Cyber Security Awareness Month 2024 Programme announced

Throughout October, Islanders can sign up for one of 20 free events to help keep themselves safer online.

The events – which are being organised by JCSC – are being run throughout October, which is Cyber Security Awareness Month. The events include sessions designed for the finance, accountancy and hospitality sectors, small business owners, charities, and individuals and families.

Cyber Security Awareness Month was originally founded in the US in 2003 in recognition of the security challenges created by increasing digital connection. The month is designed to raise awareness of cyber security threats, and empower individuals to take steps to protect themselves.

During the month, Islanders can attend several drop-in sessions at Jersey Library and Digital Jersey, as well as lunchtime sessions which introduce essential cyber security concepts and offer practical advice.

The programme also includes sector-specific Cyber Incident Response Exercises (co-delivered by Soteria Communications, and sponsored by JT Global and Appleby). These allow attendees to experience a simulated cyber incident, and plan how they would respond.

In 2024, Cyber Security Awareness Month will also coincide with the 10th year of the Channel Islands Cyber Security Conference. The conference – which is jointly organised by JCSC and the Channel Islands Information Security Forum (CIISF), will take place on Thursday 17 October.

The conference will welcome a range of cyber security experts from around the world, as well as keynote speakers Sir Graeme Lamb (in association with ITC Secure) and Dan Cuthbert, Head of Cyber Research at Banco Santander.

Matt Palmer, Director, JCSC, said: “We’re pleased to once again be offering a range of events to mark Cyber Security Awareness Month. Cyber security is only becoming more crucial as more of us adopt new technology. We saw the impact an incident can have during the Crowdstrike incident back in July: it caused disruption to flights in the UK, and to healthcare in Jersey.

“Despite this, we know that there are lots of Islanders who find the whole topic of cyber security intimidating, and aren’t sure where to start. This is particularly true for smaller organisations who don’t have a dedicated IT team.

“That’s part of the reason why so many of this year’s events are designed for people who don’t have prior knowledge about cyber security. We’re also very conscious that each measure taken by an individual or business adds to the good work already being done and reduces the likelihood of Jersey being successfully targeted.

“Cyber security really is a joint effort, and I’d like to thank all those who have sponsored and otherwise supported this month. This includes the Channels Islands Information Security Forum, the Channel Islands Data Governance Forum, Soteria Communications, JT Global, Appleby, 4D Limited, Black Arrow Cyber, CyberTec Security, Focused IT, Prosperity 24/7 and Resolution IT.”

David Cartwright, Chair of CIISF, said: “I’d like to echo Matt’s thanks to everyone involved with Cyber Security Awareness month and the annual Conference.

“And I’m delighted that year after year we are constantly able to attract eminent speakers like Sir Graeme Lamb and Dan Cuthbert and put on a tremendously worthwhile conference.”

For a full list of events, see below, or read the Channel Island Cyber Security Conference and Event Guide and the 2024 – 2025 Cyber Security Guide below.