Two important cyber security events are to take place in the region next month

 

CyberNorth, a focus of innovation and collaboration in the North East has set out ambitious plans in the region.

Under the wings of Dynamo, the remit was to curate a cluster which focussed on making the North East a centre of excellence in the delivery of cyber-related services.

 

 

CyberNorth is now preparing to host Cyberfest, the North East’s biggest cyber security festival which involves a month-long campaign of events including a Cyber Security and FinTech partnership event with Durham University (21st September), CyberFest Schools Debate (27th September) and a joint event of inspirational insights with Women in Tech in partnership with Womble Bond Dickinson (28th September).

This will be CyberFest’s sixth year as the North East’s biggest cyber security festival. Supported by Aspire Technology Solutions, the theme for this year is ‘Local talent – global ambition’.

There is a substantial skills shortage across the industry, with global cyber security job vacancies growing by 350 per cent, from one million openings in 2013 to 3.5 million in 2021, according to Cybersecurity Ventures.

Significant inroads into reducing the cyber security skills gap are in place through government and industry initiatives and CyberNorth have identified a list of initiatives to drive the agenda including:

  • The provision of cyber security champions and advocates - as CyberFirst
  • A mentor and buddying scheme
  • Cyber security training and advice for C-suite
  • Better understanding and promotion of the range of cyber security roles

Phil Jackman, Director, CyberNorth said: “The statistics speak for themselves, and it is of paramount importance that we continue to take action to both address the skills gap and level up the cyber security sector across the north.

“We have done the groundwork and our voice has been heard, the potential and opportunities in the region are immense and we have a substantial plan in place to leverage these opportunities to support the growth and development of the sector in the region.”

Also next month, Digital Safety Community Interest Company is launching a new conference focused on addressing the issues of digital wellbeing for young people.

The Castle Conference, taking place on Thursday, September 7, at Lambton Castle in Chester-le-Street, will be the first of its kind in the region and aims to bring together professionals and experts to promote the safety and wellbeing of young individuals in today’s digital world.

Barbara Spooner MBE is leading the company to drive forward its mission and said: “I am honoured to be the founder of DS-CIC and lead the charge in creating safer online activities for individuals across the globe.

“I am deeply committed to leveraging my experience and expertise to combat harm in the digital realm. Together with the talented team at DS-CIC, I am confident that we will make significant strides in making the internet a safer space for everyone.”

 

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With a career spanning over three decades in specialist operations, technical operations and leading law enforcement commands, nationally and internationally, Barbara has provided significant contributions to leadership in law enforcement and brings a wealth of experience to her new role.

In 2014, she was honoured as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her outstanding contributions to leadership for women in law enforcement and services to covert intelligence operations.

In early 2019 she retired from policing and was then invited to work with the home office on a pathfinder project around the use of volunteer cyber specialists into UK policing, which would ultimately become DS-CIC.