A Cadets CyberFirst programme, delivered by Ministry of Defence cadet bodies and the GCHQ National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), will equip over 2,000 cadets a year, says Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson.
Cadets will be able to choose from introductory courses covering the tools, knowledge and skills to protect small networks, to more advanced courses. This will build on GCHQ’s CyberFirst initiative, which aims to teach young people the fundamentals of cyber security. It will also offer a ‘train the trainer’ course, which will teach more than 50 Cadet Force Adult Volunteers so they can deliver the training.
Gavin Williamson said: “We live in a modern world where our phones are rarely out of our hands and we rely on computers to make daily tasks easier. Cyber threats to the UK are constantly evolving and this exciting initiative to train and develop ‘cyber cadets’ – the first of its kind in a NATO state – reaffirms our leading role in tackling security threats head on. It is important to recognise the vital role cadets play in our communities, and I am determined to grow the number of young people signing up and make sure their successes are properly recognised each year.”
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Rob Norris, VP Head of Enterprise and Cyber Security, Fujitsu EMEIA said: “In a world of connected devices, and increasingly AI and machine learning, the security landscape is seeing exponential growth with attack techniques and sectors changing at an alarming rate. In light of the ever increasing volume and sophistication of attacks it is especially important that we do more to help the next generation of students better understand the positive impact that cybersecurity knowledge can have on their lives and future careers.
“It is evident that there is currently a shortage of talent in the cybersecurity industry, which we as a nation are struggling to circumvent. All organisations – private and public – are pivotal in closing the cybersecurity skills gap, ensuring our children are fully equipped for facing future inevitabilities. And with our latest report revealing that a fifth of the UK public believe cybercrime and hacking are the biggest challenges facing the UK today, this new scheme provides an invaluable resource as the country looks to identify and nurture the cyber experts of the future.
“In fact, it is something we’re invested in addressing – as we recognise the importance of empowering the individuals who will be key in fighting cybercriminals in the future, last week we announced the launch of the University Technology College Cyber Security Group which looks to ensure that we – and other private organisations – are doing our best to develop the right cyber skills to adequately protect the UK from future cyber threats and attacks.”
Michael Madon, SVP and GM security awareness at Mimecast, said: “With many cadets going on to join the armed forces, this scheme should help the MoD get a head start on equipping recruits with vital cybersecurity skills. It can also help get smart, would-be hackers on side, before they’re tempted to use their skills for less worthy means. Simple cybersecurity training doesn’t do enough to prompt individuals to change their behaviour, which is exactly why so-called ‘inadvertent insiders’ are the leading cause of compromised records. If people truly understand the risks posed by using any connected device, they’re more likely to adapt their actions to minimise those risks.
“In the military, people take security seriously because they understand how they contribute to the wider picture. They care because their hearts and minds believe in what they’re doing. It’s exactly the mind-set every organisation needs to replicate to keep ahead of cybercriminals.”
