The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), in collaboration with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), has partnered with IBM to promote diversity within the cyber security sector. This initiative aims to address the underrepresentation of women and other minority groups in the industry, which remains a key concern in Westminster.
The partnership will enhance the NCSC’s CyberFirst Girls programme, which targets girls aged 12 to 13, encouraging them to develop essential computing and security skills while considering careers in the UK’s £13 billion cyber sector.
Addressing Cyber Security Gaps Through Diversity and Inclusive Workforce Development
Despite ongoing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, representation in cyber security remains a challenge, with women comprising only 17% of the workforce. The sector also struggles with pay and skills gaps, emphasizing the need for targeted initiatives like CyberFirst Girls.
At the same time, cyber threats are becoming more frequent and sophisticated, increasing the urgency to develop a diverse and skilled workforce capable of safeguarding the UK’s digital infrastructure. The government views this initiative as a vital step in addressing the skills gap and preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
UK Partners with IBM to Boost Diversity in Cyber Security Through CyberFirst Girls InitiativeFeryal Clark, the UK’s cyber security minister, emphasized the importance of a diverse workforce in tackling cyber threats. She expressed confidence that IBM’s involvement in the CyberFirst Girls program would empower young girls with the skills needed to become future cyber leaders.
IBM’s global managing partner for cyber security, Mark Hughes, echoed this sentiment, highlighting IBM’s commitment to fostering diversity through its ongoing Diversity & Inclusion in Cybersecurity initiative. He believes that this collaboration will have a meaningful impact in encouraging more young women to pursue careers in cyber security.
CyberFirst Girls and UK Cyber Team: Expanding Opportunities for Future Cyber Experts
Since its launch in 2017, the CyberFirst Girls competition has engaged over 85,000 students in cyber-related challenges covering areas like cryptography, network architecture, and artificial intelligence (AI). NCSC deputy director for cyber growth, Chris Ensor, praised the initiative for providing thousands of young women with an opportunity to test their cyber skills in real-world scenarios. He stressed the importance of continuing such partnerships to build an inclusive and capable workforce that reflects the UK’s diverse society.
Beyond CyberFirst Girls, the UK’s efforts to nurture cyber talent extend to international competitions. This weekend, the UK Cyber Team—comprising 30 young cyber practitioners aged 18 to 25—will compete in Dublin against top European teams in e-sports-style cyber games. The team, run jointly by DSIT and the SANS Institute, is notably more diverse than the broader sector, with 37% female members and 3% non-binary representation. This initiative underscores the UK’s commitment to cultivating diverse talent and positioning itself as a leader in global cyber security.
