web and mobile fraud
More diverse approach needed for cyber-crime
The UK must foster a new generation of diverse talent to effectively tackle the cyber security skills challenge, according to Mark Sayers, deputy director for cyber and Government security at the Cabinet Office.
Sayers – who oversees the delivery of the UK’s National Cyber Security Strategy – told delegates at the sold out 2017 Cyber Security Summit & Expo Conference in central London: “We’re investing £1.9 billion to enhance the UK’s cyber capabilities, and a key part of this involves developing the UK’s skill base to meet increasing demand for cyber professionals.”
Sayers told delegates that working internationally to develop effective partnerships is critical to fighting cyber-crime, in addition to the essential need for a shared approach across the public and private sectors.
Sayers’ fellow Summit Keynote speaker Nausicaa Delfas, COO at the Financial Conduct Authority, explained that: “No serious company director can afford to ignore cyber security.”
Alison Whitney, deputy director for digital Government at the National Cyber Security Centre, urged delegates to rehearse cyber preparedness strategies like they would a fire drill. “Practice what you will do in the event of a breach,” said Whitney. “How would your systems cope?”
Exceptional demand for places at this year’s event reflects the central role that managing cyber risk now plays in any organisation, as did the almost full attendance at all briefings to garner knowledge and insights from Government agencies, cyber specialists and leading business experts.
David Roberts, event director at GovNet (organiser of the Cyber Security Summit & Expo), said: “This year’s record event demonstrated that a cross-sector response to cyber risk and data protection is vital when it comes to tackling the challenge of cyber security. Our pre-conference survey of delegates showed that 72% expected their organisation to become the victim of a cyber attack in the next 12 months, reinforcing the importance of companies of all sizes developing a security culture that includes every employee from the Boardroom down. Sharing experiences about procedures that really work is essential for collectively tackling the varied and complex threats that are evolving.”
Organised in association with the Government, the National Cyber Security Centre and the National Crime Agency, next year’s Cyber Security Summit & Expo will take place on 15 November at the Business Design Centre in London.
