Cyber security jobs news roundup: February 2024
Keep up-to-date with some of the biggest stories in the world of cyber security in our monthly roundup.
We’re rounding up some of the biggest cyber security stories of the past few weeks. In February, the NCA started to tackle LockBit, ISC2 and IBM partnered on a new certification, cyber security was found to be a priority for tech leaders and a UK-France hackers for hire conference was announced.
NCA works with international partners against LockBit
The National Crime Agency (NCA) is working with a number of international partners to disrupt the LockBit ransomware operation. Over the course of several months, the team aims to stop the significant cyber threat in its tracks.
Law enforcement has been able to take control of the technical infrastructure needed for the LockBit operation. This includes the primary platform and leak site, which have been used to host data stolen from victims in ransomware attacks.
Jonathon Ellison, director for national resilience and future technology at the NCA, said: “We welcome the disruptive action taken by the NCA and its partners against the LockBit ransomware operation, undermining cyber criminals’ ability to inflict harm in the UK and around the world.”
ISC2 and IBM launch cyber security certificate
The nonprofit member organisation for cyber security professionals ISC2 has teamed up with IBM to launch a new certification. The entry-level programme will be accessed through the Coursera platform.
By completing the IBM and ISC2 Cybersecurity Specialist Professional Certificate, candidates with no previous experience will be prepared for a job in the field. It utilises content from ISC2’s CC certification training, which has proved popular seeing 360,000 people enrol.
Clar Rosso, CC, CEO of ISC2, said: “The cyber workforce urgently needs skilled professionals. This partnership enables aspiring professionals to demonstrate technical proficiency and build a solid foundation of skills, helping individuals to get their foot in the door with employers and kickstart their careers.”
Tech leaders make cyber security number one priority
Cyber security is the number one priority for 58 per cent of UK digital and technology leaders, according to a new study. Run by UK IT Leaders and the Horizon CIO Network, it found the issue to be a higher priority than digital transformation.
As more evidence emerges that threat actors are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their methods, using advanced technology, tech leaders are responding. Businesses require greater levels of protection and an increased focus on cyber security.
Lindy Cameron, CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), said: “With incidents on the rise, it is vital organisations work with their suppliers to identify supply chain risks and ensure appropriate security measures are in place. Cyber incidents can have severe impacts on organisations of all sizes, both in the short and longer term, from causing reputational damage to grinding operations to a halt.”
Deputy PM hosts conference on hackers for hire
Oliver Dowden, deputy prime minister, is joining France in hosting 35 nations at an inaugural conference to challenge the irresponsible use of commercial cyber intrusion tools and services. It will culminate in the signing of the Pall Mall Process, an agreement to take joint action.
Big tech leaders, legal experts, human rights defenders and vendors of cyber intrusion tools and services will join the countries at the conference. During the events, the participants will discuss action on the commercial market for cyber intrusion tools and services, as well as the threat they pose to international security, human rights and the stability of cyberspace.
Paul Chichester, director of operations at NCSC, said: “It’s powerful to see such a broad community come together to discuss how we can make the commercial intrusion sector work better for security and society.”
