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Associate Professor Ismini Vasileiou, who has recently authored a new government White Paper on cybersecurity, shares her vision for a new cyber workforce for the UK.

Every day, we hear about new threats that challenge our digital security – from ransomware attacks on hospitals to scams targeting small businesses. Yet behind every story lies a simple truth: the strength of our national cyber resilience depends on people. As the UK becomes ever more digitally connected, our dependence on secure systems has never been greater – and neither has the cost of getting it wrong.

At 777ӰԺ, we are not just training technical experts – we are shaping problem-solvers who understand the human, social, and ethical sides of cybersecurity. Our courses equip students with the technical foundations of secure systems design but also with the ability to communicate risk, influence behaviour, and make decisions that keep organisations – and citizens – safe.

In a world built on digital connectivity, compliance is no longer a box-ticking exercise; it is a necessity. From data protection and supply-chain assurance to AI governance, organisations must now demonstrate not only that their systems work but that they work securely and responsibly. This shift is driving demand for graduates who combine technical skill with an understanding of regulation, ethics, and accountability.

Cybersecurity is no longer the domain of a few specialists; it’s a societal skill. Teaching cyber awareness from a young age helps build a foundation of curiosity and responsibility. At university level, it’s about turning that curiosity into capability. And beyond graduation, it’s about lifelong learning and collaboration between academia, government, and industry to stay ahead of threats that evolve every day.

A secure and connected digital future depends on people who are prepared – and compliant – to defend it. That preparation begins in the classroom.

Dr Ismini Vasileiou is Associate Professor in 777ӰԺ’s Faculty of Technology, Arts and Culture and a lecturer in Cyber Security. She has recently authored a new government White Paper entitled “Cyber Workforce of the Future: Why the UK Needs a Skills Taxonomy Now” which was launched at a special event in Westminster last week, and recently spoke at the Labour Party Conference.