An elite lineup of public sector cyber security pioneers will deliver keynotes, panels, workshops and roundtables on pressing issues including incident response, human-layer security, and public-sector supply chain protection – whilst exploring how cutting-edge technologies are shaping both offensive and defensive cyber strategies.
09:20 – 09:30
Chair’s opening remarks
09:30 – 09:45
Opening keynote: How the UK responds to the most serious national cyber incidents
In this opening address, a senior public sector security leader, will discuss how government leads the response to the most severe attacks on UK institutions: from detection through to recovery and pursuing the perpetrators.
09:45 – 10:00
Keynote: Mitigate and minimise disruption
As successful attacks have become an unfortunate, but inevitable, fact of life for organisations of all sizes and specialisms, the important of responding quickly – and doing so in a way that mitigates harm and minimises impact – has become crucial. This presentation will explore how to do so.
10:00 – 10:15
Presentation: Lessons learned from surviving an attack
While cyber incidents can have a major impact not just on services but on reputation, those organisations that choose to pursue openness and transparency are usually widely praised for doing so, a selfless act which also allows others to derive key intelligence. In this presentation, an organisation that has lived through a cyberattack will discuss the lessons it learned and provide insights to recovery.
10:15 – 10:45
Panel discussion: Incident response and recovery
Our three opening keynote speakers will take questions from the audience and the event chair.
11:05 – 11:55
Roundtable: What trends are defining the current threat landscape?
This discussion, held behind closed doors on a Chatham House rules basis, will allow a select group of event attendees to meet with peers and discuss current trends in the biggest threats they face, including cybercriminals and nation-state attacks, as well as human-layer security issues and questions of data ethics.
11:05 – 11:30
Morning workshop 1 – How to adopt a proactive approach to cyber
Cybersecurity has long been centred on notions of defending against attacks and those who perpetrate them. But a growing number of organisations are reaping the benefits of going on the front foot against the biggest threats they face. This workshop will explain what is meant by ‘proactive cyber’, how best to implement its principles, and the benefits of such an approach.
11:30 – 11:55
Morning workshop 2 – Will employees ever engage with cyber training?
It is a truth universally acknowledged in the cyber sector that humans are the biggest and most vulnerable attack surface of any organisation. Almost all public bodies and companies now have extensive training and awareness programmes in place. But, for many, the uptake and success of these schemes remains variable. This workshop will provide expert advice on how to ensure your workforce is engaging as fully and effectively as possible with security training.
11:05 – 11:55
Panel discussion – Managing cyber procurement and protecting supply chains
Public sector bodies have a wide range of options to meet their commercial needs for cyber products and services. It can be difficult to ensure the buyers are getting the best value and ensuring the highest levels of protections, all while meeting stringent compliance requirements, ensuring supply chain security, and delivering on social-value objectives. This panel will explore how to navigate the possibilities, ask the right questions and, ultimately, make the right decisions.
12:50 – 13:15
Afternoon workshop 1 – Will AI and automation make us more or less cybersecure?
In case anyone needed reminding, AI, machine learning, and automation is expected to change the technology landscape profoundly in the years to come. There are clear applications for both cyberattackers, and the professionals charged with combatting them. This workshop will examine the implications for both sides.
13:15 – 13:40
Afternoon workshop 2 – The secrets to successful cyber recruitment and retention
The public sector has always faced a significant challenge in competing for the most desirable technology skills – with the most in-demand candidates often found in the cyber sector. This workshop will offer tips and techniques for attracting, and retaining, the kind of expertise needed to keep your organisation safe.
12:50 – 13:40
Panel discussion – What is cyber-resilience, and how can we measure it?
Many cyber policies now talk about resilience, rather than security – not least the public sector-wide Government Cyber Security Strategy which did not pledge watertight defences but, rather, that “ “government’s critical functions will be significantly hardened to cyberattack by 2025, with the whole public sector being resilient to known vulnerabilities and attack methods no later than 2030”. This discussion will explore what resilience means, how it can best embedded across an organisation, and how to maintain and monitor key metrics.
14:00 – 14:50
Focus on: Are we protecting the mental health of cyber professionals
Research reports – and plenty of anecdotal evidence – have revealed the potential mental-health impact of working in the often stressful and high-stakes cyber profession, including burnout, depression and anxiety. In this panel discussion, experts will examine the issue and ask what more can be done to protect staff by employers and sector bodies.
14:50 – 15:20
Q&A: The future of public sector cybersecurity
The day’s closing session will bring delegates an exclusive on-stage interview with a major figure from the public sector cyber scene who will discuss the major trends and challenges to look out for in the coming months and years, and how local and central government and the NHS should be preparing.
Sponsorship Opportunities
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.
This is your chance to forge new relationships that drive sales and open new growth avenues.
