The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced a collaboration with cyber resilience company Immersive Labs to build cyber defence skills among its personnel.
It has deployed a trio of solutions from the company – Cyber Pro, Crisis Sim and AppSec – in support its Digital Skills for Defence programme. This follows a successful trial by the Army.
The MoD said the collaboration will involve personnel from the armed forces and Civil Service having access to 1,800 simulations and hands-on cyber security labs to evaluate decision making by individuals and teams against new threats.
Minister for Defence Procurement Alex Chalk said: “The NAO (National Audit Office) has rightly highlighted our focus on remaining at the forefront of digital capability, which is crucial as the shape of the modern battlefield continues to change at unprecedented speed.
“Utilising the best technology and brightest minds in industry will only serve to bolster the rank of cyber experts focused on protecting the UK.”
Crucial capabilities
MoD director of functional integration Claire Fry said: “The Digital Skills for Defence programme is crucial in our drive to provide the right digital skills and capabilities across defence to take advantage of the opportunity brought about by the ever-increasing pace of technological change.
“Immersive Labs is one of a number of organisations we are working with to deliver training that will upskill our workforce. This will enable us to champion our One Defence Mindset and create an environment where our digital skills can flourish in a unified, connected and digitally integrated way.”
The Digital Skills for Defence programme is aimed at building critical digital skills among the military and civilian workforces in the sector.
The announcement has come after the NAO published a report on the MoD Digital Strategy that included some criticisms but said the ministry is showing good practice in response to the digitising of modern conflict.
