The newly launched UK Cyber Security Council will provide a single governing voice for the industry, according to official information published on GOV.UK.
The Council – which is funded by the Government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport – will be officially launched on March 31 2021.
By allowing the Council to act as the sole governing authority, skills and knowledge required for a range of cybersecurity jobs can be established in a similar way to other professions such as law and engineering.
The official press release states: ‘The Council will boost skilled job prospects around the country by giving budding and existing workers a clear roadmap for building a career in cybersecurity and focus on increasing the number and diversity of people entering the profession.
‘The body will work with training providers to accredit courses and qualifications, and give employers the information and confidence they need to recruit effectively to ensure their cyber-capability.’
To promote what is a major announcement for the cybersecurity sector, Digital Infrastructure Minister, Matt Warman, said: “The fact we are launching an independent professional body for cybersecurity shows just how vital this area has become – it makes a huge contribution to our thriving digital economy by safeguarding our critical national infrastructure, commerce and other online spaces.”
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) – who will be working closely alongside the UK Cyber Security Council – also commented. Chris Ensor, the NCSC’s Deputy Director for Cyber Growth, remarked: “Cyber security is a growing industry in the UK and it’s vital for high standards of practice and technical expertise to be at the heart of the profession as it develops.
“We look forward to working with the Council to help ensure that future generations of cyber security professionals have the skills and support they need to thrive and make the UK the safest place to live and work online.
Chair: Dr. Claudia Natanson – a cyber expert who was previously CSO at DWP, MD at BT Secure Business Service and CISO at Diageo Plc
Vice-Chair: Jessica Figueras – Tech market strategist, Chair of NCT, previously Chief Analyst at GlobalData
Trustee: Carla Baker – Senior Director, Policy & Government Affairs UK & Ireland, Palo Alto Networks
Treasurer: Mike Watson – Chief Financial Officer, Marston Holdings, previously with Dell, HP and BAE Systems cyber security division