The network firm Cisco are in a joint initiative between the University of South Wales (USW) and the Welsh Government to help develop the next generation of cyber security people, in the National Cyber Security Academy (NCSA). The NCSA launched in 2016 as the first of its kind in Wales, an effort to close the cyber security skills gap.
Cisco say it’ll support the NCSA in four ways: sharing industry insights on competency and skill profile, providing technical software resource, consultation and collaboration on the curriculum (including guest lectures) and with practical experience opportunities. The programme will work with USW BSc (Hons) Applied Cyber Security, Computer Forensics and Computer Security undergraduates, for them to experience projects set by Cisco and other NCSA partners. The company says that the programme will evolve with the threat landscape to help provide the necessary skills to combat the latest cyber security challenges.
Scot Gardner, Chief Executive, Cisco UK & Ireland, said: “We are thrilled to be working with the University of South Wales on this initiative. Wales has a significant part to play in combatting the cyber security threat. With a focus on business innovation and skills, particularly in initiatives like the NCSA, the country’s focus on cyber security is helping address a business critical issue, not only for Wales or the UK, but globally. We see this as an important step in not only building on a great relationship with specialists in Wales, but supporting and investing in the development of skills across the UK.”
And Stephen Biggs, Head of the NCSA, said: “We are proud to have such amazing students at our University and believe that by investing in the development of young minds now, we can make a real difference in the future. Cisco has a strong heritage in both cyber security and skills initiatives, and by working closely with the company’s leading experts, we look forward to seeing the calibre of students that will emerge, who can help solve some of the world’s biggest cyber security challenges.”
