To support businesses, governments and society deal with the ever increasing cost of cyber security breaches, the MSc in Security and Management at the University of Warwick Cyber Security Centre was developed. In a bid to defend businesses, the CSC has partnered with IBM to deliver a module aimed at developing the technical and managerial skills to effectively develop and implement strategies to mitigate and prevent today- and tomorrow’s cyber intrusions.
The rise of highly connected digital technologies that carry a range of valuable, sensitive and/or private information, comes with associated risks – much of the infrastructure and software used to store and carry the information, is insecure. Cybercrime is increasingly on the radar of companies, governments and individuals. Cyber-criminal activity is estimated by McAfee to generate $400 billion in annual losses to the world economy, with little outlook of costs growth slowing in the near term.
This year there were more than a million unfilled cyber security positions worldwide, this is expected to increase to 1.5 million by 2020, creating a quagmire for companies seeking to defend their boarders through a cost-post position, while in a tough market for talent.
In a bid to develop tools and techniques to reduce the risks for governments, businesses and society bearing the brunt of attacks, the University of Warwick’s Cyber Security Centre (CSC) was formed. The centre preforms research into developing the cyber defences of tomorrow for stakeholders as well as providing education programmes in cyber security and related disciplines.
One of the major stakeholders in cyber security is the business community. Outside of defending against the loss of intellectual property, reputation or funds, increased regulatory requirements are placing stricter safeguards for customer data, making breaches more expensive and risky for businesses.
The CSC and IBM recently announced that they will work together to develop a master’s level module for cybersecurity related to defending businesses from intrusion, focused particularly on the perspective of an organisation's Chief Information Security Officer. The new module, which has been part of the MSc in Security and Management since May, is aimed at developing people who are looking to take up “a leading technical or managerial role in an organisation critically dependent upon data and information communication technology.” Additionally, the module is open to professionals seeking to bolster their skills in the area of cyber security alongside their work.
Tim Watson, Director of the WMG Cyber Security Centre, says, "Our approach to cyber security education is a multi-disciplinary one, combining academics, government and industry experts who bring together both the technical and behavioural aspects needed for transformative cyber security. We are delighted to be working with IBM to deliver this particular module, looking at cyber security from a complete organisational perspective.”
One of the developers of the new model is Mark Buckwell, Consulting and Systems Integration Practice Leader at IBM UK and Ireland. He adds, “The Enterprise Cyber Security module was created to give students the opportunity to engage in architectural thinking in the design of enterprise IT security. By understanding how security is designed into core business practice, participants now have a vital kit bag of practical tools and techniques to apply in the workplace.”