South West cyber security conference BSides Exeter returns for 2025
After its inaugural conference in 2024, cyber security event BSides Exeter is set to return at an even greater scale in 2025.
Hosted at the University of Exeter on 26 April, the community-driven cyber security event aims to attract over 400 attendees, following last year’s turnout of 325 people. Attendees came from a diverse range backgrounds, making the event an inclusive platform for both current and aspiring cyber security professionals.
Bridging local talent and global opportunities
Organised by Adam Langley, Liam Glanfield, Peter Jones, and Stuart Baker, alongside a supporting cast of volunteers, BSides Exeter is part of a global series of grassroots cyber security events that foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing. The 2025 event aims to offer local professionals and students the opportunity to connect with businesses and organisations both regionally and nationally.
Peter Jones, co-organiser of BSides Exeter, said: “We were blown away by the response to last year’s event. The feedback was incredible, and it’s clear that the appetite for cyber security in our region is huge. We’re setting the bar even higher for 2025, with a stronger focus on not just today’s professionals but also the young people who don’t yet know the exciting career opportunities awaiting them in cyber security.”
A fast-growing industry with real impact
Last year, in the UK, government figures showed that half of businesses (50%) and around a third of charities (32%) reported having experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months.1
Cyber security is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the UK. Over the past year, government figures showed that the sector had a 13% increase in revenue, growing to £11.9 billion and creating 2,700 new jobs, with over 60,000 people in the UK now working in cyber security.2
Events like BSides Exeter help link local talent with opportunities to work with local, national and global businesses.
Focus on the next generation
In 2025, BSides Exeter is putting a stronger emphasis on engaging with young people and schools, aiming to inspire the next wave of cyber security experts. By introducing students to career paths in areas like ethical hacking and digital forensics, the event is helping to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the UK.
Before the main event, on Friday 25th April 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM, the BSides Exeter team will be running a mini event just for secondary school children. This event is aimed at the next generation and will feature a live hack and defence session. BSides Exeter encourages teachers and parents to get in touch if this is something they believe their children would enjoy taking part in.
More information and tickets available at https://bsidesexeter.co.uk/
