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News.

Cloth Hall Court to host sell-out cyber security conference

The newly AIM Gold awarded Cloth Hall Court by Well Met will welcome around 300 delegates tomorrow, Friday 26 January, for the very first dedicated conference designed for cyber security experts. The BSides conference has been organised by students from Leeds Beckett University’s School of Computing, Creative Technologies and Engineering, along with the university’s Ethical Hacking Society.

With tickets selling out only hours after their release, the conference is set to be attended by a number of experts from the security industry and is sponsored by high profile companies including Sky Betting and Gaming, the Co-operative, Octopi Tech, Pentest Partners, Xiphos Research and REDACTED Firm.

Along with the chance to hear from a range of specialists who will cover everything from social engineering to the latest attacks on systems, delegates will also have the opportunity to engage in practical workshops which will look at developing new skills and technology.

Emlyn Butterfield, Course Director for forensics and security courses at Leeds Beckett, including MSc Computer Security, said:
“This event is a great opportunity for people within the security industry to come together, network and share expertise. Leeds has shown itself to be a hub of digital activity, and the inclusion of this conference further reinforces the specialist skills and knowledge available locally.

Our students will have the opportunity to get real world knowledge which will reinforce their learning and give them the opportunity to talk to industry on a massive scale. We will hear about a range of security technologies and techniques that are at the forefront of the security industry.”

Mark Carney, BSides founder, said: “We aim to create a space that will bring together industry luminaries, professionals, businesses, students and those aiming to get into the industry, to discuss current topics and technical viewpoints. The cyber security industry is growing, and with the arrival of the BSides conference, Leeds is further establishing itself as a centre for excellence in the industry.”

Clare Vidler, Conference Manager at Cloth Hall Court, commented: “Hosting a conference of this scale and importance is a real honour. To host the very first BSides conference is fantastic accolade for the city and further promotes the view that Leeds is fast becoming the hub of technological and digital advancement in the UK. We anticipate that this conference is the catalyst for development within the industry on a huge scale, and are looking forward to being a part of that journey.”