Sophos: Where are the finest brains to fight cyber crime?

Cyber security firms say it is becoming increasingly difficult to find the best computer minds because teaching in schools and universities is not sophisticated enough. The Cyber Security Challenge UK is therefore designed to bypass the education system and spot raw talent and aptitude. Some of the finest computer brains gathered at the offices of Sophos - an internet security company in the UK - for a cyber war game designed to fish out the most talented individuals.

The challenge sees candidates taking on the role of forensics and defence specialists working for the UK Government. For nearly three hours they encounter the nastiest creations of both cyber criminal gangs and nation states, as they run rampant in a virtual environment. Candidates presented their findings to a judging panel and made recommendations on actions to be taken. The most successful participants are likely to be offered jobs or bursaries that will help them forge a career in the industry.

Online security expert James Lyne commented: "Many of the successful candidates here today will likely go on to positions in banking, utilities or even national security. They will literally be on the frontline in the battle against nation states and cyber criminals.”

The Cyber Security Challenge UK is sponsored by the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), The Government Communication Headquarters (GCHQ), and Raytheon - a major defence contractor.
Next year’s Cyber Security Challenge UK is now open. Interested parties can register for the UK Category of the DC3 Digital Forensics Challenge set by the US Department for Defence. Visit the website for more info.

(03|2013) Sources: Cybersecruiitychallange.org.uk, orange