Cyber security graduates wanted - graduate jobs

University graduates will be on red alert at the launch of a challenge to persuade people to develop necessary IT security skills to work in Britain.

The UK Cyber Security Challenge - inspired by the US Cyber Challenge - will set tasks including treasure hunts and network break-ins for those eager to establish their IT security skills. There will be real jobs in the industry up for grabs as well as prizes for the winners.

Mohan Koo, managing director in the UK for Australian security firm Dtex - is on the management team of the challenge.

He said: "There are lots of graduates out there who are skilled, but don't realise their skills can be harnessed to further a career."

A survey of 255 user companies in the UK revealed that 90% of them were already having trouble recruiting security professionals, with most expecting it to become even more difficult in the future.

The challenge is set to be launched in the autumn as graduates emerge from university. It aims to sign up more supporting organisations at the Infosec Europe show this week.

The US scheme was launched in 2009, and has already placed several graduates in jobs.