The not-for-profit body CREST has launched CREST CAMP, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). It’ll run in ten countries from September 2024 to March 2025. It’s short for Cyber Accelerated Maturity Programme (CREST CAMP), for building cyber security capacity.
CREST CAMP seeks to provide mentoring, training, and guidance through the stages of the CREST Accreditation Pathway towards full membership and accreditation. Organisers say this reflects a shift in development funding. Traditionally, the majority of cyber security capacity building grants have been directed toward government agencies and their staff; which does mean there is more to do in the private sector given its critical role in the broader security landscape. Hence CREST CAMP. Governments increasingly rely on the private sector to address resource shortfalls, while the rest of society and the economy depend on private sector cyber security service providers.
The FCDO Integrated Security Fund has awarded a grant to CREST. The FCDO is committed to building new security partnerships overseas that are the foundation for security at home. This funding will allow CREST to pilot the programme in collaboration with national cyber security authorities from Armenia, Bahrain, Georgia, Ghana, Kenya, Lithuania, Malaysia, Thailand, Oman and the Philippines. This is expected to be the first of several investments in CREST CAMP as development agencies, multi-lateral banks, and philanthropists see the role that private cyber companies play in safeguarding not only government infrastructure but also critical national infrastructure (CNI) and societal needs.
The initiative officially launched to an international audience at the Wilton Park Dialogue on ‘Securing Technology: Sustaining a High Quality Cyber Security Workforce event’. It draws on CREST accredited member companies, training providers, and academic partners. The current and future cohorts of CREST CAMP will involve national cyber security authorities, and a select group of cyber security service providers who will receive intensive mentoring from one of CREST’s 380-plus member companies. This mentorship will guide them through their professional journey, helping them attain accreditation, grow their local customer base and ultimately to export their services.
CREST CAMP will support up to eight training providers with CREST materials and train-the-trainer support. For CREST member companies, mentoring through CREST CAMP offers an opportunity to help shape cyber, establish partnerships, and support countries in the earlier stages of standard-setting and regulation. Mentoring companies will, for example, offer intensive support to beneficiary companies to deepen their understanding of methodology, policy, or skills gaps, help them make initial enhancements, and create a thorough gap closure plan.
CREST CEO Nick Benson, pictured, said: “We are delighted to launch CREST CAMP, which is part of our increasing role supporting companies globally on their journey of professionalisation and growth. CREST’s active work in global capacity building is essential for those companies that need more support and guidance. Thank you to the FCDO for supporting CREST CAMP and recognising the importance of the private sector in developing a country’s cyber resilience and better securing Critical National Infrastructure.
“CREST member companies around the world, as mentors and examples of what good looks like, will play an important part in this crucial work. In today’s increasingly interconnected global market we must look beyond our own national borders to do the hard work that makes us all safer from cyber threats.”
Visit www.crest-approved.org.
