CyberNorth is proud to announce the highly anticipated return of CyberFest, the region’s leading cyber security festival taking place throughout the month of October.
A pivotal point of the month will be the CyberFest Community Conference, taking place on Tuesday 7 October 2025 at The Civic Centre, Newcastle Upon Tyne.
Now entering its eighth year, the core aim of CyberFest is to showcase the strength and raise awareness of cyber security businesses, services and talent across the region as part of CyberNorth’s mission ‘To make the North East the place for cyber security’.
This year’s CyberFest Community Conference promises an expanded agenda featuring keynote addresses from global security leaders, and insights into the latest cyber threats and defences. CyberFest will bring businesses, academics, universities, students, thought leaders, innovators, and cyber enthusiasts together in a month dedicated to supporting the cyber security business community to connect, collaborate and debate.
Danielle Phillips, Director, CyberNorth said: “Our programme of events as part of CyberFest and our conference are now a key date in the cyber security sector calendar – the month-long festival and conference are major catalysts for innovation and collaboration – our events are key drivers to showcase the talent and expertise that encompass the North East region.
“This year really is set to be bigger and bolder than ever, with support from key partners and sponsors across national and regional government, industry, and academia, reinforcing our commitment to strengthening the region’s digital resilience, showcasing our skills base and leveraging opportunities for the sector.”
Since inception, CyberNorth has built a vibrant cyber security community in the North East, supporting 100 businesses and over 2,000 professionals, while collaborating across FinTech, Space, Maritime, and Defence sectors. Strong relationships with the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology and National Cyber Security Centre have amplified the region’s profile nationally and internationally.
The return of CyberFest 2025 comes hot on the heels of the recent announcement of the pivotal partnership forged with FTSE 100 company Sage to spearhead and leverage the capabilities of the North East cyber security community. This partnership further cements CyberNorth as a regional force to lobby and leverage opportunities for the region on a regional, national and global scale.
With around 67,300 employed in the UK cyber security sector across the UK, and over 6,600 new jobs created last year, the sector recently generated revenues of around £13.2 billion, and £7.8 billion in gross value added. The cyber security sector continues to grow in momentum with key bodies strategically aware of the sector’s rising importance and the need to invest in it across industries.
The North East is a hotbed for innovation and collaboration and the only place outside London to boast two NCSC Centres of Excellence in Cyber Security Research at Northumbria University and Newcastle University, leaving the region well placed to lead the charge in encouraging people from across the region to take up careers and build skills in cyber security.
Danielle added:
“The region is bursting with innovation and collaboration and it’s vital we continue to showcase this talent with key partners and decision makers on a national and global arena.
“The CyberNorth Awards were a popular addition to the CyberFest schedule last year and applications have flooded in for 2025, and we are delighted to see the calibre of nominations set to go through as finalists.
“It’s full throttle to the launch of CyberFest next month and our bold and ambitious plans for the continuous growth of CyberFest and of CyberNorth overall are really coming into play – the North East is not just ready, it has the talent to play on a global stage – it’s clear the North East is the place for cyber security, and we look forward to further showcasing this at CyberFest.”
