Over the course of four days, 16 second-year Cyber Security students from Bournemouth University got the chance to test and showcase their skills in tackling simulated global cyber threats as part of a UK Army Cyber Spartan 24 event at the Defence BattleLab in Dorset.
Organised by the British Army, in collaboration with industry partners – namely CybExer Technologies and X-Net (Services) Ltd – and academia, this highlighted the critical role of emerging talent and the need for coordinated collaborative efforts in the ongoing battle to secure the UK’s digital front-line against emerging and future, world threats.
Located on the Dorset Innovation Park in Wool, the Defence BattleLab, offered a dynamic environment for the event, equipped with cutting-edge technology designed for operational cyber defence exercises and supported by front-line MOD cyber personnel. The competition tasked the students with identifying, responding and overcoming simulated cyber=attacks, testing their abilities in areas such as ethical hacking, threat mitigation, forensic analysis, and rapid-response teamwork.
The event saw students from BU working alongside, military personnel, and industry experts, creating a unique opportunity for future professionals to collaborate with seasoned cyber defence practitioners. For the second-year cyber security students, it was an invaluable experience, blending technical training with insights into the strategic and operational challenges faced by organisations tasked with defending critical infrastructure. With students from Bournemouth and Poole College also participating, it also gave the more experienced BU students the chance to develop informal mentoring skills.
As the UK and its allies continue to face increasing threats from cyber criminals, nation-state hackers, and non-state actors, the importance of developing a robust talent pipeline has come into sharp focus. ‘Army Cyber Spartan 24’ underlines the growing and pivotal role that future graduates will play in safeguarding both the UK and global digital landscapes from hostile actions.
By participating in events like Army Cyber Spartan 24, students not only hone their technical expertise but also build the leadership and collaboration skills needed in high-pressure, real-world environments as one of Bus students explained:
“Taking part in this exercise and being at the BattleLab was an incredible experience. I got to meet all teams involved in the event, industry experts and even the Royal Signals, who were handling the offensive side of the exercise. Getting to see the hardware that hosts the simulation up close was amazing! My ideas of how to enhance the design of future events were welcomed by the organisers and it felt great to be able to contribute while learning so much too.”
By investing in the next generation of cyber professionals, initiatives like Army Cyber Spartan 24 ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of the global cyber security landscape. As our students, and all of those involved in the exercise demonstrated, the future of cyber defence is in capable hands.
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