Digital Pathways Cyber Security Seminar
On March 1st 2016 an insightful Cyber Security Seminar was held at Digital Pathways HQ, with the Harlow Enterprise Hub playing host not only to five exceptional specialist speakers but also a number of highly enthusiastic local businesses looking for security guidance. With the programme running from a 1pm registration through to drinks, canapes and networking from 5.30pm onwards, it was a packed afternoon filled with talks from highly influential and inspirational figures, and probing questions from visitors.
The keynote speaker who kicked us off was Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, Nick Alston CBE, whose presentation highlighted not only the growing threat of cyber-crime, but also the Essex Police response. The talk combined a number of staggering statistics, with the message that limiting crime was a job for everyone, not simply the authorities.
From there it was the turn of Michael Tye from IT Security Company, Infinigate. The talk revolved around the Insider Threat, with specific reference to the protective marking software, TITUS. The Insider Threat is a highly contentious topic, and one that needs addressing by companies of all sizes. Whether the leak is accidental, or a premeditated attack, by implementing certain software into your systems you can mitigate the risk of breaches, something that Michael expertly displayed.
The next speaker to take the stage was Associate Director of SEIB Insurance Brokers, Caroline Garrow. As you would expect, the presentation revolved around the benefits of cyber insurance, with information on the current risks that are circulating, the numbers that are affected and the benefits of taking cover out with a reputable and knowledgeable company such as theirs.
After a brief refreshment break, we then heard from Barclays representative, Donell Henry, who enlightened us all as to the current major threats surrounding cyber fraud. There were a number of disturbing stories that Donell regaled of customers who had been affected, but with advise on how to stay safe, and the measures that Barclays take to ensure your risk is lowered, we were able to feel a little more at ease as the talk drew to a close.
Finally, it was the turn of Digital Pathway’s very own Colin Tankard to take the stage, with his presentation on ‘How They Hack’. From the impact that the Internet of Things has had on cyber-crime, major threats that exist and media scandals that have filled our television screens, Colin was able to take visitors on a journey through the risks to a positive conclusion of hope. Here he highlighted a number of simple additions you can make to mitigate the risks out there.
The hugely successful event will hopefully be the first of many held at the Harlow Enterprise Hub. Due to the nature of his presentation, Colin has since been asked to perform similar talks at both the National Police Chief Council Conference in October and provisionally at a Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Cyber Event later in the year as well. Cyber security is beginning to become a more prominent part of peoples’ thinking when online. This is incredibly good news, but still the war, for now, goes on.
