What is Cyber PATH?

The digital landscape has evolved rapidly, giving rise to a whole new type of crime – cybercrime. The need for cyber resilience is vital, with cybercrime posing a constant threat to businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that often lack the resources and expertise to combat cyber security challenges effectively.

In response to this growing concern, the National Cyber Resilience Centre Group (NCRCG) and the Cyber Resilience Centre (CRC) network have developed an innovative programme called Cyber PATH.

What is Cyber PATH?

Cyber PATH is an elite talent pipeline that addresses the need for specialists in cyber resilience. It is a unique programme open to students in full-time higher education who are keen to contribute to strengthening cyber defences, learn more about cyber resilience and gain valuable experience.

Through this programme, students have the opportunity to work alongside senior security practitioners, delivering affordable and high-quality cyber resilience services to SMEs. By doing so, they not only enhance cyber resilience within smaller organisations but also acquire essential skills and knowledge through on-the-job training.

Additionally, through Cyber PATH, cyber security becomes accessible to SMEs. We know that for many small businesses, cyber security can be very overwhelming and although they want to improve their operations, they have no idea where to start. Rather than overwhelming these businesses with advice and recommendations that are usually vastly beyond their requirements.

Cyber PATH looks at what an organisation needs and suggests a service that is suitable, or a referral to a Cyber Essentials Partner if your requirements are outside of what can be offered. Cyber PATH doesn’t sell any technology or solutions and whilst Cyber PATH will identify risks it is up to you to determine how you want to fix them, meaning you can trust us to focus on your business need and not your bottom line.

We offer nine cyber resilience services which are delivered by NCRCG’s Cyber PATH student team, under the supervision of senior cyber security practitioners. Our services are regularly reviewed against the latest cybercrime data from government and law enforcement, to ensure they are tailored to meet the most pressing, contemporary cyber threats.

The role of NCRCG, CRC Network, and SMEs

Funded and supported by the Home Office and policing, The NCRCG has launched Cyber Path in partnership with the CRC network and over 45 universities. NCRCG is a vehicle for strategic collaboration between the police, government, large employers and organisations, and academia to help strengthen cyber resilience across the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) community.

The CRC network, consisting of nine centres across England and Wales, operates at a regional level, providing tailored and trusted support to SMEs within their localities. Cyber PATH enables students to work with their regional CRCs, addressing the specific cyber resilience needs of local businesses. While the CRCs retain the flexibility to deliver customised assistance, NCRCG offers insights and solutions at a macro level, ensuring a cohesive and coordinated approach.

Empowering the next generation of cyber experts

Due to its constantly changing face, cybercrime demands fresh perspectives and creative solutions. Cyber PATH recognises the importance of diversity of thought and actively seeks out students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and intellectual capacity to address this changing landscape. By involving students in tackling complex challenges faced by smaller organisations, Cyber PATH empowers them to develop a deep understanding of the pressures and requirements of these businesses.

Through their involvement in Cyber PATH, students not only contribute to building cyber resilience in SMEs but also gain practical experience and industry exposure. This comprehensive approach equips them with the vital skills and on-the-job training necessary to succeed in the workplace upon graduation. Cyber PATH serves as a bridge between academia and the real world, fostering a new generation of cyber resilience specialists who are well-prepared to tackle emerging threats.

Read case studies from students on the Cyber PATH programme.

Are you interested in Cyber PATH and eager to learn more? Contact us today.