Yesterday, the North West Cyber Security Cluster held our Innovation Summit event at Manchester Digital. The event was a resounding success, bringing together a vibrant mix of industry professionals, educators, and cyber security enthusiasts alike.
The afternoon kicked off with a networking session. Attendees mingled over snacks and drinks, setting the stage for a dynamic exchange of ideas and collaborations. There was a buzz in the room, with conversations ranging from the latest cyber security trends to potential future partnerships.
Keynote Highlights
We were honoured to have two keynote speakers who shared their insights and expertise.
Ed French from Umbra Systems took the stage first, delivering an enlightening talk on “Making Your Data Safe in the Cloud.”
His presentation covered:
- How to manage data risk for existing cloud repositories
- The importance of understanding cloud-related risks
- Strategies to mitigate cloud provider risk
- The future landscape of cloud data storage risk management
His expertise shed light on the critical importance of vigilance and proactive management in today’s cloud-dependent world.
Next we had David Edwards from Payroc, who delivered an engaging keynote on securing AI in business.
- AI innovation and its transformative potential
- The challenges of prompt injections in AI systems
- Effective strategies for businesses to secure their AI initiatives
David’s presentation underscored the need for robust security measures as businesses increasingly integrate AI technologies.
Panel Discussion: Innovation Meets Education
The keynotes were followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion on the intersection of innovation and education in cyber security. We were delighted to welcome:
- Dr Andrea Cullen from CAPSLOCK
- Carl Wood from Burnley College
- Aliyu Yisa from Fezzant
The panel tackled vital topics such as accessibility and inclusivity in cyber security education. Each speaker shared their efforts to foster skills growth within their organisations:
- Dr Andrea Cullen highlighted CAPSLOCK’s innovative education models designed to nurture talent and ensuring inclusive growth within the cyber security sector.
- Carl Wood discussed Burnley College’s initiatives to integrate cyber security into their curriculum, aiming to equip students with the necessary skills for the future.
- Aliyu Yisa shared Fezzant’s approach to make cyber security training more accessible.
The discussion was a rich blend of perspectives, providing attendees with valuable insights into the future of cyber security education and its critical role in fostering innovation.
Gratitude and Future Events
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our keynote speakers, Ed French and David Edwards, for their insightful presentations, and to our panelists, Dr Andrea Cullen, Carl Wood, and Aliyu Yisa, for their contributions to the discussion. A big thank you to all attendees for their participation and to Manchester Digital for hosting us in their fantastic venue.
Looking ahead, we are excited to announce a series of upcoming events designed to continue the conversation around innovation and cyber security. Check out our upcoming events here: www.nwcsc.org.uk/events
Together, we are building a stronger, more secure digital future. Thank you for being a part of this journey with the North West Cyber Security Cluster.
