University hosts symposium on cyber security leadership

Lancaster University brought together some of the leading names in the field of cyber security to discuss the importance of developing strong leadership.

The Cyber Security Leadership Symposium 2023 was delivered in partnership between Lancaster University and Templar Executives and brought together leading figures from UK national security agencies, including the National Cyber Security Centre, Ministry of Defence, National Crime Agency, and industry leaders from the nuclear, maritime, health and commercial sectors.

The more than 150 delegates at the event, which was held under the Chatham House rule, heard that cyber security knowledge among senior leadership teams has never been more important, and how cyber leadership roles make or break cyber security initiatives in organisations. Senior UK security figures also shared insights into the qualities that are essential for those seeking to become cyber leaders.

Daniel Prince, professor of cyber security at Lancaster University, said: “It is vital to bring together our community of cyber security leaders to discuss their leadership practice, rather than just the latest technology.

"Cyber security is about people and culture, not just technology, and this event creates a safe space for individuals to learn and share this critical skills set. Without developing the area of cyber leadership, all the technology in the world will not be able to ensure organisations are resilient in the face of cyber threats."

He added: “This unique symposium brought together leaders from across the UK to hear from some of the UK’s top experts about what qualities make good cyber leaders and the critical role leaders have in driving cyber secure organisational cultures.

“It was fantastic to be able to welcome these experts and leaders from across a multiple of industries and public sector organisations, to share ideas and insights here. The North West as a region is accelerating in growth as a leading, diverse hub for cyber security in the UK.”

Cyber leadership is of increasing importance in a rapidly developing digital economy. Government reports show there is a significant shortage of cyber security knowledge at the highest levels of UK organisations.

According to the government’s Cyber Security Skills in the UK Labour Market 2022 report, more than half of UK businesses have a cyber security skills gap. The report also highlighted the severe lack of training and development for cyber security leaders and managers and the impact this is having on the protection of organisations.

The symposium saw a range of high-profile speakers including: Paul Chichester, director of operations at the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC); Claire Fry, director of functional integration for the Ministry of Defence’s Digital Function; Dr Claudia Natanson, and Simon Hepburn, UK Cyber Security Council; and Dr Mary Haigh, chief information security officer for BAE Systems.

Speakers discussed global trends, methods of thinking, the need for improved communication between cyber technologists and other senior decision-makers, and barriers to innovation. There were also panel discussions on maritime security, cyber leadership for the health sector, creating a global cyber leadership network, and opportunities for cross-sector cyber leadership.