09 November 2015

L-R: Roke Manor Research MD David Cole; Dstl’s Dr. Elizabeth Stockel; Prof. Christopher Snowden, vice-chancellor, Southampton University; and Northrop-Grumman’s Dr. Andrew Tyler.

The University of Southampton has launched a new Cyber Security Academy which aims to make the UK more resilient to cyber attack. 

Details of the academy were announced today at IA15, the Government’s main event for briefing the UK’s information security leaders which is being hosted by GCHQ in London. 

The Cyber Security Academy is one of the first examples of the Government’s CyberInvest initiative. Its founders – the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), Roke Manor Research and Northrop Grumman – say their shared vision is for it to become an internationally recognised hub for cyber security activity.

The academy will provide a stream of cyber security graduates to industry, and train the existing workforce through an industry-relevant cyber security programme. 

It also plans to lead innovative research, consultancy and enterprise activities, creating new employment opportunities by attracting companies and talented individuals interested in cyber security and related sectors.

The academy will be based in the Academic Centre of Excellence for Cyber Security Research (ACE-CSR) at the University of Southampton. Its director, Prof. Vladimiro Sassone, said: “The increasingly alarming statistics on cyber attacks, such as the recent TalkTalk data hack, make the academy a timely initiative fully aligned with the UK National Cyber Security Strategy. With society growing ever more cyber-dependent, cyber security calls for systematic innovation through a closer interaction between industry and academia.”

The University of Southampton is one of 13 cyber security research centres leading the national agenda to protect against cyber threats. It was awarded ACE-CSR status in November 2013 by GCHQ with a remit to extend knowledge through original research and provide high-quality graduates in the field of cyber security.

David Cole, MD of Roke Manor Research, said: “In order to meet the demands of an increasing cyber security threat, the UK needs a continual flow of high quality engineers and consultants to protect our critical infrastructure and enterprises, and to protect personal data. 

He added that Roke will connect its cyber research activities, industrial expertise and training capacity with the other academy partners from academia, government and industry.

“The Cyber Security Academy partners will work together to drive forward the UK's cyber capability and talent – attracting and developing world class experts into the cyber security industry, facilitating technology innovation, creating new opportunities and driving UK productivity,” said Cole.