EXPERTS from across the country gathered in Malvern to take part in a cyber security briefing, held as part of the Malvern Festival of Innovation.

The event organised by county law firm Harrison Clark Rickerbys marked the opening of the festival’s Cyber Security and Big Data day and drew delegates from private industry, cyber security professionals, police and security services and the computer and insurance industries. Among those attending were representatives of GCHQ, QinetiQ, KPMG Accountants, Vodafone and London's Met Police.

Specialist speakers outlined recent police force success in tackling cybercrime, updated delegates on the capabilities of the private cyber security industry and gave an overview of the current cyber security landscape.

Richard Morgan, partner and head of Harrison Clark Rickerbys’ defence, security and forces service, who hosted the event, outlined the legal support available via the firm’s six regional offices and specialist personnel, including experienced commercial and international trade lawyers and patent attorneys.

He added: "This event is a great opportunity for senior representatives of such diverse interests in this vitally important area to meet and exchange information and ideas.

“Cyber security is increasingly and vitally important to all UK business interests, and Malvern is at the very centre of the fight against cybercrime nationally and internationally. To be able to bring together at one event those at the cutting edge of the industry, police forces from London and this region, along with those involved in national security such as GCHQ, academia and commerce, is of great benefit to all our delegates, and I am delighted that we can support this very important work.”

Those interested in joining Herefordshire Security and Defence Group (HSDG), a trade association for those engaged in the security industry locally, should contact Richard Morgan on rmorgan@hcrlaw.com.