Bridging the Cyber Security Skills Gap: Insights from CYBERUK24

Published: 21 May 2024, 3:07 p.m.

CyBOK was thrilled to participate in CYBERUK 2024, held at the ICC in Birmingham from 13 - 15 May.

As the National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) leading event, CYBERUK brings together over 2,000 cyber security leaders and technical professionals to strengthen the cyber security community. This year's theme, "Future Tech, Future Threat, Future Ready," focused on how the community can collaborate to build new technologies while ensuring they remain secure against evolving threats.

CyBOK Project Lead, Professor Awais Rashid alongside Leeds Beckett Univeristy’s Cyber Security expert Dr Z. Cliffe Schreuders hosted a workshop titled "Mind the Gap! Finding & Fixing the Holes in your Cyber Capability.” The session provided insights into using the CyBOK framework to map and enhance organisational cyber capabilities. Participants benefitted from hands-on training resources, including customisable capture-the-flag exercises, which directly address the cyber security skills gap, ensuring that the workforce is prepared for future challenges – and opportunities. The team were delighted with the attendance of the workshop, with participants commending the innovative and comprehensive approach to cyber security.

The CyBOK team enjoyed engaging in discussions with attendees, ranging from those new to CyBOK to those already familiar with the project. The opportunity to deliver the workshop was crucial in highlighting the importance of continuous capability mapping and training to ensure a resilient cyber security workforce. We were particularly grateful to be able to showcase our work through a stand in the Cyber Ecosystem. We spotlighted our impact on UK Higher Education, where we underpin 78 degrees, showing our commitment to training the next generation. Notably, our framework supports the industry in response to the evolving threats, developing strategies to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.

To equip the workforce with the knowledge and skills, platforms that provide chances for professionals to connect, share ideas, and forge new partnerships are essential. CYBERUK24 demonstrated the future potential within the field of cyber security, but emphasised the importance of making sure advancements are secure. Here at CyBOK we are ready to embrace new trails, confident in our ability to safeguard against threats emerging in the changing landscape.

GCHQ Director Anne Keast-Butler speaks with CyBOK Project Lead Professor Awais Rashid at the Cyber Ecosystem

CyBOK's Stand at the CYBERUK Cyber Ecosystem

Professor Awais Rashid and Dr Z. Cliffe Schreuders present their workshop 'Mind the Gap! Finding & Fixing the Holes in your Cyber Capability'

Project Manager Helen Jones, Cyber Security Researcher Lata Nautiyal and CDT Student Zaina Dkaidek manage the Cyber Ecosystem stand for CyBOK