UK risk management and security firm Protection Group International has launched the world’s most sophisticated cyber training facility open to the private sector.
The academy will offer cutting-edge cyber security courses in the group’s immersive environment, which is designed to equip both businesses and public sector institutions with the knowledge and skills to identify and offset cyber threats to their networks, data and other assets.
In addition to training for cyber security specialists, Protection Group International has developed tailored courses and programmes for board members and senior management, mainstream IT specialists and entire workforces.
Each course provides immersive tuition and rapid skills and knowledge development, delivered in a language and form suitable for the audience to ensure that all levels of an organisation are equipped to respond effectively to cyber threats.
Barry Roche, Protection Group International’s chief executive, said: “The need for organisations to protect themselves against cyber crime has never been greater. Regulators, customers and employees all expect their data to be kept secure and the burden of accountability rests squarely with those responsible for maintaining that security. Whether you’re a board member, IT manager or IT professional, ensuring that you’re not the weak link when it comes to cyber security is a business critical issue.
“PGI’s Cyber Academy has been designed and developed to equip management and IT professionals with the real world knowlegde and skills they require to address this challenge and become an effective first line of defence against cyber threats. We are immensely proud of the people and technology we have brought together to deliver it.”
Brian Lord, managing director for cyber at PGI, a former deputy director for Intelligence and Cyber Operations at GCHQ, said: “The cyber security agenda is broader than just ‘IT’. People commit crimes and other hostile acts, machines do not. Attackers exploit human vulnerabilities and the weaknesses inherent in IT systems and infrastructure due to human errors in coding, design, maintenance or procurement. Consequently, a strong cyber security programme should also consider human factors from the vulnerability of the systems’ users to the motivations guiding attackers.
“An organisation’s real strength, efficiency, profitability and return on investment in countering the threat lies not in how much money is spent on IT security technology, but in the knowledge, awareness and behaviours of all its people. Without the latter, the former is a waste of money.
“PGI’s Cyber Academy will be a multi-disciplinary institution that combines high levels of technical knowledge with insights gained from psychology, anthropology and criminology. Our objective is to bring together experts from these different fields to better understand and develop methods to counter new and emerging threats.”
