Archives for 2023

Our way of communicating and engaging with each other has dramatically changed in the last 20 years. From panicking and writing down someone’s number on a napkin, to “Do you have WhatsApp?” – communication has never been more readily accessible. 

But are we truly taking advantage of the technological gift? Are we carrying it across into how we work, engage with each other, and grow together as a community?

As the world of cyber expands, communication is an inevitable part of a secure digital future. We at UK Cyber Cluster Collaboration (UKC3) are proud that this is where the concept of cyber clusters comes into play. 

Cyber Clusters: The Catalysts of Cyber Security Innovation

Cyber clusters are regional networks of organisations, educational institutions, and government bodies dedicated to fostering collaboration and innovation within the cyber security domain. They serve as incubators for new ideas, a platform for sharing knowledge, and a safe haven for the next wave of cyber security experts. Clusters also bring together the collective intelligence of local communities to tackle evolving digital threats.

The need for resilient cyber security is universal. However,  the methods to achieve it would massively benefit from a grassroots approach. Here is where UKC3 and our cyber clusters play a pivotal role.

UKC3: The Power of Cyber Cluster Collaboration

UKC3, established in 2021 with the support of UK Government funding, serves as the central body coordinating and supporting the development of cyber clusters across the United Kingdom. Our mission is not just about individual cyber security; we are creating a resilient digital future for the entire nation.

UKC3 works in partnership with regional clusters, offering strategic guidance, funding, and facilitating collaboration. This interconnectedness empowers clusters to leverage one another’s strengths, share best practices, and tackle complex cyber challenges more effectively. The UK’s cyber security landscape is diverse, and UKC3 recognises the potential of this diversity.

Advantages of Cluster Collaboration on a National Level

Strengthened Cyber Workforce: The development of a thriving and diverse talent pipeline is a critical component of UKC3’s strategy. By sharing educational resources, training programmes, and best practices, clusters can collectively enhance the nation’s cyber security workforce. Not only are clusters sharing the knowledge that there is a demand in the market but also educating those already in it through skills refreshers and new challenges to consider. 

Fostering Business Innovation: Innovation is the lifeline of cyber security. Collaborative efforts lead to the discovery of new solutions, cutting-edge technologies, and innovative strategies. This spurs economic growth by giving rise to new businesses, products, and services. As the clusters act as cyber hubs within their communities, deprived regions can capitalise on the wealth of local talent, as well as meet potential funders for start-ups. 

Elevating Ecosystem Development: Cyber threats are continually evolving, necessitating research and innovation to stay ahead. By encouraging collaboration on research projects and the development of emerging technologies, UKC3 supports ongoing projects that enhance each regional cyber ecosystem along with the UK’s national ecosystem. 

Looking Forward: A Secure Digital Future

The importance of cyber cluster collaboration, facilitated by UKC3, cannot be overstated. Our dynamic strategy creates a powerful network, enriching the cyber security ecosystem with shared knowledge, a diverse talent pool, innovative businesses, and ongoing research.

By working together, the UK’s clusters are transforming the nation into a cyber security powerhouse. Moreover, their international reach ensures that the UK can face cyber challenges on a global scale. The collective efforts of UKC3 and its regional clusters are propelling the UK towards a secure and resilient digital future. This collective journey, marked by shared insights, common goals, and global connections, will undoubtedly define the future of cyber security.

Join us for our Open Innovation Webinar to find out how you can make an impact within your local community.

Register Here

As October comes to a close, the cyber community reflects on the end of Cyber Security Awareness Month – a reminder of the need for secure cyber security practices and methods.

At UK Cyber Cluster Collaboration (UKC3), with the support from the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology, we stand firmly in the realm of cyber security, committed to nurturing and connecting the network of cyber security clusters across the UK. This month, we’d like to reflect on the significance of cyber security and how UKC3’s strategy and efforts align with the goals of Cyber Security Awareness Month.

The Importance of Cyber Security

In a world where digital technologies permeate almost every facet of life, the importance of cyber security can’t be overstated. Our financial transactions, personal information, business operations, and even critical infrastructure systems rely on digital networks. As technology evolves, so do the tactics of cybercriminals. It’s not just about protecting data; it’s about safeguarding our way of life.

If you’d like some Top Tips for Staying Secure Online, the National Cyber Security Centre has released a list of reminders for secure cyber practices. 

UKC3’s Role in Enhancing Cyber Security Awareness

At UKC3, we’ve always believed in the power of a collaborative approach to cyber security. As we act as part of pillar one of the UK’s national cyber strategy, our own strategy emphasises the following areas, aligning with the core themes of Cyber Security Awareness Month:

Connectivity and Communication: Cyber security is a collective endeavour. Our Ecosystem Development Working Group focuses on connecting cyber security clusters, promoting collaboration, sharing best practices, and creating a unified front against cyber threats.

Innovation and Resilience: As threats become more sophisticated, innovation is key. Our Innovation Join-up Working Group strives to foster innovation in the cyber security sector through collaborative projects, joint initiatives, and sharing expertise among clusters.

Talent Pipeline: The future of cyber security depends on a talented and diverse workforce. UKC3’s Skills Working Group supports the development of this workforce by encouraging learning, sharing knowledge, and creating pathways for the next generation of cyber security professionals.

Business Growth: The cyber security industry is ever-evolving. UKC3 empowers businesses to grow and innovate by facilitating networking opportunities, providing resources, and connecting them with a broad spectrum of experts.

The Way Forward

As Cyber Security Awareness Month ends, we’re reminded that together, we can tackle the ever-evolving threats, protect our data, and ensure a resilient digital future.

UKC3’s strategic objectives have a fundamental role in promoting cyber security, emphasising the collective power of cyber clusters, and fostering a thriving ecosystem for cyber security. It’s a holistic approach, focusing on innovation, communication, and talent development. With cyber security as the bedrock of our digital society, we’re in it together. 

If you’d like to learn more about our UKC3 strategy, you can view it by following the link below. We also encourage you to get involved with your local cyber security community via our clusters.

 

Just one week ago, we were right in the midst of the International Cyber Expo, held in London. As we reflect on the incredible time we had, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all those who stopped by to visit our booth. Many great conversations were had from what is a cluster, to getting involved, to what exactly is a secure digital future?

In today’s digital age, the importance of cyber security cannot be overstated. It’s not just a choice; it’s an imperative, both for businesses and individuals. This importance led us to our new strategy, which was unveiled on the second day of the conference at the Global Cyber Summit Stage.

But our journey at the International Cyber Expo didn’t stop there. We also had the fantastic opportunity to visit the ScotlandIS pavilion and gave away two prizes at the UKC3 stand.

Unveiling Our New Strategy with Linda Smith

One of the highlights of the International Cyber Expo was the unveiling of our new strategy. It’s not just a document; it’s a roadmap to our shared digital future. 

Since our launch in 2021, UKC3, backed by UK Government funding, has been diligently pursuing its core objectives, which are closely aligned with the UK’s National Cyber Strategy. These objectives revolve around enhancing cyber skills, fostering innovation, and expanding the cyber ecosystem.

We have been working tirelessly to establish partnerships among industry, academia, and local government, ensuring that opportunities and expertise are accessible across various regions. Acknowledging the significance of the UK’s Levelling Up agenda, we recognise that connected communities are crucial for driving unique economic impacts, especially in the rapidly evolving field of digital technologies and cyber security.

With the ever-present global cyber threats and the swift advancements in AI-based technologies, the need for constant evolution is evident. UKC3, through our fifteen recognised clusters, is determined to add value and respond effectively to market demands within the cyber sector. Acting as a central access point to the nationwide cyber ecosystem, UKC3’s strategy will not only promote the UK’s cyber industry on the global stage but also provide a framework for achieving these ambitious goals.

If you’d like to know more about our strategy and how you can actively engage with us, you can access it here. Join us on this exciting journey towards a more secure digital landscape.

Celebrating Innovation at ScotlandIS Pavilion

Our time at the ScotlandIS pavilion was nothing short of exhilarating. Supported by Scottish Enterprise, this platform allowed six innovative cyber companies to shine on the Tech Hub Stage. 

This experience gave businesses the opportunity to present themselves to the hundreds of attendees, organisations, and potential investors at the expo. ScotlandIS held a competition inviting local companies to showcase their innovation for a chance to be a part of their pavilion. 

A special congratulations to LastingAsset, SafeShark, HighGround, Cybernitics, Lupovis, and CyberShell Solutions Ltd. for their fantastic presentations. It’s clear that innovation is alive and thriving in the cyber world! 

Congratulations to Our Prize Winners

We’d like to take a moment to congratulate the winners of our prizes. Your enthusiasm and participation in our competition added an extra layer of excitement to the International Cyber Expo.

Stay tuned as we prepare for CyberUK 2024 in Birmingham. We have more exciting contests and events on the horizon!

Conclusion

In closing, we want to express our sincere appreciation to everyone who made the International Cyber Expo an unforgettable experience. Your interest, engagement, and enthusiasm for the world of cyber security inspire us to continue our mission. Together, we’re working towards a more secure and resilient digital future. Stay connected with UKC3, and let’s embark on this journey together!

Recognising Excellence: Ben Shorrock Awarded Honorary Doctorate of Science

We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of Ben Shorrock, the Managing Director of techSPARK and Director of UK Cyber Cluster Collaboration (UKC3), as he receives a prestigious Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Bristol. This distinguished recognition comes as a testament to his ongoing work to support the success of the cyber and tech ecosystem and the city of Bristol.

The degree ceremony was held on 3rd August at the University of Bristol as part of its celebration of people who have been active part of its civic mission. Among the guests was Martin Reid, the Executive Director of SETsquared Partnership, who had presented the award to Ben. Martin commended Ben’s exceptional contributions to the cyber ecosystem and the city of Bristol, underscoring the transformative impact of his tireless efforts.

In his work, Ben has achieved genuinely exceptional outcomes for the city of Bristol, the West of England, and the general UK, he represents the tech and digital ecosystem to local and national government. And has been a source of inspiration and hope during the COVID pandemic leading the roadmap to recovery for the tech cluster with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Martin Reid, Executive Director of SETsquared Partnership

Throughout his career, Ben has been an influential force in driving innovation and collaboration within the cybersecurity industry. As the Managing Director of techSPARK, he has championed  initiatives that empower and support the tech community in Bristol and Bath. Under his  leadership, techSPARK has grown into a hub for the region’s technology community, attracting top talent and fostering world-leading digital innovation within the city.

Additionally, Ben’s role as the Director of UKC3 has been instrumental in advancing the UK Cyber Ecosystem. By spearheading collaborations between various cyber clusters, businesses, and educational institutions, he has cultivated a powerful network that leverages collective expertise to tackle cyber challenges head-on.

Ben’s role in strengthening Bristol’s cybersecurity landscape has been recognised beyond the region. The University of Bristol’s decision to bestow upon him an Honorary Doctorate of Science stands as a testament to his significant contributions to the field and the community.

Congratulations, Dr. Ben Shorrock, on this remarkable milestone! Your dedication to fostering growth and driving innovation in the cyber ecosystem serves as an inspiration to us all.

We look forward to witnessing your continued success in shaping a brighter technological landscape for Bristol and beyond.

Meet the Directors: Ben Shorrock

Ben Shorrock was interviewed on 14th June 2023

As cyber continues to grow and pop up on the radar of businesses and organisations across the nation, we spoke with Ben Shorrock, Ecosystem Development Lead and Director at UK Cyber Cluster collaboration (UKC3).

Before joining the UKC3 board, Ben, current managing director of TechSPARK, has been working for a decade to support the growth of tech and digital businesses. He currently works with 35,000 individuals each month, helping them with recruitment, networking, and increasing capital.
Furthermore, Ben serves as an assessment lead for TechNation’s exceptional talent visa program, evaluating applicants for global leadership abilities and UK residency eligibility. Apart from his role at TechSPARK, Ben co-founded the Bristol Tech Festival and serves on the boards of Tech South West, UK Tech Cluster Group, and Bristol’s One City Board.

What is your role within UKC3?

I have multiple roles in supporting UKC3! I first became involved as a lead via Bristol & Bath Cyber cluster and saw the great work UKC3 were doing to support a thriving sector. This last year I joined as a board director, where I’m supporting the team with Marketing and how we, as cluster organisations, can work together to learn and share.

Why is cyber security so important on a national and international level?
Being able to secure our data and systems is absolutely key, whether you’re a business, an individual or a government. There are a lot of bad people out there who want to take advantage of us, and at its core, cyber security is about protecting what we’ve all worked to build.

What would you say is a major issue the UK is facing in the cyber sector?
Talent and diversity remain a huge challenge for the sector (and tech as a whole). We’re growing hugely as a community, so we need to make sure we can find the right people to support that growth. It’s imperative those people are representative of society as a whole otherwise, we’ll be failing both morally and, frankly, operationally.

What benefits does UKC3 provide on a regional level to help tackle cyber security issues?
Right across the UK, businesses have formed or are springing up with new ideas, approaches and passion in our sector. All of them are more likely to achieve if they can connect and learn from each other. To do that, you really need people on the ground to join the dots, which is what UKC3 does via its cluster organisations.

How does the UKC3 community help address national cyber issues?

UKC3 is recognised as part of our National Cyber Security Strategy. To succeed, cyber security has to connect with the best minds wherever they are in the country, not just a few hotspots. UKC3’s network and coverage is a key channel to do that.

How have clusters been impacted by UKC3 services?
UKC3 does all sorts of things to support different clusters across the UK. Some of that is direct and visible to cyber companies, like showcasing them at national events or helping government understand industry concerns. Other work is less visible but equally important, like helping local cluster organisations become self-sufficient so their work can continue and grow.

What opportunities are important for clusters with UKC3?
Ultimately across the UK, our clusters are made up of businesses and people. UKC3 want to help create the right environment for them to thrive through supporting connections to learning, innovation and potential partnerships.

What would you like to see UKC3 accomplish in the future?
UKC3 is still a young organisation (a start-up, really!), but there’s huge scope for us to support the development of the sector, and I’m really excited to see the plans we have. It feels like we’re just getting started!

Last month proved to be an eventful April for the field of cyber security, with the publication of two significant reports by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

These reports shed light on the current state of the UK’s Cyber Security industry, emphasising its growth, employment opportunities, and the pressing need for robust security measures. In this blog, we will explore the key findings from these reports and offer our opinions on the implications they hold for individuals and organisations alike.

The first report, the Cyber Security Sectoral Analysis 2023, provides a comprehensive overview of the UK’s cyber security industry in terms of its size, employment figures, and organisational revenue. It highlights the remarkable advancements made by firms in enhancing cyber resilience while contributing to the overall strength of the UK economy.

 “The UK cyber security sector generated revenue of £10.5 billion, up 3% since last year”

Whilst the almost 8% increase in number of companies is positive for the sector; a closer look at the report’s regional snapshots shows in comparison to last year’s findings, that again, we have seen further growth centralised around the Greater London area. 

Decreases were reported in the West Midlands and more notably the South East, but despite this slight decline, the South East and Greater London regions account for 49% of the cyber security offices in the UK. This emphasises that there is still significant work to be done to foster growth and attract investment in the remaining regions of the UK, a goal UKC3 and all our regional cyber clusters continue to strive towards. 

There were some positive findings for other regions of the UK with the East Midlands and the North East seeing the most notable increases in mean advertised salaries, and the North West being the only region outside of Greater London to see an increase in the percentage of UK based cyber security employment. The opening of GCHQ Manchester in late 2019 is likely the contributing factor behind this growth, illustrating the positive influence investments like this can have on a region.

The second report released by the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology was the Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2023. This survey plays a crucial role in informing local and national government policies related to cyber security, ensuring a secure environment for conducting business across the UK.

“32% of businesses and 24% of charities overall recall any breaches or attacks from the last 12 months.”

The survey revealed alarming statistics regarding cyber breaches and attacks faced by  medium (59%) and large (69%) businesses in the past year, as well as highlighting troubling findings that micro and small organisations see cyber security as less of a high priority than they did in previous years. 

 As the government continues to release reports underscoring the criticality of the cyber security sector, it is incumbent upon us to ensure that our knowledge and understanding remain up to date. By connecting with UKC3 and your regional cyber cluster you can foster a broader understanding of the threats faced by businesses and organisations on a regular basis, and collectively take steps to fortify our cyber defences and protect our digital landscape.