A skills gap and recruitment issues in cyber security could harm businesses across the country and impact on the nation’s economy, according to a leading cyber firm.

C3IA Solutions, headquartered in Poole, Dorset, has warned that the industry needs more qualified people and that businesses often lack internal expertise. With cyber-attacks becoming more common and AI bringing new levels of sophistication, organisations must become more proactive in order to protect their systems and information, says C3IA.

According to the latest government report into cyber security skills in the UK labour market, nearly half of all businesses have a skills gap in basic technical areas. Despite the number of cyber-security graduates rising by 34 per cent, there remains a shortfall of expertise.

C3IA provides work experience for young adults and graduate placement opportunities and urges other businesses to help educate and develop the next generation of IT and cyber professionals. C3IA’s Jim Hawkins said:

“While businesses have become more aware of cyber threats over the last few years, your employees are your first line of defence and businesses need to invest in training and education that will help address many of the threats faced."

“At C3IA we understand the difficulty and recognise the findings of the government’s report which says that recruiting people with three-to-five years’ experience is the hardest area. This issue can be mitigated in part by providing internal training and development programmes."

“Graduates are becoming more numerous but they also will need experience in the industry. One of our newer staff, Hannah Baverstock, joined after graduation and is now a member of the UK Cyber Security Council Youth Advisory Panel, representing careers and qualifications."

“There are many paths into cyber security - apprenticeships, degrees, work experience, at-home training and qualifications as well as those coming into the industry from the military, and there are plenty of jobs as well as good pay."

“We encourage organisations to develop structured Continuing Professional Development (CPD) plans - ensuring teams are up-to-date with best practice and are knowledgeable on new and emerging threats."

“Ultimately the more secure businesses are, the better for the whole economy. There are malicious actors across the world who will target businesses, no matter their size or sector. Being a small business doesn’t mean you won’t be attacked."

“We suggest that all businesses obtain Cyber Essentials certification – this government-backed scheme is a simple way to protect yourself from common cyber attacks and includes free cyber insurance for added peace of mind."

“Our clients who have this certification feel much more confident in their cyber security. After all, you wouldn’t leave your office without locking the door, so why leave vulnerabilities exposed on your computer systems?”

Photo: Jim Hawkins