Staying ahead of potential attacks requires more than foundational knowledge — it demands practical, adaptable skills. This was the central theme of a recent talk by Jordan Pelling, TryHackMe’s Enterprise Customer Success Manager, at the Just Eat UK Headquarters!
Jordan’s talk, tailored for a room full of developers, engineers, and security professionals, explored the complexities of the modern threat landscape and how cyber security training must evolve to meet these challenges.
In this article, we’ll briefly cover the talk's contents and some of the findings we presented!
The limitations of traditional training
Jordan opened his talk by painting a vivid picture of today’s cyber threat landscape. “The threats we’re facing today are far more sophisticated and unpredictable than ever before,” he observed. The rapid evolution of cyber threats, Jordan emphasised, is a challenge that traditional cyber security measures often struggle to keep up with.
“However, traditional cyber security training – which tends to be theory-heavy – simply can't keep up with this pace of change. Professionals need more than just foundational knowledge to stay ahead; they need practical, adaptable skills that can be applied instantly when faced with a threat.”
With a staggering 98% of organisations utilising online training tools to educate their workforce, this shift highlights the growing need for flexible, cost-effective, and personalised learning experiences. Jordan underscored this point, explaining, “The threats we’re facing today are far more sophisticated and unpredictable than ever before.”
Bridging the gap with hands-on learning
So, what’s the solution? According to Jordan, the answer lies in hands-on learning. This approach bridges the gap between theory and practice, allowing professionals to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. Through labs, simulations, and interactive exercises, individuals can practice responding to actual threats, and developing critical problem-solving skills and confidence.
“Hands-on learning enables professionals to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios,” Jordan explained. This method ensures that cyber security professionals are not only theoretically prepared but also equipped with practical experience.
The path forward
By prioritising practical, interactive learning methods, organisations can build more resilient and adaptable teams. This approach not only prepares professionals to face today’s threats but also equips them to handle the challenges of tomorrow.
Statistics reveal that gamified training modules result in a 50% higher completion rate. By integrating elements such as points, badges, leaderboards, and interactive challenges, organisations can significantly enhance motivation and engagement among employees.
In a world where cyber threats are more complex and widespread than ever, adopting innovative training methods is crucial. Hands-on learning and gamification are key to developing the next generation of cyber security professionals—those who are ready to tackle the cyber landscape with confidence and agility.
We’d like to thank Ivan Iushkevich, Developer Security Culture and Awareness Lead at Just Eat, and David Bowen, Head of Engineering - Product Security, for the wonderful speaking opportunity. The session sparked insightful discussions, and it’s clear that Just Eat is deeply committed to staying ahead of the curve in cyber security. By embracing hands-on, adaptive training approaches, organisations like Just Eat set the standard for how teams can effectively prepare for the evolving threat landscape!
Ben Spring