28/02/2025
Skill Shortages in Cybersecurity: Implications and opportunities for SMEs (Middlesex University Event)
Wednesday 12th March, 5.30pm – 6.30pm
At: Middlesex University, NW4 4BT
As part of British Science Week Middlesex University is hosting a STEM Festival – an engaging evening exploring the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity, and the critical implications for SMEs.
While there are clear threats for businesses, there are also opportunities available that may not be obvious. The evening will focus on a number of issues around security and AI, including opportunities for upskilling though apprenticeships and CPD, and the support available from the university.
The evening will be hosted by the Faculty of Science and Technology and will feature the following speakers:
Prof Balbir Barn: UK Industrial Strategy: Enabling Technologies, Their Regulation, Values and the Art of the Impossible.
This talk will outline the recently published the Industrial Strategy Green paper outlining three critical opportunities, eight growth areas and candidate enabling technologies. It will draw out the implications for SMEs with respect to skills shortages, product and workforce development, and how the regulatory landscape may impact on growth and operational needs. Examples will be drawn from AI, Cybersecurity and Computational Modelling to illustrate value concerns such as AI democratisation and safety, dual use, export control and privacy/security tradeoffs.
Dr Mahdi Aiash: Cybersecurity in the Age of AI: Friend or Foe?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the cybersecurity landscape, offering both ground-breaking opportunities and unprecedented threats. While AI strengthens cyber defence through advanced threat detection, automation, and predictive analytics, cybercriminals are also leveraging it for sophisticated attacks, from deepfake scams to AI-powered malware. Middlesex University is driving innovation in AI cybersecurity through research, industry partnerships, and hands-on training. This talk will explore AI’s dual role in cybersecurity, emerging threats, and strategies to stay ahead in an AI-powered landscape.
Panel Discussion & STEM Festival Access
Following the talks, a panel discussion chaired by Prof. Sally Priest will provide an opportunity for deeper exploration of these issues, with audience Q&A.
Attendees of this session are welcome to explore the STEM Festival’s interactive demonstrations and exhibits after the discussion.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from leading academics and connect with industry experts.