We were pleased to welcome guests to The Sheepfolds in Sunderland for our latest in‑person event, Get Hands-On with Cyber Security – a practical session focused on the importance of cyber security and the real-world impact a cyber attack can have on a business.
The session was led by Marketing Manager Connor Thomas, who opened with an overview of current trends in technology and security, set against the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and the growing attack surface available to cyber criminals.
Cyber security is everyone’s responsibility
From the exploitation of smart technology to the ripple effect of an attack across the supply chain, it quickly became clear that cyber security can no longer sit with IT alone. It is now a shared responsibility across the entire business – everyone needs to be vigilant and has a role to play in protecting the organisation.
Understanding today’s cyber threats
The session moved on to current tactics and risks, including the shift towards data exfiltration and extortion. This trend has been driven by stronger backup strategies, faster attack methods, and lower costs for criminals. Connor also explored emerging risks such as Vibe Coding and the dangers of Shadow AI, reinforcing just how accessible cyber crime has become.
To bring this to life, attendees were guided through real-world cyber attack case studies, highlighting not only how common these incidents are, but also the very real human and operational impact of a breach.
The good news: protection is advancing
The good news is that as cyber crime evolves, so does cyber protection.
The presentation concluded with an overview of how cyber security solutions have advanced in recent years, reaffirming that robust protection is practical, achievable, and essential for businesses of every size.
Learning through Decisions and Disruptions
Following the presentation, attendees were invited to take part in Decisions and Disruptions with members of the ITC Service team.
Decisions and Disruptions is a hands-on game that allows players to experience the difficult choices involved in implementing cyber security in a safe and memorable way. Working in groups, participants debated and agreed on the best course of action to protect their business, guided by our team and competing for the top spot.
Networking and lunch at The Sheepfolds
After the activity, guests enjoyed lunch from Propa Pies, providing an opportunity to network, continue conversations from the session, and enjoy some fantastic food.
Thank you for joining us
Thank you again to everyone who attended Get Hands-On with Cyber Security. We hope you found the session useful and informative, and we look forward to welcoming you to a future ITC Service event.
