Security Conference 2024 keynote speakers

Charlie McMurdie

Former head of the Police National Cyber Crime Unit

Charlie McMurdie is an internationally acclaimed speaker on cyber security and prevention. With over 30 years of experience in the field, Charlie has led the UK’s efforts in combating cybercrime and worked with PwC as a senior cybercrime advisor on a range of global strategic and operational cyber security programmes.

Charlie will present ‘cybercrime and protecting your business’ in the opening keynote on day one of Security Conference.

David Batho

Director of security, Jisc

David is responsible for protecting the education sector from cyber-attacks. Involved in a substantial number of major cyber incidents in the sector over recent years, David is passionate about educating and improving the sector at all levels. With experience as a penetration tester and head of IT for several years in the education sector, David believes that cyber security is everyone’s responsibility and all have a role to play in protecting their organisations.

David will be closing day one of the conference alongside Paul Knee, exploring how the new Jisc security operations centre (SOC) will help safeguard universities, colleges, and research institutions from cyber threats.

Paul Knee

Head of security operations, Jisc

Paul is a seasoned security expert with over 20 years’ experience in the education industry specialising in security, IT management, and operations. Paul leads teams specialising in incident response, digital forensics, cyber threat intelligence, and network protection, ensuring the highest standards of security support to Jisc members. Paul’s extensive knowledge across technical and operational IT security makes him a trusted authority in protecting the digital infrastructure of educational institutions, ensuring their safety in an evolving threat landscape.

Paul will be closing day one of the conference alongside David Batho, exploring how the new Jisc security operations centre (SOC) will help safeguard universities, colleges, and research institutions from cyber threats.

Michael Webb

Director of technology and analytics, Jisc

Michael leads Jisc’s work supporting the responsible and effective adoption of artificial intelligence across the education sector. In addition to artificial intelligence, he has worked on projects involving learning analytics, data analysis, the Internet of Things, and virtual reality. Before joining Jisc, Michael worked in the higher education sector, leading IT and learning technology services and teams at the universities of Wales, Newport, and Plymouth.

Michael is opening day two with a panel on the benefits and pitfalls of artificial intelligence in cyber security.

Majid Ali

UK public sector CTO, CrowdStrike

Majid Ali is a leader in cyber security, guiding CrowdStrike’s public sector strategies across UK and international markets. With years of experience advising government and public sector organisations on how to navigate complex and evolving cyber threats, Majid is focussed on driving meaningful change in the way public sector entities approach security. His extensive background gives him a unique perspective on blending innovation with practical solutions, helping organisations stay ahead of the fast-changing landscape. Majid is committed to building stronger defences that protect against current risks and anticipate future challenges.

Join Majid and other leading UK experts for this sponsored keynote panel on day two, exploring how the consolidation of security tooling is playing a significant part in enhancing the defences within universities and colleges across the UK.