The UK government is encouraging 18-25-year olds to put their cyber skills to the test as part of its efforts to plug the cyber skills gap.

Participants in the UK Cyber Team Competition will have a chance to represent the UK and kick off their career in cybersecurity.

The government said the competition is designed to push the participants’ technical expertise and problem-solving abilities through a set of challenging cyber exercises.

These include simulations of real-world scenarios in areas like cryptography, digital forensics, web exploitation and network security, which are similar to the daily challenges experienced by professionals working in the industry.

Top performers will earn a place on the UK Cyber Team and receive access to advanced training supported by industry experts, networking opportunities with agencies and leading cyber security firms, and mentorship to help develop their careers.

The government claims the competition will help the UK plug the cyber skills gap, fill high-demand roles and provide young professionals with valuable skills and career opportunities.
It added that the UK’s cybersecurity industry is valued at around £11.9 billion and cyber skills are in huge demand across the economy.

The 2024 Cyber security skills in the UK labour market survey found that 44 per cent of UK businesses do not have the fundamental skills to protect themselves from cyber-attacks.

“In an increasingly digital world cyber threats are evolving rapidly, and it’s essential we stay ahead of the curve,” said cyber security minister Feryal Clark. “We’re looking to find the best and brightest minds to represent the UK on the world stage and I encourage all eligible young people with a passion for cyber security and technology to take on the challenge and be part of something truly impactful.”

---