Inspiring the next generation of cyber strategy professionals

19 Feb 2019 12:08 PM

techUK Head of Programme for Cyber judges annual cyber policy and strategy competition.

On Monday 11 February, techUK’s Head of Programme for Cyber Talal Rajab was one of a number of judges at the UK’s second Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge.  The competition, which took place over two days at the BT Tower in London, saw UK university students set a series of cyber strategy and policy tasks based on the mock scenario of a cyber vulnerability being discovered in the UK’s critical national infrastructure.  Participants were tested on both their technical and strategic skills, as well as their ability to present policy solutions to senior government stakeholders. 

As part of the competition, students also heard from a number of keynote speakers including representatives from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), techUK Cyber Management Committee member Ruth Davis (BT) and Lord Robertson, the ex-Secretary General of NATO. 

Commenting on the competition, Talal Rajab yesterday said:

“Being a judge at the Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge was a fascinating and rewarding experience.  The students that presented to us were articulate and wise beyond their years, displaying great strategic and presentational skills. 

These types of competitions are extremely valuable, as they focus on the oft-forgotten “soft” cyber skills like strategy and policy analysis.  With the cyber skills shortage continuing to grow, initiatives like Cyber 9/12 will go a long way to helping to inspire the next generation of cyber strategic professionals”.