The Cyber Security Body of Knowledge (CyBOK) is making a big move after seven years of leading the charge in the UK’s cyber security efforts. The project, previously based at the University of Bristol, is transitioning to become a Community Interest Company (CIC), ensuring its long-term impact on professional standards and educational pathways in the field.
CyBOK has been instrumental in advancing cyber security, providing a comprehensive Body of Knowledge to support education and training in the sector. With insights from top international experts, the project has laid down essential foundations for the rapidly evolving discipline. Funded by the National Cyber Security Programme (NCSC) and led by Professor Awais Rashid, CyBOK has been a key player in shaping the cyber security landscape.
The move to a CIC aligns with the UK’s National Cyber Strategy, focusing on developing a structured cyber security workforce. This new status will allow CyBOK to continue offering crucial knowledge and resources for education and training, bridging the workforce gap and ensuring strong knowledge foundations across the sector. As a CIC, CyBOK will strengthen its community-focused mission, enhancing credibility and access to funding while remaining a valuable resource for the cyber security community.
The transition to a CIC will be led by the current CyBOK Executive Board, seeking input and funding from interested parties in the UK and internationally. The board will have the freedom to enhance CyBOK’s reputation, content, and global reach within the cyber security community and beyond. The transition period is set to begin in autumn 2024 and conclude in summer 2026.
NCSC Deputy Director for Cyber Growth, Chris Ensor, highlighted CyBOK’s importance, emphasizing its role in providing a solid foundation for specialists to thrive. Professor Awais Rashid, leading CyBOK at the University of Bristol, expressed excitement about the project’s future as a CIC, maintaining its ethos of community-driven resources.
CyBOK’s transition underscores the university’s pivotal role in cyber security research and training, shaping education on a national and international scale. With a commitment to maintaining openness and rigor, CyBOK looks forward to collaborating with various stakeholders to evolve and sustain its resources.
For more information on CyBOK and its resources, visit cybok.org.