Last week, KnowBe4, the global leader in security awareness training and simulated phishing platforms, teamed up with aql, one of the world’s most innovative telecom operators, to host our first joint CyberSecure Leeds: Human Risk & Connectivity Summit. The event was borne from discussions held last year when Adam Beaumont, founder & chairman of aql and Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, helped KnowBe4 in opening its Leeds office. Since then, the partnership has flourished, leading to the launch of CyberSecure Leeds as part of the Leeds Digital Festival 2024.
Held in the atmospheric setting of aql’s historic Salem Chapel, the event was designed for business and security professionals to enhance their cybersecurity strategies, focusing on human risk factors like phishing, social engineering, and AI-powered cyber threats.
The summit was met with positivity in the region, particularly as most events of this calibur tend to be focused on the South of England. It brought together leading minds in cybersecurity to address the evolving landscape of cyber threats. Hosted by renowned cybersecurity expert Javvad Malik, the summit featured a panel discussion with prominent figures in the field:
- Alhannah Crewe, Head of Security Culture at Travelopia
- Fiona McGregor, Risk Manager at Arm UK
- Stacey Bull, Senior Manager Cyber-Human Threat at Reckitt Benckiser
Together, they delved into the cybersecurity behaviors and attitudes of UK workers, particularly as revealed in KnowBe4’s “TAPPED Out” survey – which Eskenzi also helped devise and carry out through Censuswide. This survey highlighted the mental states of employees – tired, angry, distracted, and more – and how these feelings influence their approach to cybersecurity. The panel provided crucial insights on improving security habits not just in the workplace, but also in employees’ personal lives, and emphasised how to keep teams engaged in security awareness training.
We also loved that this was a panel made up entirely of women – not speaking about their roles as “women in cyber” – but professionals talking about security issues and how they deal with them on a daily basis.
A major topic of discussion was the emerging threat landscape that takes advantage of today’s hybrid work environments. The panel addressed how cybercriminals are increasingly targeting collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams and leveraging new attack vectors such as fraudulent meeting invites. These evolving tactics underscore the need for security training that adapts to new challenges, meeting employees where they are most vulnerable.
The Power of Regional Events in PR
The choice of Leeds as the event location was particularly strategic. Leeds has a growing reputation as a digital hub, and hosting such a key cybersecurity event as part of the Leeds Digital Festival reflects its importance in the broader tech ecosystem. Regional events like this offer unique opportunities for local businesses to come together, network, and exchange ideas, fostering stronger ties within the community. These events also highlight the local tech scene, offering PR opportunities that can enhance a region’s visibility on a national and global level.
Regional events, especially those hosted in collaboration with respected local businesses, provide an unmatched platform for engaging with target audiences in an authentic, community-focused way. They allow businesses to tailor their messaging to local issues and concerns, making their solutions feel more relevant and accessible.
Additionally, these events help establish a regional identity for innovation and leadership, drawing attention from media, potential clients and in some cases investors. This is particularly true for growing tech hubs like Leeds, which can leverage these events to cement their reputation as a leading centre for digital advancement. The local flavour also encourages community participation and provides an avenue for businesses to showcase their commitment to regional development, further boosting their public relations efforts.
This summit in Leeds marks a pivotal step forward in strengthening cybersecurity education across the region. By addressing the human element of cybersecurity and fostering collaboration among professionals, the CyberSecure Leeds summit represents a proactive approach to communications on a regional scale and the importance of tapping into local business communities.
