The site of a World War II code-deciphering operation in the UK is training the youth of the nation in cybersecurity, creating a new force for hackers to reckon with.

Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire, UK, has become the site for a new wave of cybersecurity experts in an age of relentless cyberattacks. Set to open in 2018, the college will train 16 to 19-year-olds in the latest techniques of creating more secure websites and applications. The former workplace of Alan Turing, the college targets tech-savvy students with knowledge in coding or website building. A spokesperson for the Government Communications Headquarters intelligence agency welcomed such “initiatives that promote and develop skills in cybersecurity.”

Lord Reid, chairman of the Institute for Security and Resilience Studies at University College London, said the college could:

“harness the legacy of this historic location to inspire the next generation [of cybersecurity experts].”

Cybersecurity and the Workplace

It’s an inspirational initiative that’s arguably needed more than ever in a world of increasing cyberattacks, one that should lead as an example to other organisations. It’s also an example for companies to follow in their attempts to increase cybersecurity in the workplace.

While training up a talent pool of experts in cybersecurity would be ideal, it’s not something that can be easily (or affordably) implemented. However, there are simpler guidelines you can provide your current employees with, giving them the knowledge to ensure a safer workplace environment.

• Teach them how hackers work – Tell your employees to keep an eye out for suspicious emails. Never open them, follow links or download files from suspicious messages.
• Don’t share data with third parties – Unless permission has been granted and the data is needed to be shared for the sake of business, never share confidential information with anyone outside of the business.
• Use different and unique passwords – Don’t use the same passwords for all your online accounts. Use complicated passwords with capital letters and numbers combined in a way only you can easily remember.

Monitoring for Added Security

You can also install employee computer monitoring software on all company devices. Such software will allow you to see just what websites have been visited, what applications are being used and what communications are going on between employees and third parties.

Employee computer monitoring software, such as KnowIT, is super simple to install, even remotely onto company devices. You’ll be able to set up customized alerts that notify you when employees are visiting websites, using apps or accessing sensitive files within your company. It’s an added barrier well worth considering when cyberattacks are increasing at an alarming rate.

What steps is your business taking to inform employees of cyber threats?

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