Cyber security firm announces MoD partnership

BRISTOL-BASED cyber-security firm Immersive Labs has announced its platforms will be used by the Ministry of Defence to upskill staff and support national security.

The company, which also counts corporate giants such as HSBC, Citi, Pfizer and Daimler among its customer base, creates training programmes that simulate ‘real life’ cyber breaches, allowing organisations to prepare staff for actual breaches.

The deal will see the firm provide to more than 1,800 labs and simulations to personnel across the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, as well as MoD civil servants. It follows a successful trial of Immersive Labs’ tech with the Army.

Immersive Labs said the software would be used to help the MoD identify qualified candidates for vital cybersecurity roles, as part of its Digital Skills for Defence programme.

Christine Maxwell, director, cyber defence and risk, at the MoD, said: “Throughout the world, cybersecurity threats are increasing, and national security depends on teams and individuals with the right capabilities to effectively and dynamically respond to cyber attacks of all kinds.

“We have chosen Immersive Labs to help our teams build vital skills to confront emerging threats and demonstrate their cyber resilience.”

Immersive Labs’ chief revenue officer Matt Knutsen said: “We applaud the MoD for its proactive efforts to support national security with a people-centric approach to cybersecurity”, adding the firm was “looking forward” to supporting the organisation.

The company, which was founded by ex-GCHQ trainer James Hadley, pictured left, recently raised $66m (£59.7m) in its latest funding round and in May unveiled its new headquarters on All Saints Street in Bristol.