Conference on cybersecurity shows Calgary leading the way

B-Sides Calgary has become a recruitment hotbed for future cybersecurity professionals.

BSides Calgary has earned a reputation for producing top cybersecurity talent, becoming a recruitment hotbed for future professionals.

The not-for-profit is continuing that trend with its 10th annual cybersecurity conference held at Contemporary Calgary.

Event organizer James Cairns says there are plenty of opportunities with businesses lacking in that space.

“We want to make sure that they get into roles (where) they’re supporting cybersecurity and helping push the envelope,” said Cairns.

Not only will attendees be looking for jobs, but they will also hear from leading security researchers, consultants and local hackers in what Cairns calls an evolving industry.

“What we need to look for is getting people into jobs, into roles that will be on the defensive side of things,” said Cairns.

It is what inspired one of BSides’ most successful businesses, Brekade, founded by A.J. Leece.

“We’re in a world now where code is cheap. But solving business problems never goes out of style,” said Leece.

Founded in 2020, Brekade is a series of video games that help businesses educate employees on cybersecurity with a fun approach.

“There are real inputs in there—real bits of information that matter to your business right now,” Leece said.

Cairns says 20 per cent of the attendees at the conference are future employees, and even in a world where artificial intelligence is being integrated into everyday life, cybersecurity is an area that will need a human touch.

“We do need those people. We need to make sure that those people are there to support the growing field. AI is not going to cut everything all along just by itself,” said Cairns.

The cybersecurity conference wraps up May 26.