Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Dstl wins against commercial teams in IET Awards

Defence Security

Dstl wins against commercial teams in IET Awards

A team at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has received an award for their work in cybersecurity, with the Dstl Cyber Card Game winning the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) award in the cyber security category, sponsored by Fraser-Nash Consulting.

Above: The cyber-card game developed Dstl.
Courtesy Dstl

Comedian Sally Phillips presented the Awards to winners chosen from more than 350 entries at a special event earlier this month.

The Dstl entry uses ‘gamification science’ – a card-game-based approach to teach about cyber security without them needing any technical expertise, or even a computer. People being trained are asked to work together as a team to attack a fictional organisation, using and obtaining access, hidden information and other resources, and in doing so they gain a deeper understanding of how to protect an organisation from cyber-attack.

Advertisement
ODU RT

In just two hours, the Cyber Card Game approach provides in-depth training suitable for both employees and senior managers. As the game only uses open source, abstracted attack techniques, there is no security classification associated.

The lead scientist at Dstl, said: "We were up against commercial companies so this award demonstrates how Dstl’s work is competitive in this field. The card game was a result of many months of hard work by the team.

"It increases education and awareness of the fundamentals of cyber-security. This area is of growing importance and we must be ahead of the curve when it comes to looking at the risks for defence and for wider security."

Around 80% of cyber breaches can be accounted for by the lack of implementation of cyber fundamentals, like being able to avoid basic phishing attacks. The Cyber Card Game is advertised for licence at no cost through Dstl’s Easy Access IP scheme

Advertisement
ODU RT

A spokesperson from the IET Cyber Security Award judging panel said: "Congratulations on winning one of our 2018 IET Innovation Awards! You were recognised as a cut above our incredibly competitive shortlist and we hope you will enjoy your win as much as we enjoyed judging all the wonderful entries."


 

Advertisement
Hexagon leaderboard
Apache support drones get £10m boost

Defence

Apache support drones get £10m boost

18 May 2026

Fully autonomous drones which will accompany the British Army’s Apache helicopters are receiving a £10 million investment as Project NYX reaches a new milestone.

RAF Typhoons deploying APKWS in Middle East

Defence

RAF Typhoons deploying APKWS in Middle East

18 May 2026

A new Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) is being be fitted to RAF Typhoons on operations in the Middle East, providing a low-cost anti-drone weapon to precisely destroy targets for a fraction of the price of missiles currently used.

BAE Systems delivers US Space Force missile warning sensor system

Defence Space

BAE Systems delivers US Space Force missile warning sensor system

18 May 2026

BAE Systems has delivered the sensor subassembly and sensor system controller components for the Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared Polar (NGP) programme, providing advanced missile warning, technical intelligence and battlespace characterisation mission capabilities, for the US Space Force.

QinetiQ supports Typhoon counter drone missile integration

Defence

QinetiQ supports Typhoon counter drone missile integration

17 May 2026

QinetiQ has supported the RAF in rapidly integrating and testing laser guided, low-cost missiles to RAF Typhoons, which are now being used in the Middle East to defend against drone attacks.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Dstl backed robotics advance transforms military manufacturing

Defence

Dstl backed robotics advance transforms military manufacturing

15 May 2026

Rivelin Robotics, supported by Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) expertise, has created microfactory technology that automates the slow, risky manual finishing of 3D printed parts.

Defence firms incentivised to deliver on time

Defence

Defence firms incentivised to deliver on time

15 May 2026

The UK Government is cracking down on waste and delays as defence companies are to be incentivised to deliver equipment on time and on budget with new reforms to Single Source Contract Regulations.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner