RSA Conference EUROPE 2008 showcased the latest in information security in latest annual gathering

Industry leaders met in London to share strategies to manage the next generation of security threats and issues

by Michael Smith

RSA Conference, the world's leading information security conference, concluded its 9th annual event at ExCeL London on 29th October, 2008. The Conference attracted an audience of international industry experts, senior executives, security professionals, developers, architects and vendors from more than 50 countries and a great conference and show it was. I know, I was there.

Highlights of the RSA Conference Europe 2008 included:
Keynote speakers which included Richard Thomas, the UK's Information Commissioner, and Bruce Schneier, Security Technologist and Chief Technical Officer, BT Counterpane.

Other keynote speakers were:

  • Baroness Neville-Jones, Shadow Security Minister, UK;
  • Art Coviello, Executive Vice President, EMC Corporation and President, RSA, The Security Division of EMC;
  • Ken Silva, Chief Technical Officer, VeriSign; and
  • Dr. Herbert H. Thompson, Chief Security Strategist, People Security.
The RSA Conference Europe 2008 included more than 70 sessions across the following 10 tracks: Business of Security; Developers & Applications; Governance; Hosts; Hot Topics; Networks; Professional Development; Research & Threats; Security Services; and Sponsor Case Studies.

An exhibition featuring new product innovations from 40+ world-class service and technology vendors, including Fortify Software, Integralis, MXI Security, Omada A/S, Optenet, phion AG, SanDisk, Tripwire, Trusted Computing Group, VeriSign, RSA, The Security Division of EMC and WinMagic Inc.

20+ Special Interest Groups (SIGs) offering interactive and hands-on debating forums on topics such as Identity & Access Management Governance, Security Awareness and Social Networking, and What Works and Doesn't Work in Fighting Online Fraud.

Tim Mather, Chief Security Strategist, RSA Conference said: "Organisations today have to deal with a far wider and far more sophisticated variety of security risks than ever before. From attacks on corporate identity and data theft to Trojans, worms or other malware, the threat landscape is constantly evolving as would-be cyber-criminals find new ways to infiltrate corporate networks and computing devices. The challenge for security professionals is to keep pace with industry developments and innovations in order to stay one step ahead of the 'bad guys'."

"RSA Conference Europe is the place where industry leaders meet to discuss the changing threat landscape and share strategies, approaches and new services that will secure the organisations of the future."

Linda Lynch, RSA Conference Europe Manager said: "The Conference is now in its 9th year and once again received strong ratings for its content from delegates. The Conference has a strong and varied programme that remains its key differentiator from other security events. The number of 'Full Conference' delegates was up 6% on the previous year, showing the Conference's continued growth as Europe's premier forum for information security professionals."

"RSA Conference Europe's interactive environment and networking opportunities are repeatedly praised by our attendees and we will continue working hard to facilitate the best debates in the industry. Thanks to all speakers, sponsors and exhibitors, who helped make RSA Conference Europe 2008 the most insightful and interesting event yet."

"We will be looking for a stellar cast of speakers once again for RSA Conference Europe 2009, which takes place on 20th - 22nd October 2009 at ExCeL London. The call for papers will open in February next year."

I can very much recommend the RSA Conference Europe to anyone whose professional interest is in the realm of information security. The conference and the exhibition was expremely good; the conference better than the expo. The latter could do with some more vendors of the right calibre. This is not to say that the calibre of the vendors was not good; it was excellent, but we could have done with more of them. So, in order to avoid disappointment, book your place as soon as possible.

© M Smith (Veshengro), November 2008
<>