31 Mar 2022

Global cyber security expert gives cyber warning ahead of major NEC event

  • The Security Event is free to attend and will take place at NEC Birmingham (5-7 April)
  • Conference brings together global experts on cyber threat and protecting your business through to workplace wellbeing and mental health
  • Speakers from the Home Office, Starbucks, and Unilever

Midlands’ firms may be unprepared for cyber attacks according to a leading expert, as the sector’s largest conference comes to Birmingham.

Philip Ingram MBE, global cyber commentator and keynote speaker at The Security Event (5 - 7 April, NEC Birmingham) said:

“Cyber attacks are more common than many believe - the proportion of firms attacked rose from 38% to 43% over the past year. In the current climate, the reality is it is likely to increase further.”

Ingram cites the growth in working from home as a potential vulnerability:

“Moving to a work from home model has left us all more exposed to cyber attacks. Without the right firewalls, protection or training, downloading the wrong file or opening an email from an unknown sender could result in costly damage.

“Cyber attacks can take down businesses for days, even weeks at a time. All companies must look at how they are protecting themselves and what more they can do. It is a real risk.” 

Ingram added: “Cyber security should be leading Midlands businesses' risk registers right now - it is a concern, not just for the tech team but for everyone in the business.”

 

The Security Event will take place across three halls at the NEC Birmingham. As well as The Security Event, visitors will also have free access to three other major leading industry events co-located for the first time - The Workplace Event, The Fire Safety Event, and The Health & Safety Event.

With speakers including Prof. Fraser Sampson, Surveillance Camera and Biometrics Commissioner for the Home Office, Letitia Emeana, Head of Security at Unilever and Jonny Jacobs, Finance Director EMEA for Starbucks, a strong champion of mental health in business - the event will help Midlands’ firms tackle not only cyber security, but also workplace wellbeing - an increasing concern for all businesses.

 

Peter Jones, Chief Executive of the Nineteen Group, says:

“UK business owners have a lot to contend with right now, from cyber threats and data breaches to staff wellbeing and retention, as well as getting to grips with the introduction of new working models.

“In bringing this event to the NEC, Midlands’ businesses have on their doorstep all the advice, expertise and guidance needed - for free - to future proof their business and set it up for success.”