Last week, experts in the field of cyber security from academia, government and industry came together at the London Campus for the 12th International Conference on Global Security, Safety and Sustainability (ICGS3).
Over the course of 3 days, delegates heard the latest findings from academic research across the world, alongside talks on how industry applies such technology as well as the issues posed by them.
The collaborative nature of the conference festered a real atmosphere of cooperation, with industry representatives challenging the academic community to investigate and solve the issues they face.
A real highlight of this years’ conference was the inclusion of a student poster presentation session on the morning of the first day. It’s the first time this was held at the conference and it’s a feature that’s set to stay due to the overwhelming positive response.
Past and present MSc Cyber Security students, among others, presented their dissertation thesis in the poster room and there was a real diversity in the topics on display. From how blockchain can increase transparency and reduce corruption in development aid to cyber security and securing critical national infrastructure, our students tackled some of the most pressing issues of today.
Others were investigating cyber security skills, from the training police officers receive to engaging with younger girls to increase participation, education was at the forefront of the agenda. Many students also investigated industry applications of cyber technologies, ranging from human behaviour profiling to the Internet of Things in health care.
Opening the conference, Tim Harris, Executive Dean at QA Higher Education, stated that “technology empowers and transforms us and society all” and outlined some important issues for security professionals before stressing the importance of academic and industry fusion to ensure the future sustainability of technology and it’s applications.
Opening the first session was Lord Carlile of Berriew, CBE, QC, FRSA – a highly regarded public figure and expert in national security matters. Reflecting on his experience as Independent Reviewer of terrorism legislation in the UK, Lord Carlile was clear that cyber security is essential for national security and discussed issues around personal data, security and protecting civil liberties.
What followed were academics and industry practitioners presenting their latest papers and projects. Delegates heard of the latest developments in biometrics authentication using the eye, explored case studies in the use of Industrial Internet of Things for business intelligence, to AI in maritime defence and cyber security for future smart cities.
Again, much-like the student poster session, the diversity of topics was a real strength of the conference. Professor Bobby Tait from the University of South Africa, who was on the Steering Committee, summed it up nicely: “The broadness of Global Security, Safety and Sustainability means this conference isn’t covering a specific topic where every attendee already knows the subject matter. In this conference we have talks on various topics and issues across multiple industries focussing on different actors – public sector, commercial and academia.”
Closing the session, Professor Hamid Jahankhani, the organiser of the conference and MSc Cyber Security Programme Leader, celebrated the success of the event in providing a fruitful exchange in ideas, friendships and knowledge.
It was a fascinating and successful event, we would like to thank all the attendees and presenters, who all worked together to deliver a fantastic conference.
