Understanding Cyber Security: AI, Security & Response

From explainable AI to real cyber incidents, discover how cyber security works and why you belong in the field.

The Yorkshire Cyber Security Cluster, in collaboration with York St John University, is hosting an in-person cyber security event bringing together industry and academic expertise to inspire, inform, and challenge the next generation of cyber professionals.

Location details:

• Building: Fountains Learning Centre (Library) - York St John University
• Room: FT/002 - LECTURE THEATRE

Speaker One: Dr Charles Morisset

Dr Morisset is an Associate Professor in Computer Science at Durham University with extensive experience in security and privacy research. His work spans access control, smart buildings, and privacy-enhancing technologies, including recent involvement with the PETRAS Centre of Excellence.

Talk: Towards Explainable Access Control

Access control systems decide who can access what — but what happens when those decisions don’t make sense? In this talk, Dr Morisset explores how and why access control systems can behave unexpectedly, such as denying legitimate access or granting permissions no one anticipated. Drawing inspiration from Explainable AI and Explainable Security, the session looks at how we can generate meaningful explanations for access control decisions and why this matters for security, trust, and accountability.

Speaker Two: Chris Annetts

From briefing COBRA and advising Prime Ministers, to working directly with organisations under attack, Chris reflects on why feeling unsure doesn’t mean you don’t belong — it often means you’re growing. This talk is especially aimed at students and early-career professionals, offering motivation, reassurance, and a powerful reminder that you don’t need to know everything to build a successful and meaningful career in cybersecurity.

Talk: Imposter Syndrome in Cyber security

Imposter syndrome is something almost everyone in cybersecurity experiences — even at the very top. Drawing on over 20 years of experience, including leading responses to the UK’s most serious cyber incidents at the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), Chris shares an honest and reassuring perspective on self-doubt in the industry.

There will also be time for questions and networking.

The Yorkshire Cyber Security Cluster is a professional network of cyber security practitioners and those with an interest in the industry, created as part of the UK Cyber Security Forum to help cyber security experts and organisations across the region to collaborate and build a stronger standard of cyber security as part of a knowledge exchange collective.

The cluster's role is to support, inspire, and work collaboratively with cyber security professionals to strengthen the regional cyber security ecosystem.

1. Establishing as an authentic leader in the cyber security industry.

2. Developing a strong committed community membership.

3. Supporting local economy.

4. Defining, developing and supporting achievable pathways.

5. Achieving sustainable fundings.

Membership

YCSC is a membership organisation; becoming a member of the YCSC means you will receive access to a community of experts, including our exclusive members-only Slack channel, our monthly newsletter and be part of a catalyst for change in the industry. Best of all, membership is completely free!

Join the YCSC today: ycsc.org.uk/membership

For more information on our privacy policy, please visit: ycsc.org.uk/privacy-policy

Disclaimer

Our events are intended for individuals aged 16 years and older.

Any views or opinions expressed at YCSC events by our speakers are solely those of the individual and do not necessarily represent those of Yorkshire Cyber Security Cluster.