From apps to Fitbits, are we leaving ourselves vulnerable to cyber threats?

​Professor Kamal Bechkoum will launch the 2018 Public Lecture Series at the University by exploring the risks, benefits and future of how we stay safe, while staying connected.

In his lecture ‘Cyber Security in the Era of the Internet of things’, held at Park campus in Cheltenham on Wednesday 21 February, Professor Bechkoum will look at how the latest technologies are connecting the physical world to the internet, but questions whether advancements in cyber development are leaving us exposed.

Professor Bechkoum is Head of the School of Business and Computing at the University and is the institution’s lead on a £3 million security project, working with organisations including GCHQ and the National Cyber Skills Centre to develop cyber professionals at the university and beyond.

Professor Bechkoum said:
“The rapidly increasing number of devices provides exciting opportunities for businesses and individuals.  However, with this phenomenon, called the Internet of Things, come two key challenges: security and data management. The lecture will introduce the concepts of IoT and Big Data and some of the enabling technologies, notably from the area of Artificial Intelligence, as well as emphasising the centrality of cyber-readiness, with citizens being the first line of defence.”

This year’s Public Lecture series programme has now been published, with upcoming talks exploring the era of fake news and the challenges football referees face with international match official Andre Marriner.

Admission to the lecture is free, but tickets need be reserved in advance (link removed as event has finished). The talk is from 6pm at TC014, The Park, 21 February, with refreshments available at Elwes Reception from 5pm.

This Public Lecture series programme is also available online.