CCP applications to close from June 30 as UK cybersecurity sector prepares for introduction of new chartered titles. Credit: picjumbo The UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has announced the closure of the country’s Certified Cyber Professional (CCP) scheme to new applicants from June 30. Current CCP certifications will remain valid until they expire as the sector prepares for the launch of new chartered titles following a successful pilot by the UK Cyber Security Council, who took over running of the CCP scheme in 2022.The CCP scheme was developed by the NCSC and has been awarded to those who demonstrate their sustained ability to apply cybersecurity skills, knowledge, and expertise in real-world situations. The CCP has been a component of the NCSC’s wider work around identifying the knowledge needed to become a cybersecurity specialist, quality university courses, and organisations with the levels of specialist expertise to manage cybersecurity risks.The UK Cyber Security Council has launched several schemes in the last several months as part of its efforts to introduce a professional standard for the UK cybersecurity sector across 16 specialisms. The chartership title has been piloted for the Governance and Risk Management, and Secure System Architecture and Design specialisms, with full titles to be launched in late July.UK businesses should review, update career development, recruitment proceduresOrganisations who have adopted CCP as part of their career development and recruitment processes should now take steps to review the procedures and update them to reflect the new UK Cyber Security Council Chartership Titles as they become available, the NCSC wrote. The same requirement is applicable to UK government contracts, it added. Individuals who apply and pay fees for CCP certification before the close date will still be able to undertake a maximum of two attempts at their case study requirement (should a second attempt be required), but the latest expiry date for certifications will be 31 December 2026, the NCSC said. “There will be no extensions to certification beyond this date. CCP certifications will continue to be recognised until the last ones through the scheme expire in December 2026.”UK security professionals told CSO last year that a chartered standard for cybersecurity will significantly benefit UK companies and the wider sector, as long as it is relevant and kept up to date. Related content feature Top cybersecurity M&A deals for 2023 Fears of recession, rising interest rates, mass tech layoffs, and conservative spending trends are likely to make dealmakers cautious, but an ever-increasing need to defend against bigger and faster attacks will likely keep M&A activity steady in By CSO Staff Sep 22, 2023 24 mins Mergers and Acquisitions Mergers and Acquisitions Mergers and Acquisitions brandpost Unmasking ransomware threat clusters: Why it matters to defenders Similar patterns of behavior among ransomware treat groups can help security teams better understand and prepare for attacks By Joan Goodchild Sep 21, 2023 3 mins Cybercrime news analysis China’s offensive cyber operations support “soft power” agenda in Africa Researchers track Chinese cyber espionage intrusions targeting African industrial sectors. By Michael Hill Sep 21, 2023 5 mins Advanced Persistent Threats Cyberattacks Critical Infrastructure brandpost Proactive OT security requires visibility + prevention You cannot protect your operation by simply watching and waiting. It is essential to have a defense-in-depth approach. By Austen Byers Sep 21, 2023 4 mins Security Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe