Government promises £1.9 million for cyber skills

But experts say it’s too thinly spread

The government plans to invest £1.9 million on the UK’s cyber resilience, but stakeholders have concerns about the scope.

Announced by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the money – from a mix of government and private funding – will be split among more than 30 projects across the country.

With more than half of UK businesses reporting a cyber skills shortfall, DSIT says the funding – which equates to about £63,000 per project – “will now help plug the gaps and meet that demand.”

“These projects – delivered by organisations such as universities, local community groups and businesses – will tap into local know-how and partnerships to support initiatives which meet the needs of individual areas,” according to the Department.

Aimed at a range of people, from students to apprentices and working professionals, the projects include those aimed at supporting neurodiverse people and women into the cyber profession, as well as some aimed at upskilling workers in small businesses.

Minister for Cyber Security Feryal Clark said, “Attempts to disrupt the technologies and services we rely on daily continue to grow, so we’re leaving no stone un-turned to make sure our communities have the skills to rise to the challenge.”

Experts question funding amount

While stakeholders welcome any investment in UK cyber, there is a shared concern that the funding is too little, spread too far.

“30 new projects slated for 2025 and beyond across multiple regions means that this money will be thinly spread across the UK,” said Andy Kays, CEO of Socura.

“The concern is that this money won’t go far enough to have the level of impact needed. It is, however, a good start.”

Jake Moore, global cybersecurity adviser at ESET, noted that upskilling workers is “crucial” for the success of the UK’s digital economy.

“However,” he added, “this isn’t the first time we have seen a shake-up in the UK’s skills shortage so it is vital that the initiative will continue to be funded and pushed to the next level where more roles are filled.”