Why the Cybersecurity Community is the Best- Reflecting on Our London Charity Walk
Author: Nikki Webb
London, October 17th, 2024 — Last week, I had the privilege of leading a charity walk through the heart of London, and it left me filled with gratitude and awe for the incredible community I am part of—the cybersecurity community. The walk, which was organised as part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, was a 14km journey around London, visiting STEM blue plaques along the way. But this event was not just about logging miles or touring historical sites; it was about something much more profound: coming together for a cause that affects millions of people each day.
Cybercrime is an ever-growing issue, and sadly, there just is not enough support for victims. Many individuals and families find themselves alone, struggling to navigate the consequences of cyberattacks, online fraud, and malicious digital threats. The impact of these crimes can be devastating—not just financially, but psychologically. That is why The Cyber Helpline exists: to provide free, expert support to victims of online crimes, and this walk, one of many across the UK, was an effort to raise awareness and funds to keep this vital service going.
What struck me the most during the walk was the sense of camaraderie and support among the team. It was a true reflection of what makes the cybersecurity community so unique and, frankly, the best. Despite the competitive nature of the industry and the technical challenges we face every day, when it comes to helping those in need, we all rally together. We put aside differences, we show up, and we walk (literally and figuratively) to make a difference. This spirit of unity is what makes our community so special.
(In addition to our London event, there were also inspiring volunteer-led walks held in York, Birmingham, and Edinburgh, which truly show the commitment of our community across the UK.)
We were joined by a diverse group, including family members, like Rory Innes’s son and my daughter, who embodied the next generation of cyber defenders. Their enthusiasm and commitment to the cause were heartwarming. They, too, walked the full 14km with minimal complaints (and only a few snacks as bribery!).
Special shoutout to our guide, Didier, who made the experience even more enjoyable by sharing his knowledge of the city and keeping our spirits high, but most importantly, thank you to everyone who joined the walk, supported us from afar, and donated to this incredibly worthy cause.
It is times like this that remind me why I love this industry so much. The cybersecurity community is not just about solving technical problems; it is about protecting people, lifting each other up, and working together to create a safer digital world. Whether through providing expert advice via The Cyber Helpline, sharing knowledge at conferences, or organising charity walks like this one, we are always striving to make a real impact.
Our mission to support victims of cybercrime continues. If you have not yet had a chance to contribute, there is still time to make a difference. Every little bit helps us reach more people in need of expert guidance and support. Together, we can keep walking forward—one step at a time.
Here is to the power of community, the strength of collaboration, and the endless resilience of the cybersecurity world. Let’s continue showing the world what we can achieve when we come together.
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Thank you for being part of something bigger. 💙