Poole cyber security firm C3IA says a skills gap and recruitment issues in cyber security could harm businesses across the country.
According to the latest government report into cyber security skills in the UK labour market, nearly half of all businesses have a skills gap in basic technical areas.
And despite the number of cyber-security graduates rising by 34 per cent, there remains a shortfall of expertise.
C3IA provides work experience for young adults and graduate placement opportunities and urges other businesses to help educate and develop the next generation of IT and cyber professionals.
C3IA’s Jim Hawkins said: “While businesses have become more aware of cyber threats over the last few years, your employees are your first line of defence and businesses need to invest in training and education that will help address many of the threats faced.
“We encourage organisations to develop structured Continuing Professional Development (CPD) plans – ensuring teams are up-to-date with best practice and are knowledgeable on new and emerging threats.
“We suggest that all businesses obtain Cyber Essentials certification – this government-backed scheme is a simple way to protect yourself from common cyber attacks and includes free cyber insurance for added peace of mind.
“Our clients who have this certification feel much more confident in their cyber security. After all, you wouldn’t leave your office without locking the door, so why leave vulnerabilities exposed on your computer systems?
“Ultimately the more secure businesses are, the better for the whole economy.”