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Regional skills plan to boost UK cyber defences
Over 30 projects in England and Northern Ireland will receive a share of a £1.9m fund designed to enhance cyber security skills and protect small businesses
Westminster has announced the creation of a scheme to deliver targeted support in boosting cyber security skills and enhancing defences for small businesses, with 30 projects in England and Northern Ireland set to receive a share of a £1.9m fund set up by the government and private sector partners.
These projects, which support the government’s wider Plan for Change, were initially announced in September 2024. Delivered through organisations such as schools and universities, community groups, and businesses, they are designed to tap into individual communities to support local security needs, whether those be providing training for schoolchildren, or supporting security apprentices or local professionals.
Some of the programmes and projects in scope are already working to upskill small business owners and workers, unlock new avenues for communities to explore security careers, support neurodiverse individuals in pursuing security careers, and help women and girls protect themselves from online harassment and abuse.
The government said the UK’s security sector was already contributing almost £12bn to the UK economy, but that the increasing number of threats people face online means demand for cyber services and professionals is set to grow even more. It hopes that by funding these projects, it can start to prepare to meet that demand.
“We live more and more of our lives online – whether that’s for our weekly shopping, banking, browsing the web to book a holiday, or simply staying in touch with our loved ones,” said cyber security minister Feryal Clark.
“But our growing digital economy is also worth billions to the economy. That’s why having strong defences in place is more important than ever – and as part of our Plan for Change to grow our economy, we also need to protect it.
“Attempts to disrupt the technologies and services we rely on daily continue to grow, so we’re leaving no stone unturned to make sure our communities have the skills to rise to the challenge,” she said.
Read more about security skills and careers
- The UK government invites representatives from around the world to a summit to discuss how to address the global IT security skills gap.
- Young people from across the UK have a chance to represent the country in international competitions and advance their future careers in cyber security.
- Research from ISC2 finds global cyber workforce needs additional 4.8 million people to fully secure businesses.
Jonathan Ellison, National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) director for national resilience and future technology, added: “These projects will help enhance the UK’s cyber resilience by empowering local communities with the skills and support needed to combat growing digital threats.
“By upskilling small businesses and individuals, investing in workforce development and encouraging neurodiverse talent, government and industry partners are fostering robust and diverse cyber communities for the future.
“This is vital for protecting our digital economy, creating new opportunities for secure innovation and helping make the UK the safest place to live and work online,” he said.
Cyber exploration
In tandem with the wider skills programme, the government and NCSC-backed Cyber Explorers Cup competition for 11 to 14 year-olds also launches its second round today, following the success of last year’s contest, in which 680 students participated.
The contest is designed to encourage young people to consider a future career in the cyber security profession, and is run under the auspices of the Cyber Explorers programme, a free, interactive learning platform that aims to build fundamental digital skills around critical areas such as online safety.
Competitors from across the UK will be invited to take part in a series of capture-the-flag cyber security challenges, solving puzzles and improving their security knowledge. Eligible students will need to complete a minimum of three missions on the Cyber Explorers platform first, and will receive both a certificate of achievement and access to career days and mentoring from security pros.
The government said these steps showed it was delivering on its Plan for Change to kickstart the new year, ensuring the UK can meet long-term demand for security professionals and deliver new jobs to boost economic growth.
