The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the SANS Institute have launched a recruitment drive for individuals aged 18 to 25 to join the UK Cyber Team. This initiative offers participants practical experience, skill development, and the chance to represent the UK in international competitions.
Candidates are encouraged to demonstrate their abilities through a series of challenges designed to test their technical skills and problem-solving capabilities in areas such as cryptography, digital forensics, network security, and web exploitation—reflecting the daily tasks encountered by cybersecurity professionals.
The highest achievers from this initial round will secure spots on the UK Cyber Team, which competes in prestigious events like the International Cybersecurity Championship and the European Cybersecurity Challenge, as well as friendly matches with international teams. Participants will benefit from expert-led training, networking with potential employers, and mentorship opportunities.
“In an increasingly digital landscape, cyber threats are rapidly evolving, making it vital for us to stay ahead. The UK Cyber Team Competition presents an exciting opportunity for young talent to showcase their skills and contribute significantly to safeguarding our nation’s digital future,” stated Cyber Security Minister Feryal Clark. “We aim to discover the brightest minds to represent the UK on a global platform. I encourage all qualified young individuals with a passion for cyber security and technology to rise to this challenge and be part of something impactful,” she added.
DSIT hopes the competition will address the UK’s existing skills gap in cybersecurity, fill essential roles, and open up career opportunities for future professionals in this critical field. Moreover, the initiative aims to bolster national security during a pivotal time while providing pathways to success for young individuals from diverse backgrounds, particularly encouraging participation from underrepresented groups.
“This initiative is a fantastic opportunity to spotlight the diverse range of often-overlooked roles within the UK’s cybersecurity sector, while bridging untapped technological talent with real-world industry experience and job prospects,” stated Tech She Can co-CEOs Sheridan Ash and Claire Thorne.
“Both diversity and the technology skills gap present urgent challenges. Our experiences in classrooms nationwide have shown that aligning young people’s interests—like gaming and eSports—with technology careers can effectively engage both boys and girls. We are especially excited about the opportunities this will create for young women, who are already contributing significantly and will continue to be crucial in securing our future.”
The UK Cyber Team Competition is an exceptional chance for young talents to demonstrate their skills and play an important role in defending the UK’s digital future, as emphasized by Feryal Clark from DSIT.
Applications are open from today (October 9) until November 20, with online qualifying rounds scheduled for the weekend of November 30 and December 1. A second round will take place in December and January 2025, culminating in a live final on January 17 and 18.
Additionally, a group of young women funded through the National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC’s) CyberFirst scheme will travel to Japan to compete in the inaugural Kunoichi Cyber Games during the Code Blue security conference in Tokyo. They will join peers from Japan, Europe, and the US in various competition formats designed to promote gender diversity in cybersecurity and inspire more young women to enter this field, where they currently make up only 17% of the workforce.
“We’re incredibly proud that the UK team consists of CyberFirst Bursary alumni, and we are confident they will represent the UK excellently at the Kunoichi Cyber Games,” said Chris Ensor, NCSC deputy director for cyber growth. “The CyberFirst scheme aims to identify and cultivate talented students for hard-to-fill cybersecurity roles, providing remarkable opportunities like this. I encourage everyone to explore the fantastic pathways that CyberFirst offers—it could lead you to an exciting career or even to representing your country.”