UK’s Cyber Defence on the Rise: Immersive Labs Collaborates with Ministry of Defence
Immersive Labs, a cyber security firm based in Bristol, has announced a partnership with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to enhance staff skills and support national security. The company’s platforms, already utilized by corporate giants including HSBC, Citi, Pfizer, and Daimler, offer training programs that simulate real-life cyber breaches, enabling organizations to prepare their employees for actual incidents.
Under the agreement, Immersive Labs will provide over 1,800 labs and simulations to personnel across the Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, and MoD civil servants. This collaboration follows a successful trial of Immersive Labs’ technology with the Army. As part of the MoD’s Digital Skills for Defence program, the software will be instrumental in identifying qualified candidates for critical cybersecurity roles.
Christine Maxwell, the MoD’s Director of Cyber Defence and Risk, emphasized the increasing global cybersecurity threats and the importance of having capable teams and individuals who can effectively respond to such attacks. Maxwell stated that Immersive Labs was chosen to help the MoD build essential skills and demonstrate cyber resilience.
Matt Knutsen, Chief Revenue Officer of Immersive Labs, commended the MoD’s proactive approach to cybersecurity and its commitment to national security. Knutsen expressed the firm’s enthusiasm in supporting the organization.
Immersive Labs, founded by former GCHQ trainer James Hadley, recently secured $66 million (£59.7 million) in its latest funding round. Additionally, the company unveiled its new headquarters on All Saint’s Street in Bristol earlier this year.
With this strategic partnership between Immersive Labs and the MoD, the UK aims to strengthen its cybersecurity capabilities and better protect against emerging threats. The collaboration underscores the importance of continuous training and upskilling to confront the evolving landscape of cyber attacks.
As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, partnerships between industry leaders like Immersive Labs and government agencies such as the MoD are crucial in safeguarding national security. By equipping personnel with the necessary skills and knowledge, the UK is taking proactive measures to counter cyber threats effectively.
