About this Event
We rely on emails, online accounts, cloud systems and digital tools every day. But with that reliance comes risk – and cyber criminals are continually looking for ways to exploit weaknesses in technology, processes and people.
At this RL Business Club event, we’re going beyond simply talking about cyber security. You’ll get to see the threat brought to life through a 45-minute interactive live hacking session, alongside practical advice and guidance from experts working across cyber security, banking and fraud prevention.
The event will help you understand how cyber criminals operate, some of the threats organisations are facing and, most importantly, the practical steps we can all take to better protect our organisations.
And you don’t need to be an IT or cyber security expert to benefit. Cyber security is everyone’s responsibility, and this event is designed to make the subject accessible, relevant and useful whatever your role.
You'll learn how to:
- See first-hand how cyber criminals can exploit vulnerabilities through an interactive live hacking session
- Understand some of the current cyber threats and trends affecting organisations
- Better protect business accounts, passwords, data and people
- Understand how your online presence can create potential security and privacy risks
- Recognise fraud risks and some of the steps that can help prevent and prepare for fraud
- Know what to do and where to report it if you or your organisation becomes a victim of fraud
- Take practical steps to make your organisation more resilient to cyber crime and fraud
Register for FREE today via this Eventbrite page and learn how you can play your part in protecting your organisation.
We’re looking forward to seeing you there!
Event speakers:
1. Bob McKay – Cyber and Infosec Director, Aspire Technology Solutions
Bob is Cyber & InfoSec Director at Aspire Technology Solutions, where he leads the organisation’s information security and operations teams. With over 25 years’ experience across cyber security, IT infrastructure and business systems, Bob has worked with a wide range of organisations, from SMEs to government bodies, helping them strengthen their security and resilience.
Bob's talk:
AI is changing the cyber security landscape – but what is the real threat amongst all the noise and sensationalism?
Bob will explore the real impact AI is having on cyber security and what organisations can do to defend themselves against emerging threats, drawing on the latest statistics and insights from Anthropic and the Government’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
He’ll also take attendees inside the activities of Helix, a new criminal group detected by Aspire’s Security Operations Centre, looking at the techniques they are using and the new approach they are taking to cyber crime.
Bob will explore how the group operates, what Aspire’s security team has observed and, importantly, what their methods could mean for businesses. It’s an opportunity to gain insight into a newly detected cyber threat and understand how the tactics used by cyber criminals continue to evolve.
Billy Carrick – Business Relationship Manager, Barclays
Billy Carrick is a Business Relationship Manager at Barclays, working with businesses across the North East. He regularly delivers interactive sessions to business owners and individuals, sharing practical guidance on fraud and cyber security.
Billy's talk:
Billy will provide an overview of the current fraud and scams landscape across the North East, including how businesses are increasingly being targeted.
He will also share practical guidance on reviewing your online privacy, passwords and data breaches finishing with the steps you can take to help protect both yourself and your business.
Police Sergeant Paul Mann – North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU)
Paul works with the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit, supporting efforts to protect individuals and organisations from organised crime and fraud. Paul is also part of the National Fraud Protect Network, led by City of London Police, which works to help individuals and organisations become more resilient against fraud and economic crime.
Paul's talk:
His session will focus on fraud awareness, prevention and preparation, helping attendees understand the steps they can take to protect themselves, their colleagues and their businesses.
He will share practical advice and guidance on fraud prevention, including the importance of recognising risks early, knowing how to respond and using practical tools such as fraud checklists to strengthen protection.
Who is this event for?
Cyber security and fraud prevention are everyone’s responsibility – not just the IT team or senior management.
Whatever your role within an organisation, the decisions you make every day can play a part in keeping your business, colleagues and customers safe.
You don’t need any technical or cyber security knowledge to attend. The sessions will bring the risks to life in an accessible and practical way, helping you understand how cyber criminals and fraudsters operate, where vulnerabilities can arise and the part you can play in protecting your organisation.
You'll benefit from attending if:
- You want to understand how a cyber attack can actually happen, rather than simply hearing about the risks
- Protecting your organisation's finances, data, systems or people is part of your role
- Cyber crime, fraud, data breaches or the security of your business accounts are a concern
- You'd like to understand some of the latest threats and trends affecting organisations
- Better preparing your colleagues to recognise potential risks is a priority
- You're unsure what your organisation should do if it becomes a victim of cyber crime or fraud
- Practical advice you can take back to your organisation and act on would be valuable
Our aim for this event:
Our aim is to make cyber security and fraud prevention real, relevant and practical for business leaders.
Rather than focusing on technical jargon, we'll show you how attacks can happen, explore the threats organisations are currently facing and provide practical guidance to help you strengthen your defences.
You'll leave with a better understanding of the risks facing your organisation, how cyber criminals and fraudsters can exploit vulnerabilities, and the steps you can take to better protect your people, data and finances.
Agenda
🕑: 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Tea, coffee and networking
Info: Have a brew and make some new connections!
🕑: 04:25 PM - 04:30 PM
Introduction to the RL Business Club
Host: Jack Spoor (Event Host) - Robson Laidler
🕑: 04:30 PM - 04:45 PM
Staying safe in a digital world
Host: Billy Carrick - Barclays, Business Relationship Manager
Info: Billy will provide an overview of the current fraud and scams landscape across the North East, including how businesses are increasingly being targeted, and to protect both yourself and your business.
🕑: 04:45 PM - 05:00 PM
Fraud: prevent, prepare, protect
Host: Paul Mann – Police Sergeant, NEROCU
Info: Paul will share practical advice and guidance on fraud prevention, including the importance of recognising risks early, knowing how to respond and using practical tools such as fraud checklists to strengthen protection.
🕑: 05:00 PM - 05:45 PM
How AI is changing cyber security and an exciting cyber attack demo!
Host: Bob McKay - Aspire, Cyber Director
Info: Bob will explore how AI is changing the cyber security landscape and what organisations can do to better defend themselves. He’ll also walk through a cyber attack, bringing to life how attacks can unfold and the methods cyber criminals are using.
🕑: 05:45 PM - 06:00 PM
Q&A Panel
Host: The full speaker lineup
Info: Pick the brains of the speaker panel and ask any questions you had from their talks.
Event venue & nearby stays
Aspire Technology Solutions Ltd, Pipewellgate, Gateshead, United Kingdom