A scheme to recruit ‘brilliant brains’ by Government is part of the £1.9 billion cyber defence project that Chancellor Philip Hammond has unveiled. As part of the new National Cyber Security Programme, a crack team of 50 brains will be recruited by the Government. Ministers want those people who are looking for a change in career, to try it out for the team.
The idea is to find people not presently working in the computer industry, but possess ‘high aptitude brains’ with untapped natural talent. The idea is similar to how code-breakers for Bletchley Park were identified, with the use of cryptic crossword of the Telegraph, in 1942.
As a pilot scheme, it will target people such as doctors, soldiers and nurses interested in a new career, to give them free training in a course in London. Those selected, will be put through certain exercises. They include studying the minds of hackers and dealing with a nationwide cyberattack. The Chancellor said, while launching the strategy at an event in east London, the investment in offensive capabilities can help deter the targeting of UK by other countries.
The minister for digital and culture, Matt Hancock, while speaking to The Times, said the new academy is to help in the ambition to make UK the safest place to live and do business online. It will give skills to students, that are needed by the nation, to fight cyber attacks, he said.
