Cyber Security Conference 2026
08:30 – 09:10
Registration, Refreshments & Guest Arrival
09:10 – 09:15
The Conference Chair’s Opening Remarks
Sam Trendall, Editor, PublicTechnology
09:15 – 09:30
Keynote: Getting the basics right in an AI cyber world
Since its creation almost a decade ago, the National Cyber Security Centre has been helping organisations across all sectors get the basic rights. But, as the technology continually progresses, threats evolve and the baseline rises. In this opening session, a senior NCSC representative will offer insights into ensuring best practice in the age of artificial intelligence.
Senior representative, National Cyber Security Centre
09:30 – 09:40
Improving resilience to cyberattacks: Lessons from the GLA
Earlier this year the Oversight Committee of members dedicated to scrutinising the work of the Greater London Authority published a major report shedding light on the impact of a significant cyberattack on the Transport for London, and calling for the capital’s leaders to ensure the city and its institutions has sufficient contingency plans.
Emma Best, London Assembly Member and Chair of the GLA Oversight Committee
09:40 – 09:50
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?
09:50 – 10:00
Human-layer security and protecting against insider threats
In this session, one of the UK’s leading academic cyber experts will discuss the dangers of posed by insider threats, and how public bodies can best counter them by ensuring effective practices and culture.
10:00 – 10:30
Panel Discussion featuring the first four 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biggest asset – and, potentially, most ardent advocates for security best practice – rather than their more outdated depiction as the weakest link and largest attack surface.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.
11:00 – 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.
Noor Taha, Mental Health First Aider & Chair of the Mental Health Ambassador
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.
Heather Toomey, Principal Cyber Security Specialist, Information Commissioner’s Office
Sam Trendall, Editor, PublicTechnology
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.
Sam Trendall, Editor, PublicTechnology
15:00 – 15:05
The Conference Chair’s Closing Remarks
Sam Trendall, Editor, PublicTechnology
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