Policy paper

DSIT cyber security newsletter - July 2023

Published 10 July 2023

1. Director’s message

Now entering its third year, Cyber Runway is the UK’s largest accelerator for cyber entrepreneurs and companies in the country. Since its launch in 2021 it has supported more than 160 companies to gain the business skills, mentoring and connections they need to grow and scale. And connections are really the heart of its success, creating a community of companies that can support and learn from each other. It’s an approach that really exemplifies the Ecosystem pillar of the National Cyber Strategy. Applications are now open for the Grow and Scale cohorts for this year’s programme and I really encourage you to apply.

Another programme that may benefit you is the Cyber Bridge Programme, run by Barclays Eagle Labs. Part of the government’s £12 million digital growth grant, the programme brings together cyber startups with established companies to tackle emerging issues and challenges. If you would like to take part you can find out more information on their website.

One of the benefits of being in our new department is that it has brought us closer to our colleagues in other tech verticals, such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and big data. This was demonstrated last month when the Secretary of State for Education announced at London Tech week the creation of the Digital and Computing Skills Education Taskforce. Operating across the tech sector, the taskforce will map what digital skills are needed,  what the current gaps are and what may be needed in the future. Its aim will be to make it easier for students to choose computing and offer clear pathways into tech careers.

Finally, DSIT was proud to sponsor the Innovation Zone at Infosecurity Europe last month and showcase the 14 finalists of the Most Innovative Cyber SME Competition. Congratulations to Angoka, a Belfast-based smart cities and IoT company, who were named this year’s winners!

Erika Lewis
Director, Cyber Security and Digital Identity

2. Grow your business with Cyber Runway

Applications are now open for the Grow and Scale cohorts of Cyber Runway, the UK’s largest accelerator for cyber companies. Funded by DSIT and delivered by Plexal, Cyber Runway provides businesses with the skills, connections and mentors they need to grow and expand. 

The programme is delivered virtually so you can take part wherever you are based, and there are also in-person events across the country to bring the community together.

Applications are open now and close on 14 August. Learn more about all the benefits on Plexal’s website and get in touch with the team on cyberrunway@plexal.com if you have any questions.

3. Cyber sectoral analysis 2024: have your say

In partnership with Ipsos Mori and Perspective Economics, DSIT is once again undertaking its annual Cyber Sectoral Analysis. The Analysis provides an overview of the UK cyber sector, including its size, revenue and geographic distribution. The Analysis helps DSIT develop policy and is also of use for the wider cyber sector.

To help deliver next year’s Analysis DSIT are asking organisations to take part in an anonymous survey. Participation will help strengthen the findings of the Analysis and provide a more accurate representation of the UK cyber sector.

4. New Cyber Advisor scheme for small businesses

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has launched a new Cyber Advisor scheme to provide SMEs with trusted cyber security advice. The scheme - which is aimed at small organisations that lack in-house expertise - provides access to cost-effective advice and hands-on help to guard against the most common cyber attacks.

Initially this advice focuses on the 5 technical controls in the government-backed Cyber Essentials certification scheme. And while organisations don’t need to be aiming for Cyber Essentials certification, the NCSC is confident these controls mitigate the majority of high volume, low-skill cyber attacks.

With a growing network of providers across the UK, organisations can find out more about the scheme or visit the Cyber Advisor website to find a Cyber Advisor to help them.

5. Join the Cyber Advisor Network

The new Cyber Advisor scheme offers advice via a network of assured providers. Companies of any size can apply to offer Cyber Advisor services and the NCSC is particularly welcoming companies located in or serving geographically remote or under-represented areas. Similarly, companies working hard to address issues of under-representation in the cyber security workforce, are also encouraged to join. 

Find out how to join this network of providers, or learn more about the assessment process, or book an assessment.

6. Digital and Computing Skills Education Taskforce launched

The Secretary of State for Education announced at London Tech week the creation of the Digital and Computing Skills Education Taskforce. This is being delivered in partnership with DSIT, academia and industry experts from cyber security, artificial intelligence, quantum computing and big data. 

Its role will be to spot what computing and digital skills are needed for the economy, where the gaps are now, and what they’re likely to be in the future and how technology may change these. The taskforce will also make it easier for students to choose computing and digital pathways at school, colleges, Institutes of Technology and universities. 

7. Infosecurity Europe 2023 - Angoka named Most Innovative Cyber SME

DSIT hosted the Innovation Zone at Infosecurity Europe this year, where we showcased the fourteen finalists of the Most Innovative Cyber SME competition. Each finalist took part in an online pitch competition and were also able to give two presentations on the Innovation Showcase stage.

During the event, Andrew Elliot, DSIT Deputy Director in the Cyber Security and Digital Identity directorate, announced that this year’s winners were Angoka, a Belfast-based company specialising in protecting smart cities and IoT devices.

8. Cyber Bridge Programme: companies needed

Barclays Eagle Labs, in partnership with Code Base, are looking for UK cyber SMEs to take part in their new Cyber Bridge programme. 

The Cyber Bridge is a seven module programme that will run until March 2024 with workshops taking place fortnightly through a series of themed virtual meetups. Each session will unite business and industry experts with leaders from established cybersecurity companies and startups, to work on tackling cyber security threats and challenges.

Funded by the UK Government, the programme is designed to unite cutting-edge startups and experienced firms to tackle cyber security challenges.

9. Ethnic Minority in Cyber Conference - Birmingham

Ethnic Minority in Cyber Network held a national symposium in Birmingham last month to focus on increasing diversity in cyber, exploring both the challenges and solutions including supporting professionals and students.

Hosted by Zeshan Sattar from CompTIA, the event included keynotes delivered by Jitender Arora from Deloitte, Suzanne Lowe from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and Professor Simon Hepburn MA FRSA from the UK Cyber Security Council

Best practice outreach projects from around the UK were presented by Clare Norton from School of Coding focusing on Black Country schools region, Adam A-H Entwistle from IMO Charity in Lancashire about CyberArk and Zeshan Sattar  from Comptia about Cyber Ready in Bradford.

10. Help identify the next major research and innovation ideas for the UK

UK Research and Innovation and DSIT are looking for ideas to help shape our future plans and flagship priorities. We are seeking ideas to address some of the most difficult and complex challenges we face through collaborative and transformational programmes of research and innovation. The plan is to develop future innovation investment priorities which public funding can be used to  address.

We want to hear ideas that spark creativity and the enthusiasm of industry, researchers, the public and government, and shape the next generation of ground-breaking innovations. The priority areas we are looking at are:

• health innovations (human, animal and plant) 
• green industrial growth
• resilient UK 
• transformative technologies.

Please note this is not a process for bidding for funding but an ideas generation process via community engagement. Ideas must be submitted by Monday 10 July.

11. Upskill in Cyber: opportunity for employers to engage with top candidates

Applications for Upskill in Cyber, an adult cyber skills bootcamp provided by SANS in partnership with the government, closed last month. There was strong demand, with several thousand applicants applying for the 200 places available.

The successful candidates will now begin an intensive 14-week bootcamp in July, which consists of two high-quality courses and two associated exams, plus soft skills training.

The programme is now looking for employers who are interested in potentially employing the participants in the future. Interested companies should contact SANS at cyberacademy@sans.org.

12. IFATE seeking feedback on cyber apprenticeship standards

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Innovation runs three apprenticeship standards for cyber security. A level 3 cyber security technician apprenticeship, a level 4 cyber security technologist apprenticeship and a level 6 cyber security technical professional apprenticeship with integrated degree.

We are currently seeking feedback on these apprenticeship standards, particularly with employers who have engaged with cyber apprenticeships previously or who are thinking about engaging with them in the future.

If you would like to provide feedback on these standards please contact shaun.rafferty@dcms.gov.uk.