International Cyber Expo 2023 and signs of optimism for 2024
Last week, the International Cyber Expo (ICE) was back; bigger and better than ever. As some of the most innovative cybersecurity companies in the world descended on Olympia, you couldn’t help but feel that the industry is once again proving its mettle in what has been extremely testing times. The economic uncertainty of the past year has cast a long shadow over many businesses. Yet, the number of burgeoning cyber companies exhibiting at ICE this year shows that this exciting industry is going from strength to strength.
Shifts and Highlights: The International Cyber Expo 2023
Speakers and Sessions
Throughout the course of the International Cyber Expo, there were a number of key moments. Ciaran Martin, ex-NCSC chief and cybersecurity professor at Oxford University kicked off proceedings with a keynote on the state of cyber. Check out Ciaran and Bloomberg cyber reporter Katrina Manson’s predictions for cybersecurity trends in 2023 during a Babel webinar in January which complements some of the themes. There were also talks on the secrets of Russia’s cyber and espionage operations, the daft (and entertaining) things that cyber criminals have done over the years, and everything in between. Another welcome addition to this year’s show was the “Grab the Mic: Women in Cyber” networking event, which aimed to inspire, educate and empower women in the cybersecurity industry.
The Value of In-Person Networking
Then, of course, there was the networking, and it was evident that the cybersecurity community at ICE was relishing the chance to meet in person. There was also a significantly larger media presence than in previous years, which should persuade cybersecurity PR and communications teams of the value of attending these in-person industry events in order to stay in the conversation around emerging cyber PR and communications trends.
Looking Ahead: PR and Communications in Cybersecurity
Overall, it was hugely encouraging to see the show in full swing, and it is clear that the cybersecurity industry is flourishing, but what does this mean from a PR and communications perspective? 2023 has undoubtedly been a complex year; but with the new calendar year rapidly approaching, it is clear that the cyber industry is mobilising. Now is the time to get your comms ducks in a row, align on cyber PR and communication trends you can talk to, and plan for a busy and productive 2024.
Why Partner with Babel?
At Babel, we are fortunate to work with some of the world’s leading cybersecurity companies. We have a proven track record of delivering impactful, full-service campaigns with demonstrable return on investment for our cyber clients. If you’d like to hear more about how our cybersecurity industry expertise, PR know-how, and media contacts can move the dial for your business, we’d love to hear from you.
Ed Cooper
Senior Campaign Director
