Whitehall faces a shortage of cyber-security experts and other digital skills amid staffing cuts, MPs have warned.

The civil service has fewer than half the number of data and technology professionals it needs, a new report by Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee said.

Committee chairwoman Dame Meg Hillier said the lack of cyber-security experts in particular should send “a chill down the Government’s spine”.

Departments are constrained in what they can pay skilled professionals and struggle to compete with the private sector when recruiting for specialist roles, the report suggests.

Some digital skills shortages within Whitehall are also “self-inflicted” through staffing cuts, with the digital headcount rationed in Government departments, the committee said.

But making only piecemeal changes to save money will end up costing more in the long run by leaving the Government dependent on ageing legacy systems, MPs said.

Official estimates suggest digital, data and technology professionals currently make up around 4.5% of the civil service workforce, which is less than half the required number, the committee said.

The report makes a raft of recommendations, including for departments to identify a senior and experienced “single owner” for each Government service.

This would allow for greater transparency and accountability over how effectively each service is running, the committee said.

Digital responsibilities, such as improving digital services and addressing high-risk legacy systems, should also be included in letters of appointment at the most senior levels in all departments, the report recommends.

Departments have been urged to set out the effects of under-resourcing digital skills, the committee said, “and take action to address these such as by scaling back programmes and being explicit about delays and missed opportunities”.

Labour MP Dame Meg said: “Our inquiry has found that Whitehall’s digital services, far from transforming at the pace required, are capable of only piecemeal and incremental change.

“Departments’ future-proofing abilities are hobbled by staff shortages and a lack of support, accountability and focus from the top.

“In particular, a lack of cyber-security experts should send a chill down the Government’s spine.

“The Government talks of its ambitions for digital transformation and efficiency, while actively cutting the very roles which could help achieve them.

“Our inquiry leaves us unconvinced that these aims will be achieved in the face of competing pressures and priorities.”

A Cabinet Office spokesperson said: “We have a comprehensive programme in place for recruiting and retaining technical skills and training civil servants in the vital digital skills needed to deliver modern public services.

“This includes increasing the size of the specialist digital, data and technology function across departments by over 10%, boosting access to digital training and improving specialist digital and data pay through reinvesting efficiency savings.

“We’re stepping up our cyber security skills through increasing training and investment in developing cyber security skills at all levels, including Cyber Boot Camps and uptake in computer science.”

Whitehall, the administrative center of the UK government, is facing a shortage of cyber-security experts and other digital skills due to staffing cuts, according to a report by Parliament's Public Accounts Committee. The report highlights that the civil service has less than half the number of data and technology professionals it needs. Committee chairwoman Dame Meg Hillier expressed concern over the lack of cyber-security experts, stating that it should send "a chill down the Government's spine."

The report suggests that departments are limited in their ability to attract skilled professionals due to constraints on salaries and competition with the private sector. Additionally, some digital skills shortages within Whitehall are a result of staffing cuts, with the digital headcount being rationed in government departments. The committee warns that making only piecemeal changes to save money will ultimately cost more in the long run, as it will leave the government dependent on outdated legacy systems.

Official estimates indicate that digital, data, and technology professionals make up only 4.5% of the civil service workforce, which is less than half of what is required. The report makes several recommendations, including the identification of a senior and experienced "single owner" for each government service to improve transparency and accountability. It also suggests that digital responsibilities should be included in letters of appointment at senior levels in all departments.

The committee urges departments to address the effects of under-resourcing digital skills and take action to address them, such as scaling back programs and being transparent about delays and missed opportunities. Labour MP Dame Meg expressed skepticism about Whitehall's ability to achieve digital transformation and efficiency goals due to staff shortages and a lack of support and focus from top-level management.

In response to the report, a Cabinet Office spokesperson stated that the government has a comprehensive program in place to recruit and retain technical skills. This includes increasing the size of the specialist digital, data, and technology function across departments, improving access to digital training, and investing in cyber-security skills development.

For most businesses, it's almost impossible to operate without an IT system. From emails to databases, software applications and content management systems, not to mention social media scheduling and web browsing, it's all done online — and while incredibly convenient and with endless possibilities, it can also leave businesses vulnerable to cyber attacks, whether small or large. 

Cheltenham-based managed IT service providers, ReformIT, explains how businesses can better prepare for any potential cyber threats with cyber awareness training for its staff.

What is cyber awareness training?

Its primary goal is to make people more aware of potential
cyber threats, risks and best practices for protecting sensitive information
and computer systems. This type of training is crucial in today's digital age,
as cyber threats continue to evolve and human error is a common vulnerability
in cyber security.

Why does a business need this type of training?

The main reason is to increase a company's security posture.
Training helps staff to understand the kind of potential threats there are and to learn how to mitigate them. You might have the best programmes in the world to detect
threats, but if the squidgy bit between the chair and the keyboard isn’t
trained in how to identify a bad link or a phishing email, then you're in
trouble!

There is also a compliance element — many industry regulators now
require that your business has detailed cyber awareness training. And it also means that your customers know they
can trust you with their personal information.

What can a business expect after receiving cyber awareness training?

Firstly, a reduction in cyber security incidents. Educated employees are less likely to fall victim to phishing attacks,
malware and other cyber threats. As a result, your business will experience fewer
security incidents, which can save you time, money and reputation damage.

And, as mentioned before, regulatory compliance. Many industries have cyber security regulations and
compliance requirements — and cyber awareness training helps ensure that your
business complies with these regulations, reducing the risk of fines and any legal
consequences resulting from attacks.

So, will a business be at an advantage after this type of training?

Yes — being cyber secure is a differentiator in many industries. And businesses that
prioritise cyber security through training can gain a competitive advantage,
especially when dealing with security-conscious clients or partners.

Cyber-educated employees are more likely to handle data responsibly,
reducing the risk of data leaks or accidental data loss. Cyber awareness training can foster a culture of cyber security responsibility among your employees, which extends beyond the workplace and into their personal digital lives, too.

Are there any other benefits to investing in this training?

Absolutely. In the event of a security incident, employees who have received
cyber awareness training are better equipped to respond promptly and
effectively, minimising the impact on your business.

And if your business relies on intellectual property, such as patents,
trade secrets or proprietary software, cyber awareness training can help protect
these valuable assets from theft or espionage.

Most businesses rely heavily on their IT systems for various operations, making it almost impossible to function without them. However, this reliance on technology also exposes businesses to the risk of cyber attacks, regardless of their size. Cheltenham-based managed IT service providers, ReformIT, emphasize the importance of cyber awareness training to help businesses better prepare for potential cyber threats.

Cyber awareness training aims to increase people's awareness of potential cyber threats, risks, and best practices for protecting sensitive information and computer systems. In today's digital age, where cyber threats are constantly evolving, this type of training is crucial. Human error is a common vulnerability in cybersecurity, so educating staff on identifying and mitigating threats is essential.

There are several reasons why businesses need this type of training. Firstly, it enhances a company's security posture by helping staff understand the potential threats and how to mitigate them. Even with the best security programs in place, if employees are not trained to identify bad links or phishing emails, the business remains vulnerable. Additionally, many industry regulators now require detailed cyber awareness training as part of compliance. This training also instills trust in customers, as they know their personal information is being handled responsibly.

After receiving cyber awareness training, businesses can expect a reduction in cybersecurity incidents. Educated employees are less likely to fall victim to phishing attacks, malware, and other cyber threats. This leads to fewer security incidents, saving the business time, money, and reputation damage. Compliance with industry regulations is also ensured through this training, reducing the risk of fines and legal consequences resulting from attacks.

Businesses that prioritize cyber security through training gain a competitive advantage, especially when dealing with security-conscious clients or partners. Cyber-educated employees are more likely to handle data responsibly, reducing the risk of data leaks or accidental loss. Cyber awareness training also fosters a culture of cyber security responsibility among employees, extending beyond the workplace into their personal digital lives.

Investing in this training offers additional benefits. In the event of a security incident, employees who have received cyber awareness training are better equipped to respond promptly and effectively, minimizing the impact on the business. For businesses relying on intellectual property, such as patents, trade secrets, or proprietary software, this training helps protect these valuable assets from theft or espionage. Overall, cyber awareness training is a worthwhile investment for businesses looking to enhance their security, comply with regulations, and gain a competitive edge.

For most businesses, it's almost impossible to operate without an IT system. From emails to databases, software applications and content management systems, not to mention social media scheduling and web browsing, it's all done online — and while incredibly convenient and with endless possibilities, it can also leave businesses vulnerable to cyber attacks, whether small or large. 

Cheltenham-based managed IT service providers, ReformIT, explains how businesses can better prepare for any potential cyber threats with cyber awareness training for its staff.

What is cyber awareness training?

Its primary goal is to make people more aware of potential
cyber threats, risks and best practices for protecting sensitive information
and computer systems. This type of training is crucial in today's digital age,
as cyber threats continue to evolve and human error is a common vulnerability
in cyber security.

Why does a business need this type of training?

The main reason is to increase a company's security posture.
Training helps staff to understand the kind of potential threats there are and to learn how to mitigate them. You might have the best programmes in the world to detect
threats, but if the squidgy bit between the chair and the keyboard isn’t
trained in how to identify a bad link or a phishing email, then you're in
trouble!

There is also a compliance element — many industry regulators now
require that your business has detailed cyber awareness training. And it also means that your customers know they
can trust you with their personal information.

What can a business expect after receiving cyber awareness training?

Firstly, a reduction in cyber security incidents. Educated employees are less likely to fall victim to phishing attacks,
malware and other cyber threats. As a result, your business will experience fewer
security incidents, which can save you time, money and reputation damage.

And, as mentioned before, regulatory compliance. Many industries have cyber security regulations and
compliance requirements — and cyber awareness training helps ensure that your
business complies with these regulations, reducing the risk of fines and any legal
consequences resulting from attacks.

So, will a business be at an advantage after this type of training?

Yes — being cyber secure is a differentiator in many industries. And businesses that
prioritise cyber security through training can gain a competitive advantage,
especially when dealing with security-conscious clients or partners.

Cyber-educated employees are more likely to handle data responsibly,
reducing the risk of data leaks or accidental data loss. Cyber awareness training can foster a culture of cyber security responsibility among your employees, which extends beyond the workplace and into their personal digital lives, too.

Are there any other benefits to investing in this training?

Absolutely. In the event of a security incident, employees who have received
cyber awareness training are better equipped to respond promptly and
effectively, minimising the impact on your business.

And if your business relies on intellectual property, such as patents,
trade secrets or proprietary software, cyber awareness training can help protect
these valuable assets from theft or espionage.

Businesses today heavily rely on IT systems for various operations, making them vulnerable to cyber attacks. Cheltenham-based managed IT service providers, ReformIT, emphasize the importance of cyber awareness training to better prepare businesses for potential threats.

Cyber awareness training aims to increase individuals' awareness of potential cyber threats, risks, and best practices for protecting sensitive information and computer systems. In today's digital age, where cyber threats continually evolve, human error remains a common vulnerability in cybersecurity.

So why do businesses need this type of training? Firstly, it enhances a company's security posture. Training helps employees understand the different types of threats and teaches them how to mitigate them. Even with advanced threat detection programs, if employees are not trained to identify bad links or phishing emails, the business is at risk.

Additionally, many industry regulators now require detailed cyber awareness training as part of compliance. This training not only ensures regulatory compliance but also instills trust in customers that their personal information is secure.

After receiving cyber awareness training, businesses can expect a reduction in cybersecurity incidents. Educated employees are less likely to fall victim to phishing attacks and malware, resulting in fewer security incidents that can save time, money, and reputation damage. Compliance with industry regulations is also ensured, reducing the risk of fines and legal consequences from attacks.

Furthermore, businesses gain a competitive advantage by prioritizing cyber security through training. Security-conscious clients or partners are more likely to trust businesses that prioritize cyber security. Cyber-educated employees also handle data responsibly, reducing the risk of data leaks or accidental loss. This training fosters a culture of cyber security responsibility that extends beyond the workplace into employees' personal digital lives.

Investing in cyber awareness training offers additional benefits as well. In the event of a security incident, trained employees can respond promptly and effectively, minimizing the impact on the business. For businesses relying on intellectual property like patents or proprietary software, this training helps protect these valuable assets from theft or espionage.

In conclusion, cyber awareness training is crucial for businesses to enhance their security, comply with regulations, and gain a competitive advantage. It reduces cybersecurity incidents, ensures regulatory compliance, fosters a culture of cyber security responsibility, and equips employees to respond effectively to security incidents. Additionally, it helps protect valuable intellectual property.

For most businesses, it's almost impossible to operate without an IT system. From emails to databases, software applications and content management systems, not to mention social media scheduling and web browsing, it's all done online — and while incredibly convenient and with endless possibilities, it can also leave businesses vulnerable to cyber attacks, whether small or large. 

Cheltenham-based managed IT service providers, ReformIT, explains how businesses can better prepare for any potential cyber threats with cyber awareness training for its staff.

What is cyber awareness training?

Its primary goal is to make people more aware of potential
cyber threats, risks and best practices for protecting sensitive information
and computer systems. This type of training is crucial in today's digital age,
as cyber threats continue to evolve and human error is a common vulnerability
in cyber security.

Why does a business need this type of training?

The main reason is to increase a company's security posture.
Training helps staff to understand the kind of potential threats there are and to learn how to mitigate them. You might have the best programmes in the world to detect
threats, but if the squidgy bit between the chair and the keyboard isn’t
trained in how to identify a bad link or a phishing email, then you're in
trouble!

There is also a compliance element — many industry regulators now
require that your business has detailed cyber awareness training. And it also means that your customers know they
can trust you with their personal information.

What can a business expect after receiving cyber awareness training?

Firstly, a reduction in cyber security incidents. Educated employees are less likely to fall victim to phishing attacks,
malware and other cyber threats. As a result, your business will experience fewer
security incidents, which can save you time, money and reputation damage.

And, as mentioned before, regulatory compliance. Many industries have cyber security regulations and
compliance requirements — and cyber awareness training helps ensure that your
business complies with these regulations, reducing the risk of fines and any legal
consequences resulting from attacks.

So, will a business be at an advantage after this type of training?

Yes — being cyber secure is a differentiator in many industries. And businesses that
prioritise cyber security through training can gain a competitive advantage,
especially when dealing with security-conscious clients or partners.

Cyber-educated employees are more likely to handle data responsibly,
reducing the risk of data leaks or accidental data loss. Cyber awareness training can foster a culture of cyber security responsibility among your employees, which extends beyond the workplace and into their personal digital lives, too.

Are there any other benefits to investing in this training?

Absolutely. In the event of a security incident, employees who have received
cyber awareness training are better equipped to respond promptly and
effectively, minimising the impact on your business.

And if your business relies on intellectual property, such as patents,
trade secrets or proprietary software, cyber awareness training can help protect
these valuable assets from theft or espionage.

In today's digital age, businesses heavily rely on IT systems for their operations. However, this convenience also exposes them to potential cyber attacks. Cheltenham-based managed IT service providers, ReformIT, emphasize the importance of cyber awareness training to better prepare businesses for such threats.

Cyber awareness training aims to increase individuals' awareness of potential cyber threats, risks, and best practices for protecting sensitive information and computer systems. This training is crucial as cyber threats continue to evolve, and human error remains a common vulnerability in cybersecurity.

So why does a business need this type of training? Firstly, it enhances a company's security posture by helping staff understand potential threats and how to mitigate them. Even with advanced threat detection programs, untrained employees may still fall victim to phishing attacks or malware. Compliance is another reason, as many industry regulators now require detailed cyber awareness training. Additionally, this training builds trust with customers, assuring them that their personal information is secure.

After receiving cyber awareness training, businesses can expect a reduction in cybersecurity incidents. Educated employees are less likely to fall prey to phishing attacks or other cyber threats, leading to fewer security incidents. This not only saves time and money but also protects the company's reputation. Furthermore, compliance with industry regulations is ensured, reducing the risk of fines and legal consequences resulting from attacks.

Businesses that prioritize cyber security through training gain a competitive advantage, particularly when dealing with security-conscious clients or partners. Cyber-educated employees are more responsible in handling data, reducing the risk of data leaks or accidental loss. This training also fosters a culture of cyber security responsibility that extends beyond the workplace into employees' personal digital lives.

Investing in cyber awareness training offers additional benefits. In the event of a security incident, trained employees are better equipped to respond promptly and effectively, minimizing the impact on the business. For businesses relying on intellectual property, such as patents or proprietary software, this training helps protect these valuable assets from theft or espionage.

Overall, cyber awareness training is essential for businesses to enhance their security, comply with regulations, and gain a competitive edge. It empowers employees to recognize and mitigate cyber threats, ultimately safeguarding the company's reputation, finances, and valuable assets.