b'20 Member News July 2021Solving societal challengesForming theUK Cyber Security CouncilOn 31 March, we successfully completed an 18-month, multi- The Council will clarify routes into cyber security, signposting essential skills, stakeholder project to form the UK Cyber Security Council. defining inclusive career pathways, and demystifying the profession. This is to In 2017, we joined forces with a group ofRaising professional standards encourage and enthuse the next generation organisations with a shared commitmentof professionals and will be complemented to addressing the need for a moreThe Council aims to accelerate awarenessby a route for practitioners to demonstrate structured and professionalised cyberand drive excellence in the profession,their professionalism through a suite security profession, that would attractworking to encourage greater, and moreof professional qualifications, including new, diverse entrants and build capabilitydiverse, participation from both individualsChartered status. Key pillars of these in this important sector. This Cyberand organisations to improve standards ofqualifications will be compliance with a code Security Alliance were well positioned tocyber security for public benefit. of ethical practice and the requirement successfully bid for a UK Government- for Continuing Professional Development funded initiative to create the UK CyberIt will achieve this through bringingto ensure that those within the profession Security Council (CSC)a governing bodytogether government, industry andmaintain their levels of skills and knowledge.to provide cohesion and focus on solvingacademia with the aim of developing cyber the key issues within this new and fast- security excellence in the UK and globally,The Council will use, at the core of its work, growing profession.supporting the National Cyber Securitythe Cyber Security Body of Knowledge, to Centre (NCSC) mission to make the UK theensure a common level of knowledge.safest place to live and work online.Cyber security is an important part of modern life. Yet for practitioners andThought leadership and those using the services of professionals,influenceit has not always been easy to share an understanding of the baseline of technicalThe aim is for the Council to provide competence, communication skills, andcoordinated strong leadership within ethical behaviour of individuals. what can seem a crowded and confusing sector, creating a focus Not all practitioners can claim membershipon building relevant and recognised of a chartered body. The CSC hasstandardsboth in individual developed a framework so that practitionersprofessional practice and in adoption and users alike can share an understandingacross industry and commerce.of what good looks like, from expectedWhilst the Council is primarily a UK behaviours through to technical skill sets. organisation, we know that cyber security is a global issue that doesnt respect country boundaries; and the The IET has worked in supportCouncil will, once established, work of the objective and providedwith partners around the world to share coordination of over 70good practice and align standards.professionals, who have each made valuable contributionsNext stepsto the project. It has been myWith Digital Futures as a main Richard Chisnall PhD CEng MIETpleasure to Chair the Advisorytheme in our IET strategy, and cyber Group for this project. security being core within so many, Less than four years later, the Alliance (ofif not all, of the sectors among 16 organisations) has now completed theour members, we hope to build a formation project and the Council formallylong-standing collaborationwith launched in May. Were proud to have ledRichard Chisnall PhD CEng MIET, the Council, sharing best practice this project to a successful conclusionIET member and Chair of the and driving our common objectives with the committed support of many ofUK Cyber Security Council Formation for the benefit of all our members.our members along the way. Project Advisory Group.'