Cumbrian firms securing places at free information security conference
Small and medium sized companies in Cumbria are being given the opportunity to learn how they can better protect themselves against costly breaches of information security.
The Britain’s Energy Coast (BEC) InfoSecurity Conference will give businesses across all sectors guidance on how to guard against attacks, in particular threats from cyber-space, as well as help companies in the nuclear supply chain to meet the increasing requirements for information security to remain in the supply chain.
The event will take place on Thursday, January 23 at Energus, Lillyhall from 9am to 4.30pm. For a full agenda and to register visit www.britainsenergycoast.co.uk/events.
This highly topical event follows a recent survey by the Department for Business, Innovation Skills (BIS) which found that the number of information security breaches affecting UK businesses continues to rise. Small businesses are most at risk, with 87 per cent reporting a security breach in the last year and the average cost of the worst types of breaches standing at £35,000 to £65,000. The survey concluded that companies are struggling to keep up with security threats and are finding it hard to take the right actions.
David Jones, Head of Projects, Energy Business Support at BEC, said: “With the number of information security breaches on the rise and the cost to business growing too, the need was clear to stage an event that could help companies tackle this very serious issue. BEC is proud to support this event as part of its comprehensive business support service and I would encourage businesses to attend that have a requirement to keep information secure.”
Brian Lightowler of QG Management Standards, which is organising the event along with Indelible Data, said: “Whilst some larger businesses are making the investments required in the face of a growing threat, smaller businesses, particularly in supply chains, are being left behind. Some businesses don’t realise that they are vulnerable and that a breach of their security could affect other organisations within a supply chain, including those at the very top, who are now turning their attention to those below.”
Among the line up of more than 20 top speakers will be Orla MacRae, Assistant Director in the BIS cyber team, who will provide an insight into the Government’s approach to cyber security. Derrick Bates, from North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust, will speak about the challenges to large organisations and Dr Daniel Prince from Lancaster University will present revealing data about how small businesses are unprepared for cyber attack. Meanwhile Sellafield Ltd’s Chief Security Officer, Mark Neate, will talk about the need to develop a culture of security, especially within the nuclear supply chain.
Stuart Wilson, Supply Chain Ombudsman, at Sellafield Ltd, said: “Sellafield Ltd recognises the importance of enhanced security and standards, with cyber security being an ever-growing concern to our supply chain. The event offers opportunities to share best practice at all levels of our supply chain, gaining a fantastic insight from key speakers with a wealth of experience in security standards.”
Complementing the line up of speakers, the event will include exhibition stands from security companies, demonstrations showing how cyber attacks work, whilst representatives from some of the County's smaller businesses will share their experiences of overcoming common security challenges.
To discuss sponsorship and exhibition opportunities at the event, contact Brian Lightowler of QG Management Standards on 01228 631681.
