Government seeks cyber security heroes with retraining courses open to all

The government has announced the launch of a 10-week boot camp training initiative designed to churn out more skilled cyber security experts as part of the newly unveiled National Cyber Security Strategy.

The Cyber Retraining Academy course does not require those interested to have any prior cyber expertise, but is looking for those with natural aptitude. Interested parties can undertake a quiz online to determine their suitability.

Training will be given by experts from the SANS Institute, and graduates on the course will tackle everything from fending off malware attacks to hacking into flying drones.

Applications can be made from today, and the training will take place in London from 23 January 2017. The aim is to roll out the programme to other cities in the years ahead.

The course will cram two years' worth of cyber training into just 10 weeks, and Matt Hancock, minister of state for digital and culture, explained that speed is vital in reducing the UK cyber skills shortage.

“This new academy will give students the skills the nation needs to fight cyber attacks and help us achieve our ambition of making the UK the safest place to live and do business online,” he said.

“The programme is integral to our ambitious skills plan, and will fast track new talent into this competitive, exciting and rewarding field which last year contributed almost £22bn to the UK economy.”

SANS Institute UK managing director ‎Stephen Jones added that the intensive nature of the course is ideal for making candidates understand the realities of the ever-changing nature of the cyber threats facing the UK.

“There’s no substitute for recreating a real-life environment, and here students are exposed to malicious code and practical challenges not seen in other training programmes," he said.

Jones promised that the job prospects for those completing the course will be strong, given how important cyber security is to all of the UK.

“This is a great opportunity for candidates looking for a secure and exciting career, and one where they can command a very good salary," he said.

"The industry is only showing signs of growth as organisations and governments continue to strengthen their cyber defences.”

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