Registration opens for November’s Jisc cyber security conference

There is one free place available for every Jisc member at the three-day event, which will be held at the ICC in Newport, Wales, from 7 to 9 November.

It will offer a hybrid experience: the first two days will be in-person, bringing the Jisc security community together for the first time since the pandemic. A virtual programme, including the exclusively online third day, opens up participation to a wider audience.

Preparing for the zero-trust, multi-cloud world

The conference will explore how, in a multi-cloud world, the education and broader public sector can achieve resilient zero-trust practices; these aim to make every part of a network architecture safe and protected by ensuring users validate their identity at every stage of their journey through a system.

It will offer talks and workshops with industry thought leaders, and will focus on four key themes:

• Zero trust: How to balance protection with open research and learning globally
• Cyber resilience:  Preparation is key. Understand the benefits of threat intelligence, security awareness training, and other measures to build strong defenses
• A multi-cloud world: How to tackle the security challenges presented when organisations use multiple cloud service providers
• Sharing is caring: Jisc is encouraging the sector to share war stories of attacks, case studies, and top tips on the theme of ‘defending as one’

Other topics on the agenda include the importance of information security, how best to build and use disaster recovery plans and resilient backups, and the value of an holistic, whole-organisation approach.

The latter point is particularly important for sector leaders, as Steve Kennett, Jisc’s CISO, points out:

“Cyber security is not just another IT issue: a strong security posture derives from good governance and a positive culture, alongside assurance and comprehensive technical measures.

“Security incidents happen without warning and we cannot underestimate the importance of good preparation. The ‘cure’ is infinitely more stressful and more expensive. Don’t make the mistake of thinking ‘it’ll never happen’: it’s a case of when not if.”

Who should register and why?

Aimed at senior leaders as well as IT leaders and practitioners, attendees will gain a strategic overview of the issues and a deeper understanding of the tactical responses necessary to safeguard organisations against ever-changing threats.

Register now

It’s possible to register for in-person tickets for the first two days, or for the third day, which is online only.

Every Jisc member organisation can claim a complementary ticket for the in-person event. Email secconf@jisc.ac.uk for details.

Explore how you can be more secure by downloading our cyber security checklist (pdf).