On Tuesday, 14th March, we held our UK Bi-Annual Cyber Cluster Collaboration (UKC3) Pan Cluster event at the Midland Hotel in Manchester. Driven by our mission to support regional cyber clusters, we were delighted to have representatives from all 13 clusters in one room. From discussions on the numerous opportunities that UKC3 and the cyber security clusters can offer to local UK communities to the future of cyber security, the day was full of educational talks, plans for the future, opportunities to connect, and even an escape room exercise!
We started the day by discussing UKC3’s future as an umbrella organisation from data collected by KADA Research. Our chair, Linda Smith, highlighted the importance of approaching cyber security awareness from not just a regional level but also national in order to have clear transparency and growth across the country. By setting clear strategies, UKC3 aims to enable our clusters to further inform and assist UK cyber clusters. KADA Research was able to provide more of an insight into how each region working collaboratively can deliver globally inspiring strategies
“Since launching in 2021 UKC3’s Cluster network continues to develop. Representing the regional and national breadth and depth of cyber capability, innovation and skills in the UK. We aim to increase the cluster numbers and collectively represent the UK’s excellence in this sector.”
– Linda Smith, Chair of UKC3
With special guest speakers such as Ulrich Seldeslachts from LSEC – Leaders in Security and Ed Greig from Deloitte Digital, the clusters were able to connect and learn how best we can all dedicate ourselves to building successful and innovative cyber communities naturally.
We ended the day with a fun, and competitive, exercise led by the North Wales Police Cyber crime unit in which cluster representatives teamed up against each other to help prove innocence to a fictional police commissioner. Although a gentle reminder for strong password protection and to be aware of what we as individuals are publishing online, it was just another example of how cyber skills can be taught in a new and innovative way.
Plans are already in place for future UKC3 Pan Clusters in which we’ll be further discussing connections, learning opportunities, networks, and the resources available to participating clusters.
If you are interested in joining one of our clusters- please feel free to connect with us here.
