Award-winning Royal Signals soldier explains his love of all things cyber

An NCO from the Royal Corps of Signals has been telling Forces News how he helped nurture his fellow soldiers' interest in cyber.

Corporal Pa Malick Adams, from 16 Signal Regiment, recently won the Royal Engineer of the Year award after his efforts were recognised by the Worshipful Company of Engineers.

His passion for cyber, along with his desire to help develop his colleagues' knowledge of cyberspace, led him to create a facility where both novices and experts can safely experiment with offensive and defensive cyber scenarios.

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'Follow your dream, never give up'

Cpl Adams' interest in technology began at an early age when he was growing up in Gambia.

He told Forces News: "My first computer was given to me by my Uncle and all I used to do is open it apart and play with it."

Cpl Adams would go on to earn a first-class Honours Degree in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and a Master's Degree in Cyber Security.

When asked what he would tell his 13-year-old self, he replied: "Follow your dream, never give up, keep pushing, one day you might just get there."

Cyber Club

His passion for cyber and his desire to share his knowledge with others led to him creating a cyber club.

Cpl Adams identified a suitable building for the Cyber Development Suite and sourced the hardware and software, all without any external funding, in his own time.

Once the suite was established, he set up the Regimental Weekly Cyber Club, which now has more than 40 members from a wide range of ranks and trades and continues to grow.

16 Signal Regiment is based at Beacon Barracks in Stafford and is equipped with Falcon, a system that can securely share voice, data and video communications during operations.

The Cyber Club's weekly meetings have allowed the engineers to practise safeguarding the Army’s communications networks and fending off simulated virtual cybercriminals.

His award citation describes him as an ambassador for cyber and an advocate for the practical application of academic study.

It also states that he "truly represents what all engineers should aspire to be - his passion and determination have created a platform where cyber novices can excel".