Young people across the country are being asked to put their cyber skills to the test in the new UK Cyber Team Competition, giving them the chance to represent the UK on the world stage and start a career in cyber security.
The competition invites young people aged 18 to 25 who want to start a career in cybersecurity to test their skills in challenging cyber exercises designed to test their technical expertise and problem-solving abilities. Test.
This includes simulations of real-world scenarios in areas such as cryptography, digital forensics, web exploitation, and network security.
This hands-on experience provides a unique opportunity to engage in demanding tasks that reflect the daily challenges faced by professionals in this field.
Take the next step in your cybersecurity career
Top performers will be selected into the UK Cyber Team and take the next step in their cybersecurity career.
They receive advanced training supported by industry experts, networking opportunities with agencies and leading cybersecurity companies, and mentorship to support their career development.
Together, they represent the nation in prestigious international cyber competitions, including friendly matches against other countries’ cyber teams and major events such as the International Cyber Security Championship and the European Cyber Security Challenge.
Ferial Clark, Minister for Cybersecurity, said: “In an increasingly digital world, cyber threats are rapidly evolving and it is important to stay ahead of the curve.
“The UK Cyber Team Competition is an exciting opportunity for young talent to showcase their skills and play a key role in securing our country’s digital future.”
Closing the cyber skills gap
The UK cybersecurity industry is valued at £11.9bn and is helping to protect the UK’s growth.
Cyber skills are in great demand across the economy. The 2024 Cyber Security Skills in the UK Labor Market Survey found that 44% of UK businesses do not have the basic skills to protect themselves from cyber-attacks.
But this competition will help the UK close the cyber skills gap, fill in-demand roles and provide young professionals with valuable skills and career opportunities in this important sector.
National security will be strengthened at a time when the need for skilled cyber professionals has never been greater.
It will also prepare young people for careers in cybersecurity, furthering the government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity.
To support the diversity of the cyber talent pipeline, participation from under-represented groups and from across the UK is actively encouraged.
The competition, run in partnership with the SANS Institute, is open to all UK residents aged 18 to 25 with an interest in cyber security.
An application is now live where participants can register and access the pre-challenge.
