Games used to find the IT security pros of tomorrow

A coalition of IT security organisations has launched a series of games that it hopes will identify young people with the skills required to become IT security professionals.

The Cyber Security Challenge comprises a number of games that address such security tasks as network defence, forensics and penetration testing. The scheme mimics a similar program in the US.

Today’s launch was backed by research by security training provider the Sans Institute, which surveyed 255 security professionals. Nine out of 10 respondents reported that it is difficult to find potential employees with required skills, and six out of 10 said the number of security job will increase in future to meet growing threats.

“We need to excite, inspire and stimulate fresh interest in a career as a cyber security specialist,” said Judy Baker, director of the UK’s Cyber Security Challenge. “The competitions we are developing will do exactly that.”

Pete Swabey

Pete Swabey

Pete was Editor of Information Age and head of technology research for Vitesse Media plc from 2005 to 2013, before moving on to be Senior Editor and then Editorial Director at The Economist Intelligence...

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