Critical National Infrastructure in the Commercial World

CAMBRIDGE, U.K. - Sept. 2, 2014 - PRLog -- Cyer Security - Are We Safe Yet?

2 September 2014: The Cambridge Wireless (CW) ‘Critical National Infrastructure in a Commercial World’ event will be held at Bird and Bird LLP in London on 16^th September 2014.  With speakers at the forefront of dealing with cyber security in the Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), the event will deliver insights into the current security situation, looking at the effectiveness of Cyber Security as well as the real business requirements for Operational Technology Cyber Security. With perspectives from private sector operators and engineers, it will also examine the increasing expectations of society and how these expose the CNI systems to hostile environments and the importance of embedding cyber security awareness into the workforce.

We rely heavily on a secure and resilient CNI; electricity supply, water, communications, transportation and so on. The majority of CNI is owned and operated by private companies, who are obliged to use off-the-shelf products, equipment and technology.  Service providers are expected to maintain internet connectivity in order to effectively keep the public up to date, while they depend on commercial networks to transmit underpinning CNI information. All of these factors create a high risk atmosphere, which leaves CNI open to threat.

Since the Stuxnet virus hit in 2010 the vulnerability of the CNI became increasingly apparent. Reports from Chatham House around that time revealed that organisations were contradictory in the awareness, realisation and ability to confront cyber security risks. On one hand they acknowledged the risk, and on the other, showed an acceptance of very high levels of risk. But are risks inevitable and what kind of complex environment is being created that organisations have to control?

The Managing Director of JRC Ltd, Adrian Grilli will be discussing the impact in ‘Smart Cities’ and the ‘Internet of Things’. He commented: “The one network on which all CNI is based is electricity. Without it, our modern world grinds to a halt very quickly. We need to look at the challenges of managing and keeping CNI secure in an ever more intricate commercial environment.”

Graham Wright CBE, CISO and Global Head of Digital Risk at National Grid said “Every aspect of modern society is centred on the seamless stability of CNI. The public have expectations that need to be filled without them really knowing. Keeping these CNIs safe from threat is a high level security issue. An event such as this is critical to address such issues and ensure that organisations involved are taking part in the discussions, and creating an awareness of the importance of cyber security.”

This is a half day event that will explore the challenges of managing and keeping CNI secure in this ever more complex environment. More information about the event can be found on the CW website by following this link: http://www.cambridgewireless.co.uk/events.

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About Cambridge Wireless (CW)

CW is the leading international community for companies involved in the research, development and application of wireless & mobile, internet, semiconductor and software technologies. With 400 members from major network operators and device manufacturers to innovative start-ups and universities, CW stimulates debate and collaboration, harnesses and shares knowledge, and helps to build connections between academia and industry.

CW's 19 Special Interest Groups (SIGs) provide its members with a dynamic forum where they can network with their peers, track the latest technology trends and business developments and position their organisations in key market sectors. CW also organises the annual Future of Wireless International Conference and Discovering Start-ups competition along with other high-quality industry networking events and dinners. With headquarters at the heart of Cambridge, UK, CW partners with other international industry clusters and organisations to extend its reach and remain at the forefront of global developments and business opportunities. For more information, please visit www.cambridgewireless.co.uk

For Cambridge Wireless please contact:

Lily Cheng

Cambridge Wireless

01223 967101, lily.cheng@cambridgewireless.co.uk