April 30, 2013

cybersecurity

Cyber attacks – malicious or mischievous attempts to disrupt or damage via computer systems – are becoming commonplace.  At the same time we are becoming increasingly reliant on personal computing devices and highly interconnected systems regulating everything from communications and transport to energy and finance.

Computing engineers and security experts argue that this creates vulnerability which could have severe impacts on public life.  Smart energy grids, passenger display boards at airports and railway stations, traffic lights, food supply chains and water are all reliant on networked systems.  How vulnerable is our infrastructure to attack, and where might it come from?

Results from a new survey of small and medium sized businesses by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) were discussed at this briefing, and the IET argued that the necessary skills to protect against cyber threats are in short supply in the UK.

A panel of engineers came to the SMC to discuss where the weak points are and what we are doing – and failing to do – to protect ourselves. 

Speakers: 

Hugh Boyes, Cyber Security Lead at the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

Dr Sally Leivesley, Managing Director of Newrisk Ltd, advisor on catastrophic risk to companies and governments

Prof Alan Woodward, Visiting Professor in Cybersecurity at the University of Surrey

Prof Kenny Paterson, Professor of Information Security at Royal Holloway, University of London