Bridging the cyber gap for all
2025-09-06 , Rookie Track

Everyone interacts with the internet daily, yet not everyone is equipped with the knowledge to navigate technology safely. This talk will explore the current landscape of societal digital literacy and online safety, expose the invisible gaps, reframe cyber as a personal issue—not just a professional one—and spark a conversation about how we can build a cyber-savvy society that leaves no one behind.


What does “cyber” really mean when it comes to our everyday lives—not just in the workplace, but in our homes, schools, and communities? This talk explores the intersection of digital literacy, online safety, and personal responsibility in the digital age. Being cyber savvy isn’t just about knowing the risks—it’s about confidently making the most of digital opportunities while staying secure.

Yet, across different age groups and demographics, there are clear gaps to achieving this: children may be confident online but lack an awareness of the threats and senior citizens may fear the digital world and avoid it altogether, missing out on its benefits. From parents navigating "sharenting" risks to the tech-savvy professional who hasn’t checked their app permissions—everyone has knowledge gaps. So who is filling them? And how can we build a culture where online safety messages and digital literacy capabilities are reinforced not just by cyber security experts, but by families, schools, and communities? Join this session as we explore the current state of play and how to build a more cyber savvy and resilient society.

I am a Lead Cyber Security Consultant at Templar Executives, advising clients on how to improve their cyber maturity from a holistic standpoint - encompassing people, processes, technology and culture. I am passionate about empowering and upskilling generational groups on digital literacy and cyber skills, and I’ve been a volunteer for the not-for-profit Cyber Champions for over 10 years and a Director since 2024. Additionally, I am a ‘digital buddy’ volunteer for Age UK, to support senior citizens to confidently navigate the online world.