DMU expert to lead Westminster talks to improve UK cyber defence

Cyber experts from across the country are set to meet in Westminster to address the need for improved tech skills in education. 

Dr Ismini Vasileiou, Cyber Skills Lead at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) will lead the debate, which will involve MPs, policymakers, industry leaders, and education providers. 

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The aim of the event is to draw up a set of policy recommendations to improve the way cyber skills are taught and so strengthen the UK’s cyber resilience.  

The event, which will take place in Westminster on Wednesday, will be hosted by Dr Vasileiou, who is also Director of the East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster, said the discussion was vital. 

She said: “Right now there is a clear gap in the way cyber skills are taught in this country. 

“There is simply not enough emphasis put on introducing younger children to basic technological skills and a disjointed exposure to more sophisticated skills throughout their educational journey. 

This is not only an issue for the individual, leaving people open to scams and cyber-crime. But in a wider sense, to the UK’s economy and infrastructure.” 

In a report published earlier this year by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, UK cyber security businesses were surveyed about the challenges they faced in an industry worth £13.2bn in revenue. 

The most common challenge cited, from 47% of respondents was a lack of potential employees with the cyber skills needed to do the job well. 

Dr Vasileiou said: “The importance of strong cyber resilience in this country is only going to increase, especially with the rapid advancements in AI transforming both cyber threats and defences.  

“We need to enhance cyber skills development immediately to ensure our workforce is prepared for this evolving landscape.”  

Experts from Skills England, the UK Cyber Security Council and National Cyber Security Centre are set to attend, together with MPs. 

Throughout the event, the group will tackle four key topics: 

• Addressing the growing demand for cyber skills across all sectors 

• The role of AI and emerging technologies in shaping the future workforce 

• The need for collaboration between government, industry, and education 

• Recommendations for policy interventions to strengthen the UK’s cyber resilience 

The discussion is being sponsored by Shockat Adam, MP for Leicester South and will lead to a formal impact report with actionable recommendations for government, businesses, and educators.