Questions raised by Channel 4 thriller to be discussed at new series of cyber webinars

University of Gloucestershire’s new series of cyber webinars will get under way with industry experts addressing the questions raised by the Channel 4 thriller The Undeclared War, about a fictional cyberattack on the UK.

Starring Simon Pegg, The Undeclared War tells the story of a leading team of analysts at GCHQ in Cheltenham secretly working to ward off a series of cyberattacks in the run-up to a general election in post-pandemic 2024.

Hosted by the University’s C11 Cyber Security and Digital Innovation Centre, in conjunction with its Cyber Security and Digital Innovation Institute in Duren, Germany, the webinar will explore whether the fictional events portrayed in the series have the potential to actually happen and the significance for UK cyber professionals, academics and students.

The webinar takes place on 27 October between 12.30pm and 1.30pm. Access is free but registration is required.

Led by Associate Professor Ali Al-Sherbaz, Academic Subject Lead in Cyber and Technical Computing at the University, the C11 Cyber Webinars are designed for anyone with an interest in cyber security and technology.

Participants from the University will also include Professor Buck Rogers (pictured), who has had an accomplished career within cyber security for the past three decades, including as Chief Information Security Officer at the Bank of England, Global Head of Resilience Risk at HSBC, and various cyber and security leadership roles in the Ministry of Defence.

Associate Professor Al-Sherbaz, from the University’s School of Computing and Engineering, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be launching the latest series of our C11 Cyber Webinars where we look to explore topics of interest to our students, academic, business and the wider community.

“Whether you’re involved in the cyber industry or not, they’re a great opportunity to discuss issues, ask questions and gain access to a range of experts in a safe and welcoming environment.

“We’re very much looking forward to hosting the first webinar in the new series which will look to separate fact from fiction and explore the questions raised by The Undeclared War.”