WEB AND MOBILE FRAUD
Greater need now for European co-operation on cyber security
As the UK prepares to exit the European Union, there has never been a stronger case for cross-border co-operation on cyber-crime, according to a leading expert.
Responding to the skills gap crisis in the cyber security industry, Institute of Information Security Professionals (IISP) CEO Amanda Finch said a European-wide collaboration and education programme for cyber security professionals of the future was essential.
In line with other speakers attending the SecTech ‘Addressing Cyber Security Skills and Education within Europe’ conference in London in November, Finch called for ongoing collaboration to tackle the growing skills issue.
Those universities currently involved in the project are KU Leuven, the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, the University of Oulu, the University of Plymouth, the University of Regensburg and the University of Vienna.
With cyber-attacks identified as one of the foremost risks by the World Economic Forum, Finch has underlined the imperative of developing a cyber security industry capable of preventing not only the financial and national security fall-out of such attacks, but also the damaging impact attacks can have on the systems that keep society functioning.
“There’s an urgent need to promote cyber security as an appealing career for young people. To equip the cyber security professional of the future, we need strong educational advice and pathways designed to attract the best talent as well as rapid career development opportunities with recognised and respected qualifications. We’re competing with other professions, so we do need to show that we can offer exciting and rewarding opportunities.”
Outlining a framework to encourage a wider understanding of cyber security, Finch has also explored the need to educate beyond just security professionals by embedding security understanding in other disciplines and related professions. Detailing proposals for an Independent Cyber Security Council, Finch pointed towards projects such as the UK Government’ s CyBOK (Cyber Body of Knowledge) and the IISP’s own Capability Framework by way of demonstrating the cyber security industry’s commitment to creating appropriate solutions.
