The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) in the UK, in collaboration with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), has partnered with tech giant IBM to enhance diversity in the rapidly growing cyber security industry in Britain. IBM will be providing the online platform for the NCSC’s CyberFirst Girls program, aimed at girls aged 12 to 13 to develop computing and security skills and explore careers in the £13bn cyber sector.
The initiative to improve diversity in the security sector is crucial as women currently make up only 17% of the workforce, with significant pay and skills gaps still prevalent. With the increasing cyber threats facing UK organizations, it is vital to nurture the next generation of security leaders.
Cyber security minister Feryal Clark emphasized the importance of building a diverse workforce to safeguard the UK from online threats. The partnership with IBM for the CyberFirst Girls Competition aims to empower young girls across the country and cultivate future UK cyber leaders.
Mark Hughes, IBM global managing partner for cyber security, highlighted IBM’s commitment to diversity in cyber security and expressed confidence that the collaboration with NCSC will encourage more young girls to pursue careers in cyber security.
The CyberFirst Girls competition has engaged over 85,000 students since its inception in 2017, offering challenges in cryptography, network architecture, and AI. The initiative has been instrumental in inspiring the next generation of cyber security professionals.
In a separate development, the UK Cyber Team, comprising 18- to 25-year-olds from diverse backgrounds, is heading to Dublin for a cyber competition against top European practitioners. The team, formed by DSIT and the SANS Institute, showcases the talent nurtured through NCSC’s outreach programs.
The current UK Cyber Team is 37% female and 3% non-binary, reflecting the commitment to diversity in the industry. The collaboration between government and the private sector underscores the importance of fostering inclusive and robust cyber security practices for a secure digital future.
