Cybersecurity skill concerns
Government plans to establish an “approved standard” and potentially underwrite “chartered” status for UK cybersecurity professionals have been called “worrying” by John Colley. He is the managing director for the info-security and IT membership body (ISC)2 EMEA.
After the release from the Department for Business Innovation and Skills of the policy paper: “Cyber Security Skills Business Perspectives and Government Next Steps Report” in advance of the UK budget in March, Colley highlighted an over-reliance on the CESG Certified Professional (CCP) as a foundation for all skills development in the United Kingdom.
The paper detailed the government’s support for cyber skills development and specific initiatives to be funded in 2014/2015. Among some very welcome commitments to work with industry on skills and work experience initiatives, the report outlined the intent to mandate compliance with the GCHQ-led CESG Certified Professional (CCP) scheme as a foundation to accredit private sector training. The scheme would also form the basis for the development of university curricula, funding incentive schemes through the Higher Education Authority; and to provide guidance for business of all sizes. Further, only ‘relevant’ courses accredited under the CCP scheme would be eligible to be showcased on the government-recognised Sector skills Council site: e-Skills UK Cyber Academy Learning Pathways.
