Lancaster University’s status as one of the top UK universities for cyber security research has once again been recognised by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

The most recent assessment by the NCSC, a part of GCHQ (Government Communications Headquarters), and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, has reaffirmed recognition of Lancaster University as an ‘Academic Centre of Excellence for Cyber Security Research’ (ACE-CSR).

Lancaster University is internationally renowned for interdisciplinary cyber security research with experts focusing across the technical aspects of cyber security, but also, importantly, the human factors behind cyber threats and vulnerabilities.

Lancaster’s cyber security research encompasses analytics, human behaviours, software and systems security, as well as the security of infrastructure of critical national importance.

The University was first recognised as an ACE-CSR in 2012, making Lancaster one of the UK’s longest-established ACE-CSRs.

To be recognised as an ACE-CSR universities must meet tough minimum standards as well as proving certain criteria including that they have a critical mass of academics engaged in cutting-edge cyber security research and proven track record in high impact research.

Professor Nicholas Race, Associate Dean for Research at Lancaster University’s Faculty of Science and Technology and Director of Lancaster University’s Cyber Security Research Centre, said: “It’s fantastic to once again be recognised for the wide and varied cross-disciplinary cyber security research taking place here at Lancaster. As the world and our economies become increasingly driven, and reliant, on digital systems the stakes have never been higher to ensure that those systems are robust and secure.

“Our experts pioneer the blending of the human as well as technical aspects of cyber research providing a holistic view of cyber threats and vulnerabilities.

“Lancaster’s long-established and internationally recognised cyber security research plays a critical role in enabling UK prosperity, together with our unique engagement programme focused on cyber innovation that is delivering benefits for hundreds of businesses across the region.”

Professor Sarah Kemp, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Engagement at Lancaster University said: “Lancaster University’s cyber security research has been recognised as among the very best in the UK for more than a decade. Our world-class cyber research is a key part of our expanding range of cyber activities, which encompasses supporting businesses and the economy and developing a cyber skills pipeline. Our research excellence, which brings researchers together from multiple disciplines, underpins Lancaster University’s important role in the development of Lancashire and the North West region as one of the leading cyber security ecosystems in the country.”

In total, 21 universities have achieved ACE-CSR through the NCSC’s latest assessment.

Chris Ensor, Deputy Director Cyber Growth at the NCSC, said: “These recognitions are testament to the dedication of academics, support staff and senior management who have ensured that cyber security remains high on the university’s agenda. And they demonstrate that the UK has a growing number of world-class universities carrying out cutting-edge research into all areas of cyber security. We very much look forward to working with them over the coming years to tackle the most difficult cyber security challenges.”

Lancaster University’s cyber security expertise continues to grow with multimillion pound strategic investments in Security and Protection Science building capacity in research, teaching and facilities.

Lancaster University is also recognised by the NCSC as a Cyber Security Academic Centre of Excellence for its cyber security teaching and developing the cyber security leaders and professionals of the future.