Shape the future of UK cyber security – Source: go.theregister.com

Partner Content The opportunity to identify, foster and nurture talented young people towards a cyber security career should always be grabbed with both hands.

Industry is invited to shape the future of young cyber professionals by sponsoring the brand new UK Cyber Team Competition which aims to find the top cyber talent across the UK to represent the UK in international competitions.

Recent research published by the Department for Skills, Innovation and Technology calculates that approximately 637,000 UK businesses (44 percent) have a basic skills gap when it comes to cyber security. That’s why the UK government has partnered with SANS to create the UK Cyber Team Competition, a national Capture the Flag competition to find the top cyber talent aged 18-25 from across the UK and inspire the next generation of cyber security experts.

They’re looking for companies which can step up and sponsor the competition in a range of ways, from offering financial support, to mentoring students, or delivering training opportunities. (you can access more details about participation and benefits by clicking this link).

Showcasing your organisation’s dedication to advancing cyber security in the UK is a powerful way to demonstrate leadership and garner prestige while contributing to industry growth. There are four partnership options – Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze – each with their own set of benefits and opportunities for your organisation (click here to see the brochure). These can include networking opportunities with the 200 finalists, recruitment via a bespoke job board and coaching but also the chance to increase brand awareness via the competition website and live final.

Round one of the competition starts on 30th November 2024, with the top 200 players selected to compete in a live final on 18th January 2025. The top 30 will be chosen to join the UK Cyber Team, receiving training and support before battling it out with their continental counterparts next year. There are opportunities to sponsor and support the project both during the competition and once the UK Cyber Team have been established.

Supporting this initiative can help you attract top talent and reinforce your role in nurturing much needed domestic cyber talent, while strengthening the UK’s cyber security infrastructure on a global stage.

You can get more information about sponsorship opportunities and benefits by registering your interest at this link.

Contributed by the SANS Institute and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.