First coastal cyber security conference held in Weston-super-Mare

Dan Aldridge, Labour MP for Weston-super-Mare, has announced he will be joining CSIDES, the UK’s first cyber security conference tailored specifically for coastal communities, taking place in Weston on October 3rd.

Organised by Defend Together CIC, the event will bring together businesses, educators and residents to learn practical tools to stay safe online. Attendees will have access to workshops, interactive sessions and expert talks covering everything from phishing scams and ransomware protection to digital literacy and community cyber resilience.

The speaker line-up includes Colin Topping (Founder, Ginger Cat Cyber Security), Lorna Lambert (Security Operations Manager), Adam Harrison (Managing Director), Kyle G. (Security Operations Specialist), Dr Clare Johnson (Capability Lead, Cyber & Networks), and Zafrin Malek Mithila (Security Operations Analyst).

Sponsors include Redflags (from ThinkCyber), Consultants Like Us, Punk Security, C/SIDE, and 4Fox.

Dan Aldridge said; “Having worked in the tech sector for years, it’s incredible to see an event like this happening right here in Weston. Our coastal towns can sometimes feel left behind when it comes to opportunities like this, so to have the UK’s first coastal cyber conference taking place on our doorstep is a real boost.

I’m excited to join this event and see the difference it can make in equipping people and businesses with the tools they need to stay safe online.”

Hazel, one of the organisers of CSIDES, said; “Cyber security doesn’t just belong to the big cities. CSIDES is about bringing world-class expertise to the coast, making sure communities like Weston-super-Mare aren’t left behind in the digital economy. By holding this event here, we’re proving that innovation, opportunity, and resilience can thrive far beyond the usual urban centres.”

Workshops on the day will cover phishing awareness, ransomware protection, online privacy, and ways to build stronger digital communities along the coast.

The event marks a major opportunity for Weston to be at the forefront of tackling cyber threats and boosting digital resilience in coastal communities across the country.

Tickets can be found at; https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/csides-weston-super-mare-tickets-1278111930189