National competition launched to identify computer security experts of the future

Students and graduates with an interest in defending computer networks from cyber attack are invited to take part in a national online competition launched yesterday to identify talented individuals and attract them to careers in computer security.

The UK’s first Cyber Security Challenge is a series of online and face-to-face competitions designed by leading security, education and government organisations in response to the shortage of skilled professionals in the sector. Participants who perform well will have the opportunity to make contact with potential employers, who will look favourably on anyone who excels in the Challenge. A range of prizes are on offer to help successful candidates develop careers in cyber security, such as bursaries for university courses and places on top private sector training schemes.

Just a day after the Challenge opened for registration, more than 2,000 people had signed up to take part. Judy Baker, the director of the Challenge, said, ‘We are calling on students, graduates and anyone with an interest in cyber security to come forward and test their skills. The variety and excitement of the cyber security industry is one of the UK’s best kept secrets; it faces new, dynamic challenges every day. The Challenge will demonstrate how exciting and important this profession is and help the nation’s best undiscovered talent achieve their cyber security career ambitions.’

Two initial competitions were unveiled yesterday at the launch of the Challenge. The QinetiQ Network Defence Competition involves teams reviewing and defending a simulated network against cyber attack. The SANS Institute and Sophos Treasure Hunt is an online game suitable for all ages and levels of experience that challenges participants to identify security flaws on a dummy website.

Successful participants in each of these competitions will be invited to attend the Cyber Security Challenge UK Masterclass, which is being developed by HP Labs and EADS Defence and Security. The Masterclass will challenge candidates to work in teams to cope with the challenges of managing and defending a business technology network in an accurately simulated commercial environment.

• Find out more and sign up for the Cyber Security Challenge
• Find out about graduate areas of work in information technology
• Why women shouldn’t overlook careers in IT

Posted by Alison_TARGETjobs on 27 July 2010

Comments on ‘National competition launched to identify computer security experts of the future’