Welcome to CyberNorth’s April Newsletter
CyberNorth
The cyber security cluster for the North East, working to grow the sector across the region and create opportunity.
CyberNorth is working to support the growth and development of the whole cyber security community across the North East region. Find out more below and make sure you sign up so you don't miss out on key events and fun activities!
Cyber Access Network
Want to find out more about the careers and opportunities available within the cyber sector?
The Cyber Access Network (CAN) is a free initiative designed to support aspiring cyber security professionals to enter the industry and achieve professional registration.
It connects individuals with valuable resources, networking opportunities, and industry insights to enhance their career readiness.
Influencer Portal is Launched
The Influencing the Influencer portal is now live!
Developed by CyberNorth and supported by Innovate UK and DSIT, the site is designed to give careers advisors and IT teachers the information they need to support young women and girls into careers in cyber in the North East of England.
Supported by North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, the project has certainly been making waves across the region.
What can you expect?
📚 Career pathways in cyber security
💻 Training in cyber security
📹 Video case studies
🎙 Podcast (listen here)
The site is specifically curated for the North East, giving targeted information on the sector to help inform young women and girls.
Get Your CyberFest Tickets
Grab your CyberFest tickets before the year end!
If you're looking to spend your hard-earned cash before the 5th of April year end, it's time to get your CyberFest tickets.
Join hundreds of delegates to come together, connect, debate and learn at our conference and awards events.
Super Early Bird tickets are currently available with up to 25% off full price tickets!
📅 Tuesday 7th October
⏰ 9am-4pm
📍 Newcastle Civic Centre
🏆 CyberNorth Awards - showcasing and celebrating the achievements of individuals and organisations across the cyber security sector in the North East.
📅 Wednesday 22nd October
⏰ 6pm-11.30pm
📍 Tyne Bank Brewery
North East Cyber Innovation Zone update
CyberNorth is keen to bring a formal venture to the North East which will encourage the development of innovative products and services in cyber security. We’re dubbing it the North East Cyber Innovation Zone, to create an environment of support from which businesses can commercialise, grow and thrive.
Working in conjunction with accelerator programme providers, universities and alongside other growing sectors in the region such as maritime, data, FinTech, AI and defence, we aim to build a hub that attracts talent, investment and further trade to the North East, bringing with it significant economic impact to the region.
A document for initial funding from the North East Combined Authority (NECA) is currently in draft and being reviewed by various bodies to ensure the strength of the proposal prior to being submitted formally.
Demand evidence is being gathered at the moment, with formal letters of support from local businesses to show the enthusiasm for the creation of such a hub.
If you would like to know more about the proposal, how you can get involved or would like to show your support, please let us know via hello@cybernorth.biz. We’d love to get this highly ambitious project off the ground.
CYBERUK Fringe Events
As the UK government's flagship cyber security event, hosted by the National Cyber Security Centre, CYBERUK takes place in Manchester from the 6th - 8th May 2025.
CyberNorth are delighted to be attending several fringe events including taking along members of our latest Innovation Centre V2 cohort.
This will be a fantastic opportunity for the delegates to showcase their business, exchange knowledge and collaborate.
The Cyber Security Sectoral Analysis 2025
Feryal Clark MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for AI and Digital Government has launched the Cyber Security Sectoral Analysis 2025, which highlights another record-breaking year for our industry:
This momentum is no accident. It reflects the UK’s strategic focus on cyber security as a pillar of economic growth, digital transformation and national resilience, however, growth brings new challenges: the skills gap persists, AI-driven threats are escalating, and businesses must integrate security-by-design to remain competitive.
OSINT comes to the North East
On March 6th, the UK OSINT Community (Open-source Intelligence) hosted an event in conjunction with CyberNorth, as part of the popular UK OSINT 'Unplugged' roadshow series. This was the first time that the group had put on an event in the region.
Over 70 cybersecurity professionals, technologists & students from the local technology scene turned out to hear from 5 local speakers, collect their UK OSINT merchandise and network over drinks at Newcastle's Banyan Bar.
Among the speakers were CyberNorth regulars Jon Holden and Dr Meera Sawra, and Ade Wheldon from OWASP Newcastle Chapter. It was a great event showcasing the energy and potential in the North East cybersecurity sector, and not least the importance of OSINT in the discipline.
OSINT is a welcome addition to the region's technical community. Stay tuned for future events and don't forget to check out our events page!
First Lumi Quest Completed
CyberNorth is working closely with Lumi.network to bring a new and exciting approach to skills development to the cyber security and FinTech sectors across the North East.
Lumi.Network is dedicated to bridging the gap between education and employment by running innovative programmes which focus on developing real-world, future-ready skills, particularly in AI, to help individuals thrive in the modern workforce.
Now, the first of these innovative quests, aimed at bolstering cyber security for start-ups, has been completed with a team from Newcastle College. Through the Quest, the team devised a solution that not only enhances cyber hygiene but also simplifies the process of comparing cyber security providers. Students harnessed their skills in design thinking and AI technology to develop a platform that assists start-ups in making informed decisions about their cyber security strategies.
Darius Fernandes, who led the quest commented: 'This initiative is part of the Skill Up North East campaign, which underscores our commitment at Lumi.Network to integrate AI and cyber security education, ensuring that the next generation of professionals is well-prepared to tackle the digital challenges of the future. We are grateful for our partnership with CyberNorth, whose support has been instrumental in this endeavour. The students’ solution promises to make a significant impact by providing start-ups with the tools necessary for safeguarding their digital assets effectively and efficiently.
For a closer look at the quest and the innovative solution developed by the students, click the link below.
Learn more and apply at www.lumi.network/campaign
Good Luck to Thea!
It's time to say au revoir to Thea, our Head of Relationships and Engagement, as she departs on her maternity leave at the end of March.
She'll be heading back to the team in time for the busiest time of the year for CyberFest in October.
In Thea's absence, if you need to contact any of our team, simply email hello@cybernorth.biz
We'll keep you all updated with her baby news. 👶
UKC3 Clusters News
UKC3, the UK’s ‘Super Connector’, enables and empowers regional cyber clusters across the nation.
The clusters, of which we're proud to be a part of, play a vital role in supporting growth of the cyber sector and are uniquely positioned with regional focus and presence, actively engaged communities and relationships on the ground. Each month, we highlight the work they're doing across the UK to showcase national opportunities to our members.
If you would like to know more about our sister clusters across the nation or find out about further opportunities in other regions, contact us via hello@cybernorth.biz
New members roundup
We were delighted to welcome another new member to the CyberNorth cluster in March.
Want to find out more about CyberNorth membership? Contact the team and let's chat.
April Events Roundup
Following an extremely busy March, the Easter holidays have taken their toll on April's events with only two so far! Remember, if you have an event you would like us to share, simply email our team on hello@cybernorth.biz