Ioannis Agrafiotis: Building the Next Generation of Cybersecurity Leaders: The UK Cyber Team

The UK Cyber Team Competition, led by SANS and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), was created to identify and develop the UK's emerging cybersecurity talent.

From October 2024 to March 2025, the programme attracted 1,310 applicants and culminated in a final event in Birmingham. 30 top participants were selected to form the UK Cyber Team and went on to secure top placements, 2nd, 4th, and 11th, at the international ZeroDays CTF in Dublin, in March 2025.

After an absence from international competitions, the UK sought to reestablish a national cybersecurity team and inspire the next generation of cyber leaders. The challenge was not just to find technically proficient individuals, but to build a pipeline that nurtures soft skills, teamwork, and global readiness.

Solution

The initiative consisted of three rounds:

• Round 1: An open online qualifier assessing foundational knowledge
• Round 2: A timed, advanced capture the flag (CTF) to develop technical and collaborative skills
• Round 3: A live final with 198 participants competing in real-time challenges

Participants received hands-on training in cloud security, digital forensics, and soft skills. Personalised performance reports after each round were provided to assess training needs for continued development. Industry experts served as mentors, assessors, and sponsors, making the competition reflect real-world experiences.

ENISA Engagement

Ioannis Agrafiotis, from the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), brought an international perspective and strategic value to the UK Cyber Team Competition. A veteran CTF organiser for the European Cyber Security Challenge (ECSC) and the International Cybersecurity Challenge

(ICC), he supported the UK's re-entry into European competitions and acted as an assessor during the Birmingham final.

"Given that I live in the UK, I wanted to be involved in DSIT's effort to reestablish a Cyber Team Competition."

His role helped align the UK with EU standards and enabled the UK Cyber Team to compete on an international stage.

"Everyone I had to collaborate with was very helpful, accommodating, knowledgeable, and keen to volunteer their time to inspire young talent."

A Strategic Emphasis

ENISA's involvement offered long-term value by connecting participants to global CTF networks and championing mentorship. Competitions like this identify top talent, build role models, and open career pathways.

"CTFs are an excellent way to attract, train, and identify talent in cybersecurity... these programmes offer opportunities to reach out to schools, train the trainers (teachers), and create role models to attract talent."

His experience organising European competitions shows that most CTF participants move into industry or government roles, often in PenTesting, DFIR, or red teaming.

"The UK CTF talent now has the opportunity to network, train, and compete under pressure but more importantly, become role models for the generations to come."

Looking ahead, he looks forward to future efforts to expand school outreach, mentorship, and university collaboration, noting the solid foundation laid by DSIT and SANS for continued growth.

Impact and Results

• 100% acceptance rate among selected team members
• 3 UK sub-teams ranked in the global top 9% at ZeroDays CTF (2nd, 4th, and 11th out of 128 teams)

"There is now a pinnacle event that all participants of the national CTF look forward to participating in."

Participant Development

• 90% of early-stage participants said they would compete again
• Finalists rated the experience 4.6 out of 5
• Many progressed to job interviews with major employers