security, expressed excitement about deepening their partnership with the NCSC. Their commitment to diversity in this field is strong, as seen in their Diversity & Inclusion in Cybersecurity initiative. He believes that this collaboration is a significant step toward fostering a more inclusive and resilient industry.
Since its inception in 2017, over 85,000 students have taken part in the CyberFirst Girls competition, which involves tackling a variety of challenges focused on areas like cryptography, network architecture, and artificial intelligence. Chris Ensor, NCSC’s deputy director for cyber growth, highlighted the competition’s role in providing young women an engaging environment to confront real-world cyber issues. He stressed the importance of a cyber industry that reflects the diversity of society and attracts the most talented individuals to maintain digital security.
In a related event, some past participants of the NCSC’s outreach activities are heading to Dublin to test their skills against young cyber practitioners from across Europe in a series of e-sports-style competitions. The UK Cyber Team, established last year, includes 30 motivated individuals aged 18 to 25 who excelled in rigorous preliminary rounds focused on cryptography, digital forensics, network security, and web exploitation. The current team is 37% female and 3% non-binary, showcasing a diverse group ready to tackle cyber challenges.