QA launches Cyber Lab
The 20-seat facility, based in the heart of London, allows cross business teams and IT security staff to simulate and react to a real life threat in a secure physical environment. It has been designed to facilitate practical hands-on learning for organisations sending teams to rehearse incident response, conduct digital forensic investigations, create ‘offensive defences’ and undertake security operations as well as practice crisis media management.
The Cyber Lab will enable everyone from end-users to executive directors and cyber professionals to develop and practice both technical and soft cyber skills applicable to their role. A variety of off the shelf, tailored and bespoke courses will be available to customers, from crisis communications and media management to team challenges including hackathons and‘Capture the Flag’ style team events. In addition, a series of breakfast sessions are planned for organisations who want to view the facilities and gain a better understanding of QA’s end-to-end cyber training portfolio.
Richard Beck, head of cyber security at QA said: “Every day, every department in every organisation is at risk of a cyber attack. This situation is exacerbated by an unprecedented shortage of teams with the right skills to help defend corporate data. We’ve invested over £150,000 in building this unique training facility which will allow our customers to learn in an environment like no other.”
“In cyber warfare everyone has a role, no matter what their function in the business. This is mirrored in our training. Everyone has a role to play when it comes to defending the organisation, from the communications and marketing teams to the PEN testers. It embraces emotional as well as technical training to provide the closest experience an organisation can provide next to the real thing.”
The QA Cyber Lab encourages high-octane learning. Scenarios are built around each organisation and the industry they operate in. It will enable business and technical teams to learn:
Cyber Crisis & Communications
• Rehearsing incident response
• Developing skills to lead and manage in a cyber crisis
• Simulate effective inter-department communications
• Rehearse industry specific scenarios
Digital Forensic Investigations
• Conducting digital investigations relating to malicious activity
• Gathering social media intelligence via ‘digital treasure hunts’
• Accurately collecting and analysing evidence
• Mastering the digital forensic tools and techniques
• Conducting investigations online and across multiple devices
Offensive Defence
• Developing a defensive shield
• Mastering the art of ethical hacking
• Using hands-on hacking tools and techniques
• Developing proactive defence skills
• Taking part in team challenges with ‘Capture the Flag’ events
Security Operations
• Understanding of the cyber threat landscape
• Keeping up to date with advanced attack, detection and reporting methods
• Simulated cyber threat lifecycle
• Effective security incident triage