Cyber Security Challenge reaches its climax

Cyber Security Challenge finalists to do battle this weekend

The finals of the Cyber Security Challenge, a series of national events designed to encourage talented professionals into joining the UK IT security industry, are to be held this weekend.

The challenge, which began in July 2010, tests participants' abilities to defend networks against real-world malware, using simulated business environments.

Judy Baker, director, Cyber Security Challenge UK, said: "The idea started because of the skills shortage in cyber security. It is clear that companies and government bodies are having huge problems finding the talent they need."

She added that the awards on offer are designed to be career enabling. Prizes include internships at leading companies, and funded training courses from industry bodies including SANS (System Administration, Networking, and Security Institute).

Bryan Lillie, head of the cyber security solutions centre at security firm Cassidian, said: "Most of the challenges so far have been very technical, but the finals will include more business-focused tasks. Participants might need to persuade their teams towards different solutions."

No participants have yet entered the security industry, however with 4,000 registrations taken for the competition, the organisers hope to see longer term goals achieved.