Can my company get involved in CyberInvest? The lowdown

Cyber security is a red hot topic at the moment.

In the wake of the TalkTalk hack, more and more organisations are waking up to the threats out there and company owners are wondering: “How can I prevent a cyber-attack on my business?”

Now the British government has announced their new bid to help protect the nation’s companies on the internet.

According to GCHQ, their new CyberInvest scheme ‘will build a community of industry, government and academia who are committed to sustained investment in cyber security research.’

But as a business owner you will probably be asking yourself: “Can my company get involved in CyberInvest?”

To help we’ve pulled together everything you need to know about the scheme and what you need to get involved.

What exactly is CyberInvest? Everything you need to know

At its launch, Ed Vaizey MP, Minister for Culture and the Digital Economy, said: “CyberInvest is an exciting initiative which brings industry, Government and academia together, and builds on the UK’s reputation as a global leader for cyber security research.

“Over the last four years we have invested over £20million in UK cyber security research, and the new CyberInvest scheme will play an important role in our ongoing work to help protect UK citizens and businesses online.”

But what does that actually mean?

Well, the key aim of CyberInvest is to encourage and promote industry investment in cyber security research in UK universities.

The scheme will help businesses interested in researching cyber security to find the most appropriate university for a particular area of study.

What are the benefits of the scheme for my business?

Before asking yourself: “Can my company get involved in CyberInvest?” you probably want to know what the benefits of the scheme are.

One of the main positives for companies is the chance to show their customers they are serious about cyber security.

By adding their name to the growing list of backers they can prove they are doing their best to protect customers’ data.

Another benefit is investors will receive assistance from government bodies including the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and GCHQ.

A further advantage is businesses will be given the opportunity to work closely with the universities – giving them an early insight into cutting edge academic research.

By staying one step ahead businesses will be able to prove to both customers and potential attackers that they are taking threats seriously.

Can my company get involved in CyberInvest? How to get going

Cyber security is a big issue at the moment and the government recognises that.

They are welcoming companies of all shapes and sizes to join the CyberInvest partnership.

However, there are various minimum investment levels

Micro-companies (fewer than 10 people) have to put in £10,000, while larger companies of more than 250 people have to invest £500,000.

So far 18 companies, including BT, Cisco and HP, have put in cash worth £6.5million over the next five years.

If you fancy getting involved contact academia@gchq.gsi.gov.uk to register your interest.