First coastal cyber security conference held in Weston-super-Mare
CSIDES brings digital resilience and online safety to the seaside
The UK’s first coastal cyber security conference is being held today in Weston-super-Mare, bringing together businesses, educators and residents to learn practical tools to stay safe online.
Labour MP for Weston-super-Mare Dan Aldridge said it was “incredible to see an event like this happening right here in Weston,” adding that “our coastal towns can sometimes feel left behind, so this is a real boost.”
He also highlighted the broader risks facing the UK: “It is a real problem… the UK is under sustained and consistent attack from non-state actors and from state actors… Our vulnerabilities are across the country. So we need to be strong and we need to be safe.” Aldridge stressed that these risks affect everyone, saying: “That goes from everybody who uses any form of technology, whether it is how you take payments in your small shop… or if you are part of a bigger organization but work remotely in Weston.”
Hazel, one of the organisers, said: “Cyber security doesn’t just belong to the big cities. By holding this event here, we’re proving that innovation and resilience can thrive far beyond urban centres.”
Organised by Defend Together CIC, the conference features workshops, interactive sessions and expert talks covering phishing scams, ransomware protection, online privacy and community resilience. Speakers include Colin Topping, Lorna Lambert, Adam Harrison, Kyle G., Dr Clare Johnson and Zafrin Malek Mithila.
Organisers say the event will help protect local residents and businesses while creating lasting opportunities for Weston.