The UK is one of the world’s most digitally active countries, and with this increased activity there are greater opportunities for cyber criminals to exploit both individuals and organisations.

In an effort to curb this threat, IT and network supplier, Cisco, is offering cyber security training to more than 120,000 police officers across the UK through a new partnership between the National Police Chiefs’ and the company’s Networking Academy.

The officers will benefit from Cisco’s security and skills development expertise. Andy Beet, futures lead for the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s data communications group, said: “By joining the programme, forces can access training designed to raise awareness and increase their understanding of cyber crime and cyber threats, while also gaining insights into the procedures used to defend networks.”

The plan to provide training is part of Cisco’s commitment to supporting wider digitisation around the UK through its Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) programme. According to Cisco, the CDA scheme is a partnership with government, industry and academia designed to “deliver real outcomes faster and more effectively for the country”. The CDA scheme was expanded earlier this year thanks to additional funding.

Beet added: “It’s important for all police officers to understand cyber security as fully as possible. By doing so, they can develop their knowledge in this increasingly important area, improving security in both their professional and personal lives.”