SECURE horizons
By Jess Abell, our Director of Strategic Content
In this column, we’ ll be discussing key issues for CISOs and their teams – from AI to wellbeing and from Zero Trust to communication. If you’ d like to get in touch, email jess @ lynchpinmedia. com
such as CyberLocal, which is currently offering grants of between £ 25K and £ 150K to regional cyberskills projects,” he said.“ These hubs support personal and professional development, offering a community of mentoring, advice and guidance to help individuals develop and progress as professionals, as well as sharing insights into companies which may not have a regional presence. For example, the SW Cyber Security Cluster has senior information and cybersecurity professionals who work in London, but live in the South West as members.
“ The government recognises the value of the growing UK cyber sector with cybersecurity exports worth £ 7.2 billion in 2023. There has been a recognition that there is talent across the nation and supporting these is good for the economy as well as the levelling up agenda.”
Muhammad Yahya Patel, Lead SE & Evangelist, Office of the CTO at Check Point, said the UK’ s strategic establishment of cybersecurity hubs beyond London addresses multiple areas.
First, it ensures diversification and national resilience – solely relying on skills and expertise in the London area‘ does not align with resilience strategies and creates an unnecessary single point of dependency.’
“ The country must be able to respond to cyberthreats using a diverse and wide range of expertise nationwide. Establishing regional cybersecurity hubs provides those key focal points around the country to ensure CNI is protected using regional expertise. The latest establishment to have a significant impact is the National Cyber Force headquartered in Lancashire, further strengthening the cyber ecosystem in the North West,” he said.
In addition, these regional hubs – when collaborating closely with local educational institutions – provide training and employment opportunities.
“ Young people are struggling today to enter the cybersecurity industry as they lack experience, but the regional hubs help them overcome this challenge by providing real hands-on opportunities to upskill and gain experience,” he said.
“ The regional hubs have a broader impact on the local economy as they support job creation and career pathways for new and existing cyberspace entrants. Regional cyber-clusters have helped SME businesses with cybersecurity hygiene and practices, which helps those businesses survive cyberattacks. Many of these hubs also attract technology partners for innovation projects that drive economic growth and technological advancements.”
Finally, he cited improved security posture nationwide as a result of these initiatives.
“ Having regional hubs puts focus on local businesses, charities and the community in general to be better protected against different cyberthreats. We also find that some of the larger cybersecurity organisations and vendors will engage with local hubs as their own offices and workforce is national, meaning access to cybersecurity expertise is right on the doorstep for regional hubs.
“ The regional hubs can localise messaging and have in-person activities to help educate society on cyberthreats, which wouldn’ t be possible if the only hub was in London.”
The regional hubs have a broader impact on the local economy as they support job creation and career pathways for new and existing cyberspace entrants.
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