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ESG takes centre stage at South West Cyber Security Cluster annual conference

Joe Bevan
Authored by Joe Bevan
Posted: Tuesday, January 28, 2025 - 15:57

The intersection of cybersecurity and social responsibility will be explored at the annual conference of the South West Cyber Security Cluster, taking place in Exeter on 25 April, with representatives from Ofcom and the UK Government among the confirmed speakers.

Supported by Tech South West, the full-day event builds upon the success of last year's conference, which attracted nearly 500 attendees, with a focus on the ESG (environmental, social and governance) aspects of proper cyber practice.

The conference will feature keynote presentations and speaker panels, exploring how regulation and enforcement shape cyber governance and online safety. 

Geoff Revill, Director of the South West Cyber Security Cluster, said: "As we become an increasingly digital-first nation, cybersecurity can no longer be treated as separate from society. This conference aims to bridge the gap between technical cybersecurity and its broader societal impact, particularly focusing on the 'S' in ESG - the social aspect of corporate responsibility."

A representative of the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) will deliver a keynote talk at the event, laying out how regulation supports businesses to develop good cyber governance. 

A talk by Ofcom will explore the role of enforcement in the context of regulation like the Online Safety Act, an increasingly hot topic as the UK leads the world in seeking to guide social platforms towards good societal practise.

Dan Pritchard, co-founder and director of Tech South West, said: “This event promises to provide real values to industry leaders seeking to navigate the choppy waters of cybersecurity and business governance. From startup founders to leaders of established businesses, understanding the increasingly vital connection between cyber technology and social value is fundamental to building a resilient, responsible brand.”

The event will bring together industry experts, government representatives, and business leaders to discuss how organisations can strengthen their cyber credentials while contributing positively to society. Topics will include digital safety in business, regulatory compliance, and the role of emerging technologies such as large language models (such as ChatGPT and Claude) in shaping our digital future.

The conference will be held in partnership with the University of Exeter's cyber security department and will precede BSides Exeter, creating a powerful two-day cybersecurity focus in the region. 

For tickets and to learn about sponsorship opportunities: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cyber-in-society-an-esg-exploration-tickets-1111787780179 

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