Cyber Local

Cyber Local (Innovate UK)

A 6-month Innovate UK project scaling Cyber First Aid across Dorset with sector packs, Train-the-Trainer, and evaluation.

Overview

Cyber Local is an Innovate UK–funded 6-month programme (Sept 2025 – Feb 2026) that deploys Cyber First Aid (CFA) training across Dorset. The project delivers tailored training pathways for SMEs, public services, and educational institutions, while piloting a sustainable Train-the-Trainer (TtT) model for long-term impact.

This initiative strengthens regional cyber resilience by combining technical incident response with human-centred resilience models — the Human Layer Kill Chain (HLKC) and Human Indicators of Compromise (HIOC) — and through collaboration with Dorset Mind to embed best practice in psychological wellbeing.

Key Facts

Status: Planned (Sept 2025 – Feb 2026)
Duration: 6 months
Funding: Innovate UK
Partners: Bournemouth University, Cybexer, Dorset Mind, Dorset Chamber, local authority stakeholders
Sectors: SMEs, Public Sector, Education
Methods: HLKC, HIOC, APT-aligned scenarios, mixed-method evaluation

Deliverables

CFA Digital Training Platform

Essentials/Business Session Packs

Train-the-Trainer Certification Pathway

Realistic Scenario Packs (APT-aligned)

Evaluation & Impact Framework

Outcomes & Impact

Strengthened cyber resilience across Dorset organisations
Embedded mental health resilience in cyber response training
Evidence base within 6 months to inform future CFA scaling
Sustainable CFA adoption through the TtT pilot model
Sector-specific resources supporting SMEs and public services
Blueprint for national and international roll-out of CFA

Approach / Methods

Cyber Local extends CFA’s proven foundation with advanced, sector-specific training scenarios. Evaluation will measure not only technical knowledge but also behavioural change, psychological resilience, and reporting confidence.

Our methodology combines:

Game-based learning to improve engagement and retention
APT-aligned simulations for realism
Social science evaluation tools to evidence short-term impact
Mental health expertise from Dorset Mind to ensure training addresses psychological stress and resilience