IBM to provide platform for flagship cyber skills programme for girls

(Image credit: IBM)

IBM is partnering with CyberFirst girls competition
Tech giant will provide the online platform for 2025
This aims to help bridge the cybersecurity skills gap

A new project backed by IBM in partnership with the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT), and the National Security Centre is sponsoring a UK-wide programme for girls aged 12 and 13 to boost interest in cyber careers.

Currently run by the NCSC, CyberFirst Girls has already had over 85,000 student participants since its launch in 2017.

Students face a set of challenges from cryptography and networking to artificial intelligence, and the aim is to build their skills and nurturing talent to encourage girls to take up careers in the field.

A gender gap

The UK’s cyber sector needs more diversity, as currently women account for just 17% of the cyber workforce. Although the industry is growing, and average salaries exceed £56,000, the industry struggles to meet the quickly evolving skills needed.

“By partnering with IBM to deliver the next edition of the CyberFirst Girls Competition, we’re driving forward our plans to do exactly that – building up the skills of young girls across the country and nurturing the next generation of UK cyber leaders,” said Feryal Clark, Minister for Cyber Security.

“The girls who will benefit from this support could even go on to represent the UK Cyber Team – the cream of the crop of British cyber talent who will fly the flag for us across the world - and I’ll be proudly cheering the team on today as they head to Dublin for their first international competition.”

Research shows the UK’s cyber sector could be worth up to £12 billion, but the industry still faces a significant skills gap, which is leaving the sector vulnerable to attacks, breaches, and disruptions.

New investments into cybersecurity at all levels aim to counter the rising threat of cyberattacks and bolster the UK’s defences.

Ellen has been writing for almost four years, with a focus on post-COVID policy whilst studying for BA Politics and International Relations at the University of Cardiff, followed by an MA in Political Communication. Before joining TechRadar Pro as a Junior Writer, she worked for Future Publishing’s MVC content team, working with merchants and retailers to upload content.