INTRODUCING THE CYBER ACCESS NETWORK
The UK Cyber Security Council is excited to launch the Cyber Access Network (CAN), a brand-new initiative designed to support and connect aspiring cybersecurity professionals. CAN builds on the Council’s commitment to helping early-career talent by providing resources, a welcoming community, and guidance as the next generation takes its first steps into the cyber world. The delivery of CAN will be supported by the UKC3 - UK Cyber Cluster Collaboration and several regional cyber clusters, including Cyber London. Click the link below for a summary of CAN.
UK CYBER SECURITY COUNCIL
The UK Cyber Security Council is the self-regulatory body for the UK's cyber security profession. It develops, promotes, and stewards nationally recognised standards for cyber security in support of the UK Government’s National Cyber Security Strategy to make the UK the safest place to live and work online. The National Cyber Security Strategy 2016-2021 outlined the UK Government’s plan to strengthen cybersecurity, including developing and accrediting the profession. This led to the Initial National Cyber Security Skills Strategy in 2018, which called for the creation of an independent body, the UK Cyber Security Council. The Council was established to define career pathways, set qualification standards, and support the industry’s evolving needs. It is funded by the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT). The Council’s vision and mission are underpinned by five core values – integrity, innovation, inclusion, collaboration and excellence.
CYBER LONDON
Established in 2024, Cyber London is the official cyber cluster representing the UK capital under the umbrella of UKC3. With its strapline of “Innovation through Collaboration”, Cyber London strives to establish London as a world-leading Centre of Excellence for cyber and the safest place to do business online. Cyber London seeks to position itself as a champion for innovation, working with partners to develop a healthy ecosystem that maintains London’s position as a global leader in cyber, promoting opportunities for collaboration and inward investment. Cyber London will also have a strong international focus with strategic partners who share our vision. Cyber London is supported by the DSIT.
CAN IN A NUTSHELL
Cybersecurity is still an emerging profession, lacking clear career pathways and widely trusted institutions. The UK Cyber Security Council plays a key role in connecting existing initiatives and ensuring quality and credibility in the field. CAN is a Council initiative designed to support aspiring cybersecurity professionals in securing their first roles and progressing toward professional registration. This is achieved by promoting best practices, developing resources, hosting webinars to address knowledge gaps, and facilitating networking opportunities with employers and industry professionals. CAN aims to:
raise awareness of and readiness for professional registration among aspiring cyber security professionals.
develop the competency, commitment and employability of aspiring cyber security professionals.
CAN is best suited to students over 16, in full-time education, including apprentices and all levels of taught courses. Career changers - anybody who has previously had a career in a different field and now has an active interest in transitioning to a cyber security career - will also benefit from engaging with CAN.
INITIAL ACTIVITIES
Initially, the UK Cyber Security Council will support CAN by launching a regular mailing list to share community initiatives and Council updates, hosting webinars on both technical and non-technical topics for aspiring professionals and developing resources on cybersecurity employability and professionalism. Additionally, the Council will organize in-person and virtual events in collaboration with UKC3 and regional clusters, funded by the DSIT, and facilitate interactive virtual networking sessions connecting aspiring professionals with employers.
THE ROLE OF CYBER LONDON
In March this year, Cyber London will host two CAN webinars. Please click on the link to register for each:
Employer Engagement Webinar – 10 March from 2 pm to 3 pm on LinkedIn
Student Awareness Webinar - 14 March from 2 pm to 3 pm on LinkedIn
We will also be holding two face-to-face events during the month. Please check our Upcoming Events page for updates.
CAN INTO THE FUTURE
As a new initiative, CAN will evolve based on evaluation and feedback to best support aspiring cybersecurity professionals. Looking ahead, the UK Cyber Security Council has outlined several future goals to expand its impact. These include creating volunteering opportunities to help individuals gain hands-on experience, developing a structured mentoring framework aligned with professional registration competencies, and offering recruitment support through job fairs and a dedicated job board. Additionally, CAN aims to introduce a system for recognizing achievements, such as digital badges and assessed independent projects, to showcase skills and accomplishments within the industry.
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