Cyber Security Challenge champs get first jobs

Two of the Cyber Security Challenge UK winners have taken up jobs at major organisations in the form of the Royal Mail and PwC.

Overall champion Dan Summers has moved up the ranks having won the competition whilst still employed as a postman. He will work in the Royal Mail's vulnerability management team.

"Royal Mail Group recognised my potential as a result of my participation in the Challenge," Summers said.

"This is the perfect start to my information security career and I'm ready to take on this new engagement. Winning the Cyber Security Challenge has opened doors for me and awarded prizes that are ideal for my new role. I'm extremely grateful."

Simon Walker, who was handed an internship with PwC following his success in the Challenge's Sans and Sophos Treasure Hunt, has now been handed a full-time role at the professional services firm.

Walker quit his job as an IT consultant to become part of PwC's threat and vulnerability management team.

"I've always been passionate about cyber security and have wanted to pursue this as a career for a long time but the opportunity never arose," Walker said.

"This competition has opened the door for me to do this for a living rather than just a hobby and put my skills and expertise to use in defending UK Plc against the bad guys."

Organisers will be pleased with the success of its two champions as the Challenge enjoys its second year.

Last week, BT was added as a new sponsor of the competition, further boosting its reputation.

"At BT we have a vested interest in protecting the consumer and are as aware as anyone of the need to develop the next generation to help us defend against increasing cyber attacks," said Mark Hughes, managing director at BT Security.

"This is why we are involved in the Cyber Security Challenge. We cannot think of a better initiative for bringing grassroot talent into the industry."