Reflecting on a busy October
October is always an incredibly busy month in the world of cyber security as we celebrate Cyber Awareness Month, and this year was no different. ?Throughout the month, the cyber community and public at large were challenged to raise awareness of the complex issues?that our increasingly digitalised world faces and so many companies, universities and colleges?in our ecosystem really stepped-up to help build our collective resilience. ?
NI Cyber news
During October, we have been delighted to announce two key sponsors, with whom we will working on a range of activities over the next year. Were excited to be working with Danske Bank UK and A&L Goodbody LLP to create opportunities for our members and broader ecosystem to network and to gain knowledge on key financial and legal issues pertinent to cyber security. We would like to thank these two fantastic organisations for their support for the Cluster.
As part of Danske Bank UK corporate sponsorship of NI Cyber, over the next 12 months the two organisations will work together on a number of activities aimed at showcasing inspiring female role models and creating opportunities for professionals to connect and network. ?
Following on from a successful webinar focusing upon the EU Cyber Resilience Act back in June 2024, over the next year A&L Goodbody LLP will co-host a combination of online and face to face events aimed at underpinning the legal compliance of security first technology companies and keeping cluster members up to date with the latest relevant legal developments. ?
Look back at October activities
Fintech Corridor: Locks and Stocks: Managing your threat landscape. ?
As part of Belfast Tech Week , we teamed up with The Fintech Corridor for a panel session focusing upon the unique threat landscape faced by the Fintech sector. This sector faces several unique cyber security risks and the panel explored the challenges that it faces particularly in the advent of AI. ?
CSIT 15 Year Anniversary.??
We we’re privileged to be part of the CSIT 15 Year Celebration where we hosted a panel discussion on the Partnerships and Cluster Development, gathering?a range of perspectives from our chair Simon Whittaker Hollie Wakefield from CyNam and Dr Joel Rasmus 美国普渡大学 . Globally, there is a growing consensus and commitment to building integrated cluster networks throughout industry, academia and government. Our panel agreed that as we seek to build a more resilient society, it is imperative that organisations work together to tackle growing threats and create innovative solutions.
Advancing Women in Cyber.??
As part of our yearlong partnership with Danske Bank, we had the pleasure of hearing some fantastic women detailing their career pathways into cyber security, the challenges they may have faced and the ways they overcame them. In a refreshingly candid presentation, Danske Bank’s Head of Cybersecurity Giedre Tijusaite attributed her successful path to being willing to ask questions, understanding her strengths and ‘never being a coder’!
Giedre was then joined by a great panel, chaired by Emma Proctor of Danske Bank, alongside Michelle Simpson (Vertical Structure), Jill Shaw (Open University) ?and Fionnula Kelly (Rapid7). Each participant gave a unique insight into how they have all drawn on their respective skill sets to thrive in the careers. ?
The Breakfast Club.
Our popular Breakfast Club?at was hosted this month at Rapid7 . Our broad agenda included updates from Phil Chambers Sumer Northern Ireland , Jessica Galway Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and Eddie Felix on behalf of The Cyber Helpline . Thank you so much for hosting us in your fantastic offices!
Our next Breakfast Club event takes place at Proofpoint on Thursday 28th November. To register, please visit our Eventbrite page
Pan Cluster event in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
As part of the growing network of cyber clusters across the UK, we had the opportunity to meet up, gain knowledge and share ideas with our counterparts from across the UKC3 - UK Cyber Cluster Collaboration family. Here, we heard of some of the great work going in every region of the UK, successful collaborations and opportunities for our members to connect with new customers. Thank you to our fantastic hosts CyberNorth and to UKC3 - UK Cyber Cluster Collaboration for your continued work in developing our family of clusters.
Member news
Congratulations Salt Communications!
Pytilia Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Tech!
Vertical Structure acquired by Instil, bolstering cyber security capabilities.
Join our fantastic community through membership and sponsorship.
We are building a truly inclusive cyber cluster focusing on innovation, skills and community and we welcome new members and sponsors to help us further elevate and enhance NI's global reputation for cyber security. To get involved, visit NI Cyber | The Northern Ireland Cyber Security Cluster
Coming up...
As part of our partnership with A&L Goodbody LLP we are running a webinar, also on Thursday 28th November at 12pm on the important subject of 'Preparing for Investment'.
Understanding the nuances and pitfalls of the investment process is essential in enabling enterprises to scale. This will be of interest to any business seeking to scale, regardless of size or sector. Hear from Senior Associates Anna Cartwright and Lauren Taylor as they impart their expertise on this complex area of business.
Open calls