How can diversity in the cyber security workforce be improved? What can be done to have immediate impact and what should be done to affect long-term change?
Background
In order to ensure the UK is well protected now and in the future we need to build upon our existing knowledge of cyber security risks and the resilience of software supply chains and are working to identify which mitigations the government can leverage to ensure the UK is well protected now and in the future.
We’re also assessing the impact of these mitigations in driving enhanced security measures. A key area of research interest therefore is understanding the consequences of requiring higher levels of cybersecurity for products and digital services sold in the UK. Strengthening this evidence base will help shape and inform future policy work around the regulation of products and business requirements for cyber security.
Some technologies are critical to cyberspace. To build and sustain competitive edge in cyber-related technologies we need a coordinated, rigorous and consistent approach to identify and analyse critical areas of science and technology and prioritise national effort. CSDI is interested inbeing able to better anticipate the science and technology developments most vital to UK cyber power and in analysing thebe opportunities and risks related to those developments.
It is crucial to ensure that digital identity solutions are both secure and inclusive. The directorate seeks to gather further evidence on how best to enable more inclusive digital identity services whilst maintaining robust security measures. Digital identity solutions enable a person to prove something about themselves for the purposes of a transaction, an eligibility check or accessing services. This includes verifying a person’s age when purchasing age regulated products, when undertaking pre-employment checks or opening a bank account. The government is not mandating specific approach, but instead has committed to setting outcomes-based standards in the form of the UK digital identity & attributes trust framework. (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-digital-identity-and-attributes-trust-frameworkbeta-version/uk-digital-identity-and-attributes-trust-framework-beta-version)
Organisations that adhere to these standards and agree to oversight from the Office for Digital Identities and Attributes (OfDIA) will receive a trust mark, so that businesses and individuals can be confident that their digital identity solution is safe and secure.
Next steps
If you are keen to register your interest in working and connecting with DSIT Digital Technology and Telecoms Group and/or submitting evidence, then please complete the DSIT-ARI Evidence survey - https://dsit.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cDfmK2OukVAnirs.
Please view full details: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/department-for-science-innovation-and-technology-areas-of-research-interest/dsit-areas-of-research-interest-2024
Source
This question was published as part of the set of ARIs in this document:
Related UKRI funded projects
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AI - Cybersecurity Nexus
The project **AI-Cybersecurity Nexus** is dedicated to addressing the critical intersection of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI), specifically targeting small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Greater Ma...
Funded by: Innovate UK
Why might this be relevant?
The project specifically focuses on improving diversity in the cyber security workforce and provides immediate and long-term solutions.
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Strengthening Cyber Security Skills in Lancashire
Blackburn College's Strengthening Cyber Security Skills in Lancashire project is designed to support the growth in Cyber Security roles within the industry (and this region in particular). It will encourage engagement an...
Funded by: Innovate UK
Why might this be relevant?
The project addresses the growth of Cyber Security roles and encourages diversity in the workplace, but does not specifically focus on improving diversity in the cyber security workforce.
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CyberPathway: Empowering Diversity in Cybersecurity
This project aims to establish a comprehensive cybersecurity training program with a strong emphasis on both an AI-driven online learning platform and in-person practical training, empowering underrepresented groups incl...
Funded by: Innovate UK
Why might this be relevant?
The project aims to empower underrepresented groups in cybersecurity, aligning with diversity goals, but does not provide immediate and long-term solutions specifically for improving diversity in the cyber security workforce.