Tines Takes the Helm as Headline Sponsor for CSIDES 2026 in Weston-super-Mare
In an exciting development for the cyber security landscape, Tines has been announced as the headline sponsor for CSIDES 2026, a community-focused cyber security event scheduled for October 9 at the Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare. This noteworthy announcement marks a significant commitment to enhancing cyber security awareness and education within local communities.
The event is organised by Defend Together CIC, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to making cyber security accessible to individuals, families, businesses, and educational institutions. CSIDES aims to not only inspire the current generation of cyber professionals but also ignite interest among younger community members, fostering future talent in the field of cyber security.
Tines, widely recognized as an intelligent workflow platform utilised by IT and security teams, joins an impressive lineup of sponsors which includes high-profile companies such as 4FOX Security, Consultants Like Us, Punk Security, Darktrace, Utopian Knight, PPRO, and IASME. Their support underscores a collective effort to address the pressing issues surrounding cyber security in everyday life.
The CSIDES event is notably distinguished as the UK’s first not-for-profit cyber security gathering tailored specifically for coastal communities. It aims to bridge the gap between industry experts and local residents through a full day of informative talks, hands-on workshops, and community engagement activities. This collaborative approach intends to foster a greater understanding of the complex world of cyber security.
Addressing Growing Concerns Related to Cyber Crime
The event comes at a crucial time when the threat of cybercrime is increasingly impacting local communities. Recent figures presented by the organisers reveal that in the Avon and Somerset region alone, 1,728 victims reported cyber crimes to law enforcement between March 2025 and March 2026, with losses exceeding £130,000. Even more alarming is the prevalence of fraud, which saw 7,803 reports resulting in staggering losses of £57.8 million during the same timeframe.
Against this sobering backdrop, CSIDES 2026 seeks to empower local residents, as well as small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), with practical and actionable insights to safeguard themselves against online threats, including prevalent email scams and malicious cyber activity. Participants will receive jargon-free, accessible advice and, perhaps most importantly, the chance to interact directly with cyber security professionals who can provide further guidance.
Tines to Facilitate Interactive Workshop on Security Automation
As the headlining sponsor, Tines will play a proactive role in the event by hosting an interactive workshop centred on security automation. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to learn how to build their first “Tines Story,” illustrating the ways in which automated workflows can enhance efficiency in managing day-to-day tasks.
Jennifer Cox, Director of Solutions Engineering at Tines, will kick off the event with a welcome address alongside CSIDES co-founders, Hazel McPherson and Jess Matthews. She is also set to moderate the Main Stage programme, where attendees can look forward to insights from industry leaders, including Threat Intelligence Manager Sophia McCall and representatives from the South West Regional Economic and Cyber Crime Unit. The day’s sessions will delve into various topics such as local scams, artificial intelligence, digital wellbeing, and the nuances of bias in security practices.
Hazel McPherson, Co-Founder of CSIDES, expressed her gratitude, stating, “CSIDES exists to open cyber security to everyone, not just those already in the room. We couldn’t do that without the support of organisations like Tines. Their involvement, alongside that of our other sponsors, is instrumental in creating a truly inclusive and hands-on event at the heart of our community.”
Adding her enthusiasm, Jennifer Cox remarked, “We’re thrilled to support CSIDES, an event that not only connects security practitioners but also brings essential security knowledge directly to the local community. I eagerly anticipate meeting attendees, addressing their questions, and guiding them in building their first Tines story during our workshop.”
Promoting Accessibility in Cyber Security
In addition to the technical aspects of cyber security, CSIDES acknowledges the barriers that often prevent those outside the industry from obtaining reliable advice and support. Led by local residents, the event aims to open doors for individuals from all walks of life to gain knowledge about digital safety, forge connections with industry experts, and explore potential career pathways in cyber security.
Organisers are hopeful that this community-centric model can serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives aimed at enhancing cyber security awareness in coastal towns throughout the UK.
CSIDES 2026 is set to take place on Friday, October 9, at the Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare, with last-minute tickets available for those interested in joining this important dialogue around cyber security.
For more details, tickets can be found here.
The post originally appeared on IT Security Guru and highlights the growing importance of community involvement in tackling the pressing challenges posed by cybercrime.