As part of its ongoing commitment to encouraging a more diverse cybersecurity workforce, Adobe recently sponsored the inaugural Interrupt19 Security Conference at West Lothian College in Scotland. The college is also the alma mater of our own Den Jones, Director of Enterprise Security. The event gathered students, educators, and representatives from the industry for a daylong event of seminars, hands-on sessions, and networking.
Jackie Galbraith, Principal of West Lothian College, says: “In my job I’m fortunate to be able to attend conferences with leading edge speakers which provoke creative thinking. Typically, though, you only get the chance to attend when you’re already in a job and your boss is happy to pay. I wanted all computing students at the college to have the experience of attending a professional conference with the best speakers, workshop hosts, and exhibitors to encourage them to reach for the sky, to think big and wide, and challenge perceptions. I have no doubt that the conference has inspired them to work hard and connect with industry players.”
Leia Mackay is one of the students studying HNC Cyber Security at West Lothian College that attended the event: “I grew up around computers. My dad was constantly taking them apart and putting them back together, so I naturally took an interest and, as I grew, I learned more and more. I even built my first computer when I was six! The speakers at the event were very good at engaging the crowd and were all very varied in their approach.”
Fellow student Andrew Hack is a 49-year-old mechanical engineer who is changing careers. With a good grounding in computer skills he wanted to move onto degree study and work as a consultant in cybersecurity. Andrew said: “Interrupt19 gave me a great insight into the cybersecurity arena and the shortage of skilled workers there. The workshops had great practical examples of using the skills we will gain on our course in real world work environments. I can’t wait until Interrupt20!”
“I’ve been blessed with great opportunities throughout my career. At Adobe we are passionate about giving back and I saw supporting Interrupt19 as an ideal opportunity. Supporting and inspiring a new generation of security professionals from my hometown felt like a great way to give back” – Den Jones, Director of Enterprise Security.
Adobe was proud to sponsor this event to encourage students to pursue cybersecurity careers. Look for more about our support of this and other activities around the world here on the Security@Adobe blog and Twitter.