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Jan 24

NCSCs Training Programs Show A Path That Can Be Followed, But Dont Discount The Others – Forbes

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The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has come a long way since its 2016 inception and is now one of the U.K.s most influential government bodies. Its first cyber survey found that 70% of people believe they will suffer a cyberattack at least once in the next two yearsproving that cybersecurity is now very much on the national agenda.

The survey formed part of the NCSCs annual review, which took a holistic look at some of its activities and successes from 2019. The centers Active Cyber Defence program, for example, reduced the U.K.s share of global phishing attacks from 5.3% in 2018 to 2.1% in 2019, which is a significant leap.

It is also positive to see the NCSCs Cyber Accelerator program helping startups to innovate within the field; criminals are always innovating, after all, so it is vital that defenders follow suit. The NCSC Cyber Accelerator provides the best startups with access to industry professionals and potential clientsand that's something that benefits all involved.

Beyond this, the review also illustrates the NCSCs growing reach, with the center now responsible for everything from inspiring future generations to protecting U.K. citizens and businesses from emerging threats. It has even turned its eye to the daunting, albeit important, task of training cybersecurity industry professionals, ensuring that the U.K. continues to lead by example.

A knowledge gap is forming

It is well known that a skills gap exists within cybersecurity; however, the knowledge gap that has now formed in some businesses is often overlooked. Despite measures from the NCSC, cybersecurity is still an issue at board level, and this stems from two things: a lack of technical knowledge, and a poor understanding of cybersecurity risk. As such, it is reassuring to see that the center has not neglected this area. Its Cyber Essentials program and boardroom toolkit provide step-by-step guidance on how businesses can secure themselves, using language that leaders can understand.

The aforementioned knowledge gap increases in severity when considered alongside the skills gap, which stands at 2.9 million globally (according to (ISC)). Fortunately the NCSC is well aware of this, having gone to great lengths to improve the U.K.s talent pipeline in recent years. Its Cyber First program, for example, aims to inspire students during their school years. There are also several undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, a bursary scheme and a newly launched apprenticeship scheme.

Classroom training only goes so far

These training initiatives are working. The Cyber First program has seen a 29% increase in applicants year on year, and 90% of those applicants have expressed an interest in working in the industry. But while this is an excellent start, more scalable and practical ways of boosting cyber skills must emerge.

Traditional training methods are helping university students and graduates, but large sections of the population are being overlooked. Looking after recent graduates and ensuring their skills are up to date is vitaland this is where online training trumps classroom-based training. Flexibility allows professionals to train when it suits them and provides them safe access to the most recent threats. Continued learning ensures investment in these people is worthwhile and will also help the industry retain them.

Active learning approaches show promise

Active learning approaches can reach greater numbers while being both cost effective and adaptable. More importantly, they can capitalize on the immersive nature of hacking and the mindset required to tackle it. Two of the NCSCs current program clearly demonstrate this potential. For students between ages 13 and 18, the Cyber Discovery program provides the gamified CyberStart Go platform, which allows students to experience life as a cyber professional. For organizations there is Exercise in a Box, which allows users to test and practice their cyberattack response.

Crucially, the Exercise in a Box addresses the knowledge gap by making security a business issue rather than levelling it at IT teams. ASOS CISO George Mudie said, At ASOS we decided to incorporate the Exercise in a Box content into our data security incident rehearsals. We found that the structure of the desktop exercises and simulation really helped to bring the rehearsals to life as well as encourage discussion and feedback.

A societal shift is necessary

These training initiatives are only the tip of the iceberg; a societal shift is needed if the skills and knowledge gaps facing U.K. businesses are to be answered. Yet, The NCSCs role in guiding the government's agenda should not be underestimated.

At a time when 5G could lead to a hackers paradise (according to the Financial Times), the government must remain vigilant. It must decide on how best to train and retain the next generation of cyber professionals. A thorough analysis of its current activities reveals how active learning methods will play a crucial role.

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NCSCs Training Programs Show A Path That Can Be Followed, But Dont Discount The Others - Forbes

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