Cyber security at the top of the agenda as the attack landscape widens

Cyber-attacks are happening increasingly often. 2019 saw breaches of huge brands including Marriott Hotel Group and British Airways (BA), exposing the details of millions of customers.

Fast forward a year to 2020 and the number of cyber-attacks continues to grow, with notable breaches such as Capital One, which saw the theft of sensitive data on more than 100 million customers. This is in addition to a growing number of ransomware attacks, which have hit companies including aluminium producer Norsk Hydro, forcing the firm to switch to manual operations.

Attacks such as these demonstrate why cyber security is increasingly on the national agenda for governments and firms in the UK and Europe. In November 2016, the UK government launched its National Cyber Security Strategy, setting out plans to make Britain more secure and resilient in cyber space.

The cost of a breach can be huge, often reaching millions of pounds. According to Accenture and the Ponemon Institute, the average cost of a cyber-attack is now $13 million. The Annual Cost of Cybercrime study found that criminals are adapting their attack methods by targeting the human layer — the weakest link in cyber defence — through increased ransomware with phishing and social engineering attacks as a path to entry.

GDPR: One year on

After the Update to General Data Protection regulation (GDPR) came into force in May 2018, companies operating in the EU must comply with new rules governing the use of their data – or face a fine of up to 4% of global turnover. Over the last year, these fines have started to happen: British Airways (BA) is facing a record fine of £183 million and Marriott Hotel Group faces a £99 million fine.

A programme with a difference

The Future of Cyber Security Conference 2020 features a unique programme that allows delegates to choose the topics that interest them most.

There will be an increased opportunity to network with CSOs and senior board level colleagues. Meanwhile, sessions will deliver top level intelligence briefings on cyber security – featuring new technologies and trends and looking at the impact of Brexit on cyber security generally.

Rather than simply delivering a generic overview of the latest developments, these sessions will be structured in a practical way that helps delegates to enhance the cyber security strategies of their organisations.

In the afternoon, delegates will learn key strategic information on the hottest topics in cyber security at the moment, including the fast-approaching GDPR, delivered by major organisations that are leading the thinking and development in these fields.

Learn more about The Future of Cyber Security Conference 2020 or register as a delegate.

Unrivalled opportunities for cyber security specialists

The associated The Future of Cyber Security Conference 2020 exhibition provides suppliers in this field with an unrivalled platform to showcase their products and services. 

The exhibition will benefit from a high volume of visitors throughout the day, with the targeted nature of the conference drawing a national audience of senior decision-makers. 

Learn more about The Future of Cyber Security Conference 2020 or contact us if you would like to register as an exhibitor. As always, we extend a very warm welcome to all our colleagues who share a commitment to improving data security.