BT to hire 900 new cyber security staff

BT is recruiting 900 people to work in its security business over the next 12 months, as part of a major drive to protect consumers, businesses and governments from the growing threat of cybercrime.

BT already employs over 2,500 security professionals and has security operations centres all around the world, and says annual revenues are growing at a “double-digit rate”.

To meet the growing global demand for cybersecurity services and address the skills shortage in the sector, BT expects to take-on and train 170 graduates and apprentices, as part of its 900 recruitment intake over the next 12 months. Recruits will work in a range of cybersecurity and related support services roles.

Graduates and apprentices will undergo training in BT’s Security Academy in a range of areas including physical security, penetration testing, threat intelligence, risk management, security operations and sales.

As well as hiring from leading universities, BT takes part in a number of hackathon-style “war-game” competitions, such as Cyber Security Challenge UK and the international Cambridge 2 Cambridge cyber security challenge, to identify the best talent.

While the majority of the roles will be in the UK, with many located at BT’s security operations centres in London, Sevenoaks and Cardiff, BT is also looking to hire security specialists across Continental Europe, the Americas, the Middle-East and Asia-Pacific.

“A number of high-profile security and data breaches have dominated the headlines in recent months, and this has led to a surge in interest from both consumers and IT departments wanting to know how best they can protect themselves in the digital world,” said Mark Hughes, president of BT Security.

“BT plans to remain at the forefront, innovating in cybersecurity, by hiring some of the best talent while training up the next generation of experts at our BT Security Academy.”

@AntonySavvas