(ISC)2 calls for greater collaboration off the back of UK Cyber Security Council launch

The UK’s new Cyber Security Council is being urged not to “squander the opportunity” provided by the new organisation.

Commissioned by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the Cyber Security Council was set up by the members of the Cyber Security Alliance. It’s aim is to serve as a single governing voice for the industry, bringing cybersecurity in the UK in line with other professions such as law, medicine and engineering. It was officially launched yesterday, March 31.

The Council comprises members and staff from16 Alliance member industry organisations including cybersecurity association (ISC)². However, (ISC)² CEO Clar Rosso said it is important the members “do not squander the opportunity for progress and innovation that cooperation creates.”

She said: “It is imperative, not only for the future success of the Council, but for the benefit of all our members and organisations, that the sector continues to work together with the same vigour and enthusiasm to support the Council in the months and years to come.”

Rosso called for more industry collaboration amongst membership and training bodies linked with cybersecurity skills and professional development.

“The UK Cyber Security Council will help to foster greater skills development and attract more trained professionals to maintain the UK’s position as a world-leading cybersecurity skills and innovation centre,” said Rosso. “Further, it will support our sector’s collective mission to equip professionals with the skills, knowledge and continuous development needed to keep pace with the evolving needs of the cybersecurity industry and the wider economy.

“As a member of the Cyber Security Alliance, (ISC)² has been heavily involved throughout the project to launch the Council. Together, the Alliance organisations have invested considerable time and resources alongside the funding from DCMS to build the Council, establishing an unprecedented new level of cooperation within our industry.”

The Council was conceived in late 2018 within the UK Government’s Initial National Cyber Security Skills Strategy policy paper, which called for a new, independent body to professionalise the cybersecurity skills sector and support government efforts to improve the UK’s cybersecurity resilience and skills base.

Once fully operational, the government says the Council will have a cross-industry role as “a voice for the profession”, influencing policy and providing counsel on behalf of its member organisations.

It will also produce resources and guidance for individuals, including tools to map the career and qualification pathways for professionals within the cybersecurity sector.

Vice-chair of the Council and Think Digital Partners technology advisor, Jessica Figueras will talk about the role and remit of the new UK Cyber Security Council at the forthcoming Think Cybersecurity for Government event. Find out more here.