Cyber Security Conference 2026
08:30 – 09:10
Registration & Refreshments
09:10 – 09:15
The Conference Chair’s Opening Remarks
Sam Trendall, Editor, PublicTechnology
09:15 – 09:30
Keynote: How the UK is facing down the biggest threats and most serious attacks
Data shows that the UK is hit with four ‘nationally significant’ cyberattacks every single week. This figure is sure to rise, and does not even include the almost eight million other cybercrimes perpetrated on businesses, public bodies and individuals each year. In this session a senior government leader will provide insights into how the country responds to and mitigates the most serious incidents.
09:30 – 09:45
Keynote: How cyber suppliers can boost government resilience
The government – and the country at large – cannot achieve its cyber-resilience aims without working closely with expert industry partners. This presentation will explore how cyber vendors and services providers can help support robust defences, best practice, and effective intelligence sharing.
09:45 – 10:00
Plenary Presentation: Is the UK winning the battle for cyberspace?
Senior officials and ministers now frequently describe government’s IT security operations as being engaged in a “contest” to control a frontline that now stretches way beyond traditional battlefields, and encompasses cyberattacks, social engineering, and information warfare. But who are we fighting against – and how do the respective capabilities compare?
10:00 – 10:30
Panel Discussion featuring the First Three Speakers
11:30 – 11:55: From Data to Defence: How Crown Hosting Guards Against Cyber Risks
Most cyber teams would now rather think of colleagues as their organisation’s biggest asset – and, potentially, most ardent advocates for security best practice – rather than their more outdated depiction as the weakest link and largest attack surface. But how can public bodies ensure that this more modern and progressive view is what characterises their organisation? This small-scale discussion will allow a select group of attendees to compare notes on human-layer security, and how best to engage staff.
11:00 – 11:25: Workshop: Using AI to your cyber advantage
Artificial intelligence and automation technologies provide clear opportunities for both attackers and those trying to protect against them. This workshop will provide practical advice on how to look out for and guard against the biggest risks, while also taking advantage of the potential to access better intelligence and build stronger defences.
11:25 – 11:50: Workshop: Building a skilled and diverse security workforce
The public sector faces major challenges in recruiting hugely in-demand technical skills, while also seeking to help build a future workforce that takes advantage of a much broader and more diverse range of talents and perspectives. This workshop session will explore how public bodies can build the workforce they need in a way that secures both their own organisations and the future of the sector.
11:50 – 12:20
In Focus: Protecting the mental health of cyber professionals
In an incredibly stressful and demanding profession, employers, colleagues, and friends need to look out for the wellbeing of their security team. This session will bring together advocates and mental health first-aid experts to help attendees sensitively and supportively engage what can be a difficult issue – but one that it is hugely important to recognise and reflect upon.
13:20 – 13:40
Afternoon keynote: What it means to be a cyber leader
In this keynote presentation, a senior cyber representative from a major public body will share their thoughts on what leadership means to them, and how to ensure their work and – and that of their team and colleagues – is the heartbeat of a cyber-resilient organisation.
13:40 – 14:30
Panel discussion: Securing the future of digital transformation
For public sector entities, effective cybersecurity is not just about building a wall to protect their assets and services – but is a key strand in delivering the next generation of digital interactions with citizens, and policy insights derived from data and automation. This panel discussion will bring together senior cyber and digital leaders from across the public sector to examine the crucial relationship between resilience and reform.
14:30 – 15:00
Fireside chat: Can the public sector truly ‘defend as one’?
A central strand of the Government Cyber Security Strategy – which sets out various goals and programmes over the course of nearly a decade – is that the public sector should seek to ‘defend as one’. This session will provide insights from real-world examples of public organisations collaborating to promote resilience across various public services, at national and local level.
15:00 – 15:05
The Conference Chair’s Closing Remarks
Sam Trendall, Editor, PublicTechnology
Elevate your brand
Become a sponsor
Our tailored sponsorship packages deliver exceptional visibility, putting your best people, products, and services front and centre. From prominent branding, networking, and thought-leadership opportunities to lead-generation and relationship-building, we can develop your bespoke package.
