A quick look back on CYBER UK
Back in March, I had the opportunity and the pleasure to attend the UK conference on Cyber Security organised by NCSC (the public face of the GCHQ). The conference is the annual meeting of the whole UK cyber community, from government to industry and academia.
The conference was held in Manchester at the Manchester Central Convention Complex, a dismissed railway station now transformed into an impressive conference venue (but a bit too chaotic for hopping around sessions). The variety of speakers, stands and keynotes was impressive and was a flagship evidence of the whole UK strategy for cyber security.
The conference
It is the biggest dissemination and outreaching event of the whole cyber community. All governmental actors addressed the audience outlining the next steps of the UK cyber security strategy.
In the three days programme (including the cyberuk leadership on the last day) spanned across policy, technical challenges, capabilities and E&D. It welcomed distinguished guests from Governments, industry and overseas organisations.
It was an impressive taste and showcase of the UK capabilities and ambitions in the cyber domain. The slogan is “make the uk the safest place to work online”
The stands
The central hall hosted exhibitor stands for the three days of events. From well-known defence contractors, to big IT companies like IBM and Amazon working more and more in the cyber security domain.
A strong presence of governmental stands was quite surprising. Besides the expected, must-see NCSC stand, key departments had their representatives reporting the large variety of offered opportunities.
Here a picture from the central hall
Here the spotlight stage where there was a Cyber Den competition, as well as many lightning talks across the three days
And obviously some good fun in the evening! Great music and great reception!
The city
It was my first time in Manchester, unfortunately I did not have much time fir city-seeing. A quick stroll through the city centre and a quick stop at the must-see Alan Turing bench. A modern and dynamic city, yet full of interesting history! Hope to back in Manchester soon.
