YOUNG CYBERISTS HEAD TO BUCHAREST TO COMPETE AGAINST EUROPEAN TEAMS

Nearly a dozen of the UK’s brightest young cyber security specialists headed to Bucharest this autumn to compete against teams from across the region in this year’s European Cyber Security Challenge (ECSC).

Led by captain, Sophia McCall, and managed by Cyber Security Challenge UK (CSCUK), the team spent the summer training with NCC Group and Bristolbased Immersive Labs.

In a sector facing an acute shortage of fresh talent, CSCUK selects and nurtures the UK team, aiming to include individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Dr Robert Nowill is Chairman of the CSCUK Board and a former board member at GCHQ. He lives in Cheltenham.

Robert said: “Our mission is to increase the inclusivity and diversity of the cyber security industry, and competitions like the ECSC are an integral part of our efforts to broaden the reach of cyber. We have always looked to encourage participation by those who may not otherwise have considered career pathways into cyber, and this year’s team represents an incredible mix of ages, genders and backgrounds.”

Smaller businesses a growing target for hackers

Kidderminster-based CyberGuard Technologies, a division of OGL Computer, has completed the installation of cyber security systems into Loughborough-based SDI Displays, a manufacturer of retail and visual merchandising equipment.

Colin Dennis, Head of Cyber at CyberGuard Technologies, said: “Many smaller businesses don’t think of themselves as a prime target for cyber attacks, but they are a growing target as hackers believe they will have weaker IT systems in place.”

More than half of manufacturers have been the victim of cyber-crime, and a third of those have suffered some financial loss or disruption to business.

Manufacturing is the fifth most targeted sector for attack in 2019, behind government systems and finance.

Looming skills crisis threatens future of Thames Valley digital hub

Global cyber security leader, RSA Security, is warning that the Thames Valley’s digital economy could be challenged unless the cyber security skills gap is addressed.

The Thames Valley is a hub for UK technology innovation. There are 11,656 digital technology businesses based in Reading alone, and the digital sector is responsible for nearly a quarter of Berkshire’s economic output.

Cyber security skills are in higher demand here than the national average and government research shows that half of all businesses and charities have cyber security skills gaps to fill.

In association with the educational charity Engineering Development Trust, RSA is running a digital risk management competition in 10 secondary schools across the Thames Valley.

Sophos sells to USA private equity company

Leading USA private equity investment firm, Thoma Bravo, LLC, has reached agreement with Abingdon-based Sophos Group, to buy the business for more than £3.5 billion.

Oxford University graduates

Jan Hruska and Peter Lammer founded Sophos in 1985. The company now employs 3,500 people across the world, 600 of which are in the UK. Sophos protects more than 400,000 organisations of all sizes in more than 150 countries from cyber threats.