The Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec) has secured funding from the Department of Science [3] [4], Innovation and Technology (DSIT) to expand its CyberEPQ programme for the upcoming academic year of 2023-24. This funding [1] [4], provided by the UK government, will enable CIISec to significantly increase the number of students enrolled in the course, with a target of at least 400 students. The aim of the course is to attract a more diverse range of talent into the cybersecurity industry, covering essential topics such as digital forensics [5], cybercrime [5], and incident response [5].
Description
The Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec) has received funding from the Department of Science [3] [4], Innovation and Technology (DSIT) to expand its CyberEPQ programme for the upcoming academic year of 2023-24. This funding [1] [4], provided by the UK government, will allow CIISec to triple the number of students enrolled in the course, with a specific goal of enrolling at least 400 students. The primary objective of the course is to attract a more diverse range of talent into the cybersecurity industry, offering comprehensive coverage of topics such as digital forensics, cybercrime [5], and incident response [5].
In addition to increasing participation, CIISec plans to prioritize students from state schools in socially deprived areas. Notably, the number of state schools enrolled in the program has already increased by 56% year-on-year [2]. To further enhance the curriculum, CIISec intends to update it to incorporate advancements in artificial intelligence [4], quantum computing [3] [4], and blockchain [3] [4].
The CEO of CIISec [3], Amanda Finch [3], expressed her enthusiasm for the program and the support received from DSIT and other partners. The Head of Computer Science at Thomas Tallis School in London also praised the course and its benefits for students [3]. CIISec has taken the initiative to recruit a School Liaison Coordinator to provide support to teachers and students, and they have plans to upgrade the curriculum to reflect advancements in areas such as Artificial Intelligence [3], Quantum Computing [3] [4], and Blockchain [3] [4].
The Cyber Minister [3] [4], Viscount Camrose [3], has expressed a commitment to supporting young people in pursuing careers in the cyber industry and has commended CIISec’s efforts to engage talented students [3].
Conclusion
The expansion of CIISec’s CyberEPQ programme, made possible by funding from the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology [1] [3], will have significant impacts on the cybersecurity industry. By tripling the number of students enrolled and targeting students from state schools in socially deprived areas, CIISec aims to attract a more diverse range of talent into the field. The curriculum updates [3], incorporating advancements in artificial intelligence [4], quantum computing [3] [4], and blockchain [3] [4], will ensure that students are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills.
The support and recognition from key stakeholders, such as the CEO of CIISec, the Head of Computer Science at Thomas Tallis School [3], and the Cyber Minister [4], highlight the importance of this programme in nurturing and developing future cybersecurity professionals. With these efforts, CIISec is actively contributing to the growth and success of the cyber industry while providing opportunities for talented individuals to thrive in this field.
References
[1] https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366553773/CIISec-scores-DSIT-funding-to-expand-successful-CyberEPQ-scheme
[2] https://www.itpro.com/business/careers-and-training/cyberepq-program-expansion-aims-to-get-more-state-school-pupils-into-cyber-security
[3] https://professionalsecurity.co.uk/news/training/cyber-qualification-for-teens/
[4] https://techinformed.com/uk-expands-successful-cyber-qualification/
[5] https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/cyberepq-course-triples-student/
