The UK has convened leading nations including the USA and European Union (EU) member states for talks on how to tackle the growing threat of cyberattacks.
The discussions followed the release of figures that show that nearly half of UK businesses do not have the skills to protect against an attack.
Recent high-profile incidents include the global IT outage, an attack impacting NHS service providers, and attempts to disrupt London’s transport network.
EU member states, Canada, Japan and international organisations such as the World Economic Forum and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development met to discuss how global cyber security workforces can be strengthened, from agreeing ways to boost cyber skills to developing new professional standards.
To support the event, the UK published the latest figures from its ‘Cyber Security Skills in the UK Labour Market Survey‘, which show that while the estimated annual shortfall for jobs in the UK’s cyber workforce has reduced – down from 11,200 last year to just 3,500 this year – 44% of UK businesses do not have the fundamental skills to protect themselves from cyberattacks.
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The recommendations from the coalition will be published by the end of the year and will advance international collaboration to improve cyber skills and face down cyber-crime.
Taking more immediate action, the UK government has announced plans to launch a scheme that delivers tailored support across regions of England and Northern Ireland.
Feryal Clark, UK cyber security minister, said: “The UK needs a significant improvement in its cyber defences after the previous government failed to strengthen our cyber laws – we’re fixing that.
“Later this year, we’ll bring forward new measures to better protect the nation from cyber-crime and our new regional skills programme will support the next generation of cyber talent and innovators.
“But this is a shared challenge, which is why we’re bringing together global allies to discuss and agree steps to keep us safe online, improve cyber skills and protect our economy and public services.”
Innovations and achievements in security will be highlighted and celebrated at the second annual Robotics & Automation Awards on 06 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.roboticsandautomationawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable industry event – and to book your table!
