Opportunities appear to be available for IT contractors in the cyber security sector, as a national competition is launched to find the most skilled individuals.

The Cyber Security Challenge is a series of online games and competitions designed to find the new generation of cyber security professionals, with a number of prizes awarded to winners - including places on the Detica Academy.

Nicholas Lansman, the secretary general of the Internet Services Providers' Association (ISPA), welcomes the effort to encourage more people to get involved with this vital profession.

The ISPA is asking the government to get involved with a campaign for experts in cyber security, such as IT contractors, to educate all internet users on the dangers associated with surfing the web.

Mr Lansman went on to say: "ISPA members recognise the importance of ensuring that users can access the internet confident that they are protected.

"ISPA encourages members to provide users with the appropriate information to protect their online safety."