Free event to increase North-east businesses’ preparedness for the inevitability of cyberattacks

With 50% of UK businesses experiencing some form of cyber security breach or attack last year and this expected to rise to a level where every business is targeted at some point, a free event is being held in Aberdeen to educate and inform businesses on how to prepare and respond when they are breached by cyber criminals. 

Fifth Ring, the international B2B marketing specialist that is headquartered in Aberdeen, and Inverroy Crisis Management, have organised Cyberdeen, a half day conference being held in Aberdeen city centre this month (Thursday 26th September 2024), offering practical help and advice on dealing with cyber incidents so a serious attack doesn’t risk security, damage the business, its reputation or, in the worst case, affect the business’ viability.

This event brings together experts covering all aspects of business continuity during and after a cyberattack. From planning and management to communications, incident response and crisis leadership, attendees will gain critical knowledge and practical strategies to navigate the complex landscape of cyberthreats.

It is specifically targeted at the Aberdeen area and surrounding communities and features case studies from a local business that has faced a cyberattack and had to deal with the associated complexities. 

Jennifer Maclennan, Regional Director, Europe, Fifth Ring, will be leading the topic of communication in a cyberattack at Cyberdeen.  For over 25 years, Fifth Ring has been supporting companies globally to effectively handle crisis communication situations.

She said: “The increasing risk of cyber security breaches means more businesses than ever are acknowledging they need to take the threat seriously. Cyberattacks are inevitable - it’s not a question of if, but when, it will happen to a business, its colleagues, suppliers or customers - everyone will eventually face the impact of a cyberattack, and the key is to be prepared.

“The event is highly relevant for every business, regardless of its size, and we believe in the importance of both highlighting the prevalence of cyberattacks and advising businesses on the benefits of planning ahead for preventing attacks and reacting appropriately should an attack happen. We are looking forward to a highly informative knowledge sharing event.”

Cyberdeen will  focus on discussing the key cybersecurity topics for businesses to consider. The event concludes with a lunch and networking opportunity.

Cyberdeen topics include:

• Crisis Trends - Matthew Wardner and Professor Phil Wood, Inverroy
• Cyber Attacks - A real-life case study
• Incident Response – Alex Dowall, Cyber and Fraud Centre - Scotland
• Media Management - Jennifer Maclennan, Fifth Ring
• Crisis Leadership - Martin Smith, CyberPrism

Plus:

• Q&A panel discussion 

Inverroy provides organisational resilience consultancy and training for its clients.

Matthew Wardner, founder and Chief Executive at Inverroy Crisis Management, said: “We encourage businesses to be proactive, not reactive. Unlike traditional cybersecurity events that focus on prevention, Cyberdeen centres on businesses establishing a robust business continuity plan. The goal is to manage and mitigate the effects when a cyberattack occurs, ensuring a business can survive and recover.

“Cybercrime is a rapidly evolving threat with substantial financial, operational and reputational impacts. It is crucial for businesses to stay informed and establish cybersecurity measures as cybercriminals continue to develop more sophisticated methods.”

Cyberdeen takes place on Thursday 26th September 2024, 8am – 1pm, ONE Tech Hub, Schoolhill, Aberdeen AB10 1JQ.