CREST is intensifying its efforts to foster growth and development among cyber security service providers worldwide. Through its innovative Cyber Accelerated Maturity Programme (CREST CAMP), CREST is actively supporting companies in regions seeking to enhance their cyber security capabilities.
The programme will run in Armenia, Bahrain, Georgia, Ghana, Kenya, Lithuania, Malaysia, Thailand, Oman and Philippines from September 2024 to March 2025, aiming to boost cyber security maturity and emphasise the private sector’s critical role in national security. This pilot is expected to be the first of many as development agencies, multilateral banks, and philanthropists increasingly recognise the pivotal role of private cyber companies in protecting critical national infrastructure and broader societal needs.
With funding from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the program offers targeted mentoring, training, and guidance to help companies navigate the CREST Accreditation Pathway. By providing a structured framework for professionalisation, CREST CAMP aims to set new standards for growth and sustainability within the cyber security ecosystems of participating regions.
This initiative marks a significant shift in development funding priorities. Traditionally, the majority of cybersecurity capacity building grants have been directed toward government agencies. However, CREST CAMP recognises the critical role of the private sector in safeguarding national security. By addressing the gap in private sector support, the program aims to ensure that governments and businesses alike have access to high-quality cyber security services.
CREST CAMP officially launched at the Wilton Park Dialogue on ‘Securing Technology: Sustaining a High Quality Cyber Security Workforce’ on September 17, 2024. This event highlighted CREST’s expanding role on the global stage and its commitment to supporting the development of sustainable cyber ecosystems.
A key element of CREST CAMP is collaboration. By leveraging its global network of CREST accredited member companies, training providers, and academic partners, CREST actively works to improve cyber security standards. The program involves intensive mentoring from established member companies, providing guidance on professional growth, accreditation, and market expansion. Additionally, CREST CAMP supports the development of affordable, high-quality training provision within participating countries to ensure a sustainable cyber workforce.
For CREST member companies, mentoring through CREST CAMP offers an opportunity to contribute to the future of the global cyber ecosystem, establish long-term partnerships, and support countries in their early stages of standard-setting and regulation. By offering intensive support to beneficiary companies, mentoring companies can help them deepen their understanding of methodology, policy, or skills gaps, make initial enhancements, and create a comprehensive gap closure plan.
CREST CAMP is expanding the reach of cyber security capacity building, acknowledging that sustainable development and security require high-quality cyber security providers throughout society. This program represents a crucial step in ensuring that all parts of the global economy, from government agencies to private enterprises, can access the expertise needed to protect against evolving cyber threats.
CREST CEO Nick Benson said: “We are delighted to launch CREST CAMP, which is part of our increasing role supporting companies globally on their journey of professionalisation and growth. CREST’s active work in global capacity building is essential for those companies that need more support and guidance. Thank you to the FCDO for supporting CREST CAMP.”
Benson continues: “CREST member companies around the world, as mentors and examples of what good looks like, will play an important part in this crucial work. In today’s increasingly interconnected global market we must look beyond our own national borders to do the hard work that makes us all safer from cyber threats.”
CREST will be exhibiting at this year’s International Cyber Expo, held at Olympia London on the 24th and 25th September 2024. They can be found at the CREST Pavilion, K50/6. To register for your free ticket to his year’s show, visit: International Cyber Expo 2024 Registration
