Razorwire Cyber Security Insights

Are you confident you could spot a deepfake in your next meeting, or could someone be using your identity without you knowing?Welcome back to Razorwire, the cybersecurity podcast where we explore the challenges professionals face at the cutting edge of threat intelligence. In this episode, I sit down with Alexandra Jorissen, a specialist in deepfake detection and digital identity safeguards. We discuss the explosive rise of deepfake technology, where it's already being used and what it means for personal and professional security.SummaryIt’s no longer science fiction: deepfakes have become both a tool for petty fraud and a devastating weapon for sophisticated cybercriminals. Together, Alex and I discuss how rapidly these impersonations have improved, from laughable scams to well-orchestrated attacks inside global organisations. We get into how deepfakes are now being used for document fraud, insurance scams and internal expense fraud, and why most people still think they'd be able to spot one. Alex shares inside knowledge from her work with IdentifAI, reveals how detection technology is developing, and offers practical advice for anyone safeguarding digital identities, documents, and core business processes.Key Talking Points & Reasons to ListenInside Real-Life Deepfake Attacks Hear how a single convincing deepfake Teams meeting led to a $25 million loss at engineering firm Arup, why even well-trained employees followed standard processes and still got fooled and what this tells us about how far social engineering has come.How Deepfakes Bypass Everyday Security Find out how deepfakes are being used far beyond fake videos, from altered salary slips and AI-generated taxi receipts to fraudulent insurance claims, faked passports that pass KYC checks and criminals impersonating executives in remote meetings. Learn why one company discovered its internal expense fraud was three times worse than expected.Detection, Zero Trust and Practical Defence Learn how IdentifAI's forensic detection analyses images pixel by pixel in nanoseconds, why a zero trust mindset needs to extend to identity verification in everyday business and what simple, practical steps like secret questions and duress codes can do to protect against impersonation right now.This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand the new deepfake threat landscape, and pick up the actionable intelligence to defend against it.Verifying Identities in Online Meetings: "A lot of people I speak to, they seem to think deepfakes aren't there yet. Like they would still be able to spot them. And that's a very false presumption."Alex JorissenListen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listenIn this episode, we covered the following topics:The Evolution of Deepfakes See how deepfake technology has gone from laughable early efforts like the Will Smith spaghetti video to highly convincing fakes that even experienced professionals struggle to detect.Social Engineering and Deepfakes Learn how deepfakes are supercharging traditional social engineering tactics, making phishing and impersonation attacks far harder to spot than they used to be.Real-World Deepfake Scams Hear about actual cases where organisations have been deceived, including the Arup finance manager who transferred $25 million after a fake Teams call and companies that accidentally hired North Korean engineers using deepfaked identities.Abuse of Deepfakes for Fraud and Blackmail Find out how criminals are using AI to create compromising content of real people, using faked media to ransom victims or threaten reputational damage.Document and Identity Fraud Discover how deepfakes now extend to digital documents and IDs, with faked passports passing standard KYC checks and altered salary slips being used to secure larger loans.Breach of Age and Access Controls Learn how people, including minors, are using deepfaked images and identities to get around age verification and other digital barriers.Insider Threats and Employee Fraud Explore how easy it has become to create fake receipts and invoices using tools like ChatGPT, and why one company found its internal expense fraud was three times worse than it expected.Detection Technology and Limitations Understand how forensic AI analyses images pixel by pixel to detect manipulation, where the technology performs well and where limitations like screenshots and overlaid text still create challenges.The Importance of Zero Trust and Verification Find out why a zero trust mindset needs to apply to identity verification in everyday work, from checking badges to using secret questions and duress codes for high-risk communications.The Challenge of Awareness and Organisational Culture Hear why many organisations still believe deepfakes wouldn't fool them, and how deploying detection technology acts as both a defence and a deterrent that changes behaviour.Resources Mentioned Technical University of EindhovenDelft UniversityIdentifAi Nigerian prince scamWill Smith eating spaghetti (deepfake reference)Arup (British engineering and design firm) AI HackKnowBe4NISTConcurEU AI ActNanobanana Oliver RochfordBrad Pitt romance scam Connect with your host James ReesHello, I am James Rees, the host of the Razorwire podcast. This podcast brings you insights from leading cyber security professionals who dedicate their careers to making a hacker’s life that much more difficult.Our guests bring you experience and expertise from a range of disciplines and from different career stages. We give you various viewpoints for improving your cyber security – from seasoned professionals with years of experience, triumphs and lessons learned under their belt, to those in relatively early stages of their careers offering fresh eyes and new insights.With new episodes every other Wednesday, Razorwire is a podcast for cyber security enthusiasts and professionals providing insights, news and fresh ideas on protecting your organisation from hackers.For more information about us or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss email podcast@razorthorn.com.If you need consultation, visit www.razorthorn.com, We give our clients a personalised, integrated approach to information security, driven by our belief in quality and discretion.LinkedIn: Razorthorn SecurityYouTube: Razorthorn SecurityTikTok: a

Are you ready for the cybersecurity incident that could bring your business to a standstill?On this episode of Razorwire, I sit down with Marius Poskus, a CISO and vCISO, to tackle one of the most crucial yet overlooked aspects of information security: incident response. Whether you’re leading a cyber team, supporting your board, or simply keen to sharpen your readiness, we dig into what happens when your best defences fail and chaos strikes.We talk about what actually happens when an incident hits and why polished policies on their own aren't enough. From the practical realities CISOs face at the sharp end of an incident, through the pitfalls of security theatre, to the importance of clear communications and building resilience, we get into the lessons the playbooks often miss. Marius and I talk through wargaming, learning from unexpected scenarios and how to empower teams to make tough decisions on the fly.Key talking points:Wargaming the Unthinkable:What happens when your CEO dies? When your entire C-suite is on a plane for six hours and unreachable? When someone poisons the fish at a team dinner? Jim and Marius talk about why the most valuable wargaming exercises aren't the predictable ones. Testing unusual, uncomfortable scenarios is what exposes the single points of failure nobody thought about and builds the kind of muscle memory that no written policy can replace.Decision-making Authority in Crisis:One of Marius's contacts had a major ransomware incident and needed to hire 200 people within hours. The biggest problem wasn't the attack itself, it was getting budget approved and contracts signed fast enough. Learn why pre-agreed access to emergency funds, signing authority and the ability to bypass normal procurement processes can be the difference between a swift response and days of lost time.Security Theatre and Why It Falls Apart Under Pressure:Marius has been making waves on LinkedIn talking about companies that want the appearance of security rather than the real thing. In this episode, he and Jim get into why polished policies that have never been tested crumble the moment a real incident hits, how to tell the difference between genuine preparedness and box-ticking and what it actually takes to build an incident response capability that works when it matters.Listen and step inside the mindset every cybersecurity professional needs before the worst happens.On testing your plan:"You never want to run through an incident response scenario first time when the real thing happens."Marius PoskusListen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listenIn this episode, we covered the following topics:The Importance of Incident Response Find out why incident response is still one of the most neglected areas of security, how to get organisational buy-in for proper preparation and what happens when the first time you test your plan is during the real thing.Security Theatre vs. Real Preparedness Learn how focusing on the appearance of security rather than genuine preparedness leaves organisations vulnerable when a real incident hits, and what it takes to build real readiness through testing and practice.Practical Testing and Muscle Memory Discover why written policies aren't enough on their own and how regular testing and tabletop exercises help teams build the confidence to act effectively under pressure.Authority and Decision-Making During Events Learn how to set up clear escalation paths and decision-making authority before an incident happens, including access to emergency funds and the ability to hire specialist support at short notice.C-Suite Engagement and Support Find out how senior executives can best support their security teams during an incident, from trusting CISOs to lead the response to providing practical help like food, hotel rooms and team rotations.Communication and PR During Incidents Explore how thoughtful, transparent communication can protect reputation and rebuild trust after a breach, and why generic "we take security seriously" messaging does more harm than good.Resilience and Recovery Strategies Learn how to maintain business operations while an incident is unfolding, from planned team rotations and post-breach customer support to quantifying downtime for the board.Wargaming and Scenario Thinking Find out why testing unusual scenarios, not just technical failures, helps organisations expose single points of failure and prepare for real-world unpredictability.Critical Thinking and Cybersecurity Career Skills Discover why curiosity, initiative and adaptability matter more than following prescribed instructions, both for handling incidents and for building a career in cybersecurity.Learning from Mistakes and History Explore how drawing on real historical events and shared industry experiences equips professionals to handle crisis situations, make tough decisions and build personal resilience.Resources Mentioned SolarWindsCited as a high-impact security incident affecting third parties and requiring significant communication. https://www.solarwinds.com/Professor MesserCited as a free educational resource for CompTIA courses.https://www.professormesser.com/Network ChuckMentioned as a well-known YouTuber focused on networking tutorials and resources.https://www.youtube.com/c/NetworkChuckCompTIAReference to a popular provider of IT and cybersecurity certifications.https://www.comptia.org/Y2K (Year 2000 problem)Discussed as a past example of widespread incident response planning.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Year_2000_problemChangi JailHistorical site referenced during a discussion of resilience and decision-making under pressure.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Changi_PrisonRorke’s DriftBrought up as a historical account to learn about resilience.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Rorke%27s_DriftApollo 13 (“Houston, we have a problem”)Referenced as an example of problem solving under extreme pressure with limited resources.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_13US Military zombie apocalypse wargamingReferenced as an example of creative scenario planning for incident response.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CONOP_8888The Y-FilesReferenced as a source of conspiracy theories and unusual scenarios Jim enjoys.https://www.youtube.com/@TheYFilesConnect with your host James ReesHello, I am James Rees, the host of the Razorwire podcast. This podcast brings you insights from leading cyber security professionals who dedicate their careers to making a hacker’s life that much more difficult.Our guests bring you experience and expertise from a range of disciplines and from different career stages. We give you various viewpoints for improving your cyber security – from seasoned professionals with years of experience, triumphs and lessons learned under their belt, to those in relatively early stages of their careers offering fresh eyes and new insights.With new episodes every other Wednesday, Razorwire is a podcast for cyber security enthusiasts and...

Is there really honour amongst cybercriminals or is it every hacker for themselves?On this episode of Razorwire, I’m joined by Martin Voelk, a seasoned ethical hacker, to take a look at how the world’s most notorious cybercriminal groups really operate. We trace the journey from early hacking culture to today’s sprawling underworld of digital organised crime. Along the way, we ask: What does "hacker" truly mean and who actually gets caught when the authorities close in?We discuss the blurred lines between white hat and black hat hackers and why some of the most skilled operators never set foot in the countries they target. Martin and I explore the various motivations behind cyber attacks, from ideology to pure profit and debate why classic notions of criminal “honour” simply don’t hold up in this ruthless business. We share stories from both sides of the fence - how cyber gangs operate like corporations, how rivalry and betrayal play out behind the scenes and why it’s never been easier to get started in cybercrime (if you’re not fussy about the law). The episode closes with a stark look at the arms race between attackers and defenders and what it means for the future of cybersecurity.Three key talking pointsFresh Perspectives on Hacker Mentality:Martin breaks down the difference between hackers, researchers and outright criminals, challenging media stereotypes. We examine why understanding attacker psychology isn’t just academic - it’s essential for building better defences.Behind the Scenes of Cybercrime-as-a-Service:Hear how today’s criminal groups mirror legitimate organisations, complete with their own HR, development teams and even “scapegoats” to throw authorities off their trail. Discover what this corporatisation means for detection, attribution and response.The Global Chessboard: Tactics, Rivalries and AI Advances:Learn why the most effective cyber operators operate with impunity from certain countries, protected through corruption and international legal gaps. We unpack how rivalries really play out, the role of AI in hands of both attackers and defenders and what to expect as attack automation accelerates.Tune in and arm yourself with real-world insights that go beyond the headlines - because what you don’t know about the criminal underground could be your biggest risk.AI-Powered Cyber Threats Target Weaker Defences: "Because the hackers are predominantly looking at the weakest targets, does it make sense to hack into the most sophisticated bank in the United States? Or do I rather target a mid-sized bank in Mexico where I already know that they had previous security vulnerabilities?"Martin VoelkListen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listenIn this episode, we covered the following topics:The Evolution of HackingExplore how hacking started as a curiosity-driven activity, the role of groups like the Chaos Computer Club and why the term “hacker” was never originally a negative label.Different Types of HackersLearn about the three main categories of attacker (hacktivists, financially motivated criminals and state-sponsored groups) and what drives each of them.Organised Crime's Role in CybercrimeDiscover how cybercrime evolved from individuals working alone to structured operations with recruitment, development teams and corporate-style hierarchies.Scapegoats and Sacrificial LambsFind out what can happen to less skilled members of criminal groups and how the people who get arrested are rarely the ones running the operation.Safe Havens and Jurisdictional GapsUnderstand how top operators work from countries with no extradition treaties, often protected by corruption, and why Western law enforcement struggles to reach them.The Rise of Ransomware and EspionageLearn why attackers target Western organisations where ransoms are more likely to be paid and how corporate espionage is a bigger part of the picture than most people realise.Rivalries and Alliances Among Hacker GroupsFind out how competition between groups plays out in forums, why it’s driven by profit rather than politics and how hackers from rival nations routinely work together.AI's Dual Impact on CybersecurityLearn why AI has made it easier than ever to develop malicious code, how both sides are using it and why SMBs and less cyber-aware countries face the greatest risk going forward.Resources Mentioned Silk RoadDread Pirate RobertsConti FilesChaos Computer ClubGitHubHugging FaceClaude CodeCursor CLIGoogle Anti-GravityFlipper ZeroTor networkEl Salvador crypto currency acceptanceTron chainConnect with your host James ReesHello, I am James Rees, the host of the Razorwire podcast. This podcast brings you insights from leading cyber security professionals who dedicate their careers to making a hacker’s life that much more difficult.Our guests bring you experience and expertise from a range of disciplines and from different career stages. We give you various viewpoints for improving your cyber security – from seasoned professionals with years of experience, triumphs and lessons learned under their belt, to those in relatively early stages of their careers offering fresh eyes and new insights.With new episodes every other Wednesday, Razorwire is a podcast for cyber security enthusiasts and professionals providing insights, news and fresh ideas on protecting your organisation from hackers.For more information about us or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss email podcast@razorthorn.com.If you need consultation, visit www.razorthorn.com, We give our clients a personalised, integrated approach to information security, driven by our belief in quality and discretion.LinkedIn: Razorthorn SecurityYouTube: a...

What threats should CISOs prioritise as we move into 2026?Welcome to Razorwire, the podcast where we share our take on the world of cybersecurity with direct, practical advice for professionals and business owners alike. I'm Jim and in this episode, we're looking ahead to the challenges facing security leaders in 2026.I'm joined by Richard Cassidy, EMEA CISO at Rubrik, and together, we discuss the three themes dominating CISO conversations: navigating the expanding regulatory landscape, preparing for quantum computing's impact on existing cryptography and understanding how attackers are shifting from loud ransomware to quiet economic warfare through time drag operations.SummaryThis episode examines the strategic and operational challenges CISOs face in 2026. The conversation covers how evolving regulations require fundamental changes to business operations and threat response, why tabletop exercises with executive teams are becoming standard practice for testing organisational maturity and how quantum computing is moving from theoretical concern to practical planning requirement. Richard and Jim discuss the technological shifts happening simultaneously with AI and quantum computing and why security awareness gained during the pandemic is being eroded by the race to implement new technologies without proper security consideration. The episode explores how attackers are evolving beyond traditional ransomware towards time drag operations that threaten business continuity without triggering incident declarations and why the combination of deepfakes and AI-driven social engineering represents a fundamental challenge to shared reality.Three Key Talking Points:The Regulatory Burden and Tabletop TestingLearn about the regulatory challenges CISOs face across DORA, NIS2 and evolving frameworks, plus why organisations are increasingly running tabletop exercises with executive teams. Discover how war gaming activities help boards understand real-world breach scenarios and test organisational maturity beyond traditional red teaming. Find out how recent breaches at companies like Ubisoft, M&S and Jaguar Land Rover are driving leadership to take security seriously.Quantum Computing's Imminent ImpactUnderstand why quantum computing has moved from background concern to top-three CISO priority for 2026 to 2028. Explore the timeline for quantum threats to existing cryptography, what organisations need to do now to prepare for post-quantum cryptography and why there's significant uncertainty around adoption strategies. See how quantum computing combines with AI to create a tectonic shift in security technology that requires planning today.Time Drag Operations and Economic WarfareDiscover the shift from loud ransomware to quiet time drag attacks where threat actors threaten extended operational downtime rather than data theft. Learn why boards will pay millions to restore business continuity without declaring cyber incidents and how attackers are exploiting the economic model where disruption costs more than ransom. Explore how this combines with AI-powered deepfakes and social engineering to create attacks that undermine shared reality itself.On the appearance of security: "The economic model of cybercrime has shifted from traditional theft to time drag. If attackers know they can present you with a problem where you're not going to be able to recover your key systems for an inordinate amount of time, there's a higher likelihood that you are going to pay for a level of data or knowledge that will get you back to operational efficiency rather quick."Richard CassidyListen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listenIn this episode, we covered the following topics:Evolving Regulatory FrameworksLearn about the challenges posed by DORA, NIS2 and other regulatory requirements, including uncertainty around implementation, costs and the procedural changes they demand from organisations.Executive Tabletop ExercisesDiscover why organisations are moving beyond traditional pen testing to run war gaming scenarios with executive teams, testing how leadership would respond to real-world breach scenarios like those that hit M&S, JLR and MGM.Quantum Computing PreparationUnderstand why quantum computing has become a top-three CISO concern for 2026 to 2028, what organisations need to know about post-quantum cryptography and why planning needs to start now despite uncertainty around timelines.Security Awareness ErosionExplore how the security awareness gained during the pandemic is being pushed aside by the rush to implement AI and other technologies, with businesses prioritising efficiency over security considerations.The RAM Crisis and Supply Chain ImpactFind out about the technological shifts happening with component shortages, RAM price increases and how hardware availability is affecting security planning and organisational technology strategies.AI as a Constant ThemeSee how AI weaves through every major security challenge, from regulatory compliance to quantum preparation, even when it's not explicitly the top concern.The Shift to Time Drag OperationsLearn about the attacker evolution from loud, transactional ransomware to quiet economic warfare where threat actors threaten indefinite operational disruption rather than data theft.Why Boards Pay Without Declaring IncidentsUnderstand the economics of why executive teams will pay millions to restore business continuity quickly rather than endure months of disruption, often without ever declaring a cyber incident publicly.Deepfakes and Loss of Shared RealityDiscover the fundamental challenge posed by AI-driven deepfakes and social engineering that make it increasingly difficult to determine what's real, including examples of CEO-targeted WhatsApp attacks and voice cloning.Educating Users Against Sophisticated Social EngineeringExplore why organisations must improve user education to detect the growing sophistication of AI-powered social engineering, deepfakes and attacks designed to exploit human trust and decision-making.Resources Mentioned RubrikDORANIST FrameworkNIST2Marks and Spencer Cyber AttackJaguar Land Rover Cyber AttackMGM Cyber AttackUbisoft Cyber AttackCorsairNvidiaIBMScattered SpiderShiny Lapis HuntersNCSE USASun Tzu's Art of War

Are cryptocurrencies revolutionising finance, or are they simply empowering cybercriminals and state-sponsored hackers?Welcome to Razorwire, the podcast where we share our take on the world of cybersecurity with direct, practical advice for professionals and business owners alike. I'm Jim, and in this episode, we're tackling one of the most polarising topics at the intersection of finance and security: cryptocurrency.I'm joined by Richard Cassidy, Oliver Rochford and Jonathan Care, and together, we debate whether Bitcoin has solved any real problems or simply enabled cybercriminals to operate at an unprecedented scale, with 98% of ransomware payments now made in cryptocurrency.SummaryThis episode looks at how cryptocurrency has impacted real-world security and policy, including how it has facilitated over $3 billion in theft by state-sponsored groups like Lazarus to fund North Korea's nuclear programme and romance scams that have drained 4.6 billion victims with zero recourse. Everything illegal in traditional financial markets is legal in crypto. Yet in Argentina, Venezuela and Nigeria, people use it to preserve value against hyperinflation and bypass authoritarian controls. The debate centres on whether governments truly control crypto through exchanges and legal tender conversion, whether blockchain transparency helps law enforcement more than it helps criminals and whether ransomware payment rates dropping to 19% proves cybersecurity is winning despite crypto, not because of it.Three key talking points from this episode:Criminal Infrastructure and the Ransomware Economy. Find out how cryptocurrency is used for ransomware payments and how this has enabled the ransomware epidemic. Learn about state-sponsored theft, romance scams operating at an industrial scale and why dark web marketplaces like Hydra and AlphaBay succeeded Silk Road in facilitating organised crime. Discover the impact of payment rates dropping to 19% as companies choose disaster recovery over paying criminals.Government Control vs Decentralisation Claims. Explore the heated debate about whether governments truly control cryptocurrency through regulating exchanges and legal tender conversion or whether the protocol itself remains ungovernable. Learn why KYC requirements at exchanges undermine the original vision of anonymity, how states force participation through tax requirements and whether crypto can function without an army to back it. Real-World Use Cases vs Original Promises. Discover how cryptocurrency is being used in Argentina, Venezuela and Nigeria to preserve value against hyperinflation and bypass authoritarian capital controls. Examine whether these legitimate use cases justify a technology that hasn't solved its original problems: transaction speed remains too slow for real-time use, energy consumption is enormous compared to Visa, scalability hasn't improved and volatility undermines its claim as a stable store of value.If you’re a cybersecurity professional looking to understand both the promise and peril of cryptocurrency, this episode is essential listening.On the lawless nature of cryptocurrency:"Every scam, every market rig that has been outlawed in real world money markets is wide open in crypto. As Richard points out, we're not only deregulated, it is lawless."Jonathan CareListen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listenIn this episode, we covered the following topics:Cryptocurrency as Ransomware's Preferred Payment Method. Learn why ransomware payments use cryptocurrency and how this payment method enabled the ransomware epidemic that became every CISO's biggest headache.Declining Ransomware Payment Rates. Discover why payment rates dropped to just 19% in 2024, with overall payments down 35% to $813.55 million, as companies increasingly choose disaster recovery over paying criminals.The Irreversibility Problem. Learn why cryptocurrency transactions being irreversible means mistakes and theft are permanent, with no chargebacks or recourse for victims of fraud.State-Sponsored Cryptocurrency Theft. Understand how the Lazarus Group has stolen over $3 billion in crypto through targeting exchanges, DeFi protocols and blockchain bridges.Romance Scams and Pig Butchering Operations. Learn about the explosion in crypto-enabled romance scams, fake investment platforms and rug pulls operating at industrial scale.Pump and Dump Market Manipulation. Find out why pretty much everything untoward is perfectly legal in crypto, from coordinated manipulation on Telegram and Discord to influencer fraud, wash trading and spoofing.Government Control Through Legal Tender Conversion Understand why governments ultimately control cryptocurrency through regulating exchanges, requiring tax payments in fiat currency and controlling the conversion points between crypto and legal tender.Blockchain Transparency for Law Enforcement. Learn how public blockchains can be easier to analyse than shell companies behind offshore banking, with tools like Chain Analysis, Elliptic and Interpol using on-chain data to track illicit networks.Proof-of-Work Mining's Environmental Impact. Examine the massive energy consumption of cryptocurrency mining, why specialised hardware becomes obsolete within a year and the climate impact of a payment system processing fewer transactions than Visa does in an hour.Exchange Security Failures and Hacks. See how exchanges like Mount Gox and BYBIT lost billions through security failures and why holding crypto at exchanges rather than in personal wallets creates unnecessary risk.Resources Mentioned Financial Crime Enforcement Network (FinCEN) US agency tracking financial crime, referenced for 2024 ransomware payment statistics showing 35% decrease to $813.555 million. https://www.fincen.gov/Chain Analysis Blockchain analysis platform helping law enforcement track cryptocurrency transactions and disrupt criminal networks. https://www.chainalysis.com/Elliptic Cryptocurrency investigation platform used by law enforcement and financial institutions to identify criminal activity on blockchains. https://www.elliptic.co/Lazarus Group North Korean state-sponsored threat actor attributed with over $3 billion in cryptocurrency theft to fund nuclear programmes. Overview: https://www.cisa.gov/topics/cyber-threats-and-advisories/advanced-persistent-threats/north-koreaHydra Market Russian-language dark web marketplace that succeeded Silk Road before being shut down in 2022, facilitating billions in illicit cryptocurrency transactions. Background: https://www.europol.europa.eu/media-press/newsroom/news/world%E2%80%99s-biggest-marketplace-dark-web-offlineAlphaBay Major dark web marketplace that operated from 2014-2017, enabling cryptocurrency-based transactions for drugs, weapons and stolen data.

What happens when you gather some of the sharpest minds in cybersecurity for an end-of-year chat about where we've been and where we're heading?Welcome to Razorwire's Christmas special. Today I’m chatting with some of our favourite guests from 2025: clinical traumatologist Eve Parmiter, cyber futurist Oliver Rochford, CISO and podcast host Marius Poskus and occupational psychologist Bec McKeown for roundup of the cybersecurity industry this year. This isn't a glossy year-in-review full of predictions and corporate optimism. We're talking about what's actually happened: how our teams are STILL burning out, the junior pipeline that's being hollowed out by premature AI deployment, the CISOs who are resigning because they're handed accountability without support and the businesses that want the appearance of security rather than the reality of it.Summary2025 has been a year of contradictions. Fewer ransomware victims are paying up, which suggests resilience is working. But burnout rates in cybersecurity remain above 59% and the systemic issues causing it aren't being addressed. Oliver brings data showing that AI-driven threat intelligence has been more marketing than reality. Marius shares why his CISO resignation letter post hit over 300,000 impressions and 3,400 comments. Eve explores whether there could be legal protections for cybersecurity professionals experiencing occupational trauma. Bec questions why security teams are expected to work under military-level pressure with none of the training or support.We’re also looking ahead to 2026. Oliver predicts salaries will rise. Marius sees organisations scrambling to fix the mess that AI has created. Eve and Bec discuss what the younger generation might teach us about boundaries and refusing to put up with workplace nonsense. And we all agree on one thing: gravity needs levity. If you're going to survive in this industry, you REALLY need to laugh.Three Key Talking Points:The Theatre of SecurityUnderstand why organisations hire CISOs for accountability but don't give them budget, support or a seat at decision making tables. Marius explains how this creates a cycle where security leaders are blamed when things go wrong, despite having no power to prevent them.The Junior Pipeline CrisisDiscover why premature AI deployment is hollowing out entry-level roles across industries, including cybersecurity and law. We discuss the long term consequences of replacing junior analysts with AI before understanding what you're losing.Burnout as Occupational TraumaLearn why burnout in cybersecurity isn't just about individual resilience. Eve explores whether legal protections could be granted for work that causes inescapable harm, drawing parallels with content moderators and healthcare workers.If you want an honest conversation about the state of cybersecurity in 2025 and what's coming in 2026, this is it.On the appearance of security: "Companies do not want security. They want the appearance of security. They hire a CISO to be the person who's accountable, the person who's on insurance papers, the person's name who's on client contracts, the person who is a face of the company of doing security, but actually he's not supported in budgetary terms in any other way."Marius PoskusListen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listenIn this episode, we covered the following topics:2025 Year in Review Explore what actually happened this year, from falling ransomware payment rates to the continued rise in burnout and stress levels across the industry.Marketing-Driven Threat Intelligence Discover why claims about AI-enabled ransomware and nation-state AI usage turned out to be more hype than reality.The CISO Accountability Trap Understand why security leaders are handed responsibility without power, budget or support and why so many are choosing to step back from leadership roles.Burnout as a Systemic Problem Learn why organisations still treat burnout as an individual issue rather than addressing the systemic factors that cause it.Legal Protections for Occupational Trauma Explore whether cybersecurity professionals could gain legal recognition for work-related harm, similar to content moderators and healthcare workers.The AI Skills Shortage Coming in 2026 Find out why Oliver predicts salaries will rise as companies realise they've hollowed out their junior pipeline with premature AI deployment.Economics vs Security Spending Understand why businesses treat security breaches like shoplifting and why perfect security isn't the goal for most organisations.Cognitive Load and Dashboard Design Discover how principles from aviation flight deck design could reduce alert fatigue and improve security operations workflows.The Younger Generation's Boundaries Learn what Gen Z might teach us about setting limits, refusing workplace nonsense and reframing work around life instead of the other way around.Predictions for 2026 Hear what the panel thinks is coming next year, from salary increases to AI backlash and the potential consequences of neglecting security basics.Resources Mentioned Coveware (Ransomware Payment Data)Referenced by Oliver regarding the drop in ransomware payments in 2025.MIT Sloan (AI-Enabled Ransomware Claims)Referenced by Oliver as an example of retracted threat intelligence claims.AnthropicReferenced regarding claims about nation-state actors using their AI service.ISC2 Workforce SurveyReferenced by Eve Parmiter regarding burnout statistics (59%) in cybersecurity.SolarWinds Breach and CISO ImpactReferenced by Jim regarding the personal toll on the SolarWinds CISO.Health and Safety Executive (UK)Referenced by Bec McKeown regarding employer responsibility for workplace stress.Cloudflare OutagesReferenced by Marius Poskus regarding organisations bypassing WAF protections during downtime.Anu AI (Foresight and Predictions Tool)Mentioned by Oliver Rochford as his startup with a free community edition.Mental Health in Cybersecurity FoundationReferenced in context of ongoing burnout discussions.Cyber Diaries PodcastMentioned by Marius Poskus as his...

Is burnout in cybersecurity inevitable, or are we finally learning how to prevent it?Welcome to Razorwire. In this episode, I sit down with clinical traumatologist Eve Parmiter and occupational psychologist Bec McKeown to talk about what's really happening in high pressure cyber roles. This isn't about vague wellness advice or corporate tick-box exercises. We're looking at the actual mechanics of burnout: why CISOs are breaking under impossible expectations, how remote work has changed team dynamics and what the early warning signs look like before someone hits crisis point. If you work in cybersecurity, particularly in leadership or incident response, this conversation offers strategies you can use today.SummaryTwo-thirds of cybersecurity professionals say their jobs are more stressful now than they were five years ago. The pressure is mounting, but the support systems aren't keeping pace. In this conversation, Eve and Bec bring research, clinical experience and real examples to explain why burnout is becoming an occupational hazard in cyber teams. We talk about the gap between a CISO's responsibility and their actual authority, why technical skills alone won't protect your team from collapse and how to spot the signs that someone is struggling before it becomes a crisis. We also cover what actually works: building teams that can handle pressure, creating cultures where people feel safe to speak up and finding peer support through initiatives like the Mental Health in Cybersecurity Foundation.Three Key Talking Points:Human Factors and the Reality of Leadership BurnoutUnderstand why burnout is becoming an occupational hazard for cyber leaders, especially CISOs, who are caught between responsibility and a lack of real power. Learn how unaddressed team dynamics, poor succession planning and social isolation create stress that technical controls alone cannot fix.Spotting Burnout Early - Inside and Around YouGet practical advice on identifying warning signs in yourself and your colleagues. We discuss real strategies for managers and peers: recognising behavioural changes, loss of humour, withdrawal and other ‘red flags’ that are far more accurate than any policy checklist.Building Resilience and Finding Peer SupportDiscover actionable steps for resilience, beyond ‘just coping’, including the creation of peer communities like the Mental Health in Cybersecurity Foundation. Find out how a shared community is essential to surviving and growing in this field.If you want real answers about burnout, actionable insights for your career and lessons from the frontline of cybersecurity wellbeing, this is one episode you can’t afford to skip.On power vs responsibility:“CISOs are a great example. You only have so much power, but you've got a high degree of responsibility, and personal responsibility coming into it. So that can feel very unfair and very unbalanced and that can create a lot of resentment.”Eve ParmiterListen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listenIn this episode, we covered the following topics:Understanding Burnout Trends in Cybersecurity Learn why 66% of professionals report higher stress levels than five years ago and what's driving the increase across the industry.Recognising Human Factors as Security Risks Discover how overlooking team wellbeing creates vulnerabilities that no technical control can fix.Navigating the Working Location Debate Find out how remote, hybrid and office preferences impact team cohesion and what it means for your mental health.Balancing CISO Responsibility Without Authority Understand why security leaders face mounting pressure without the power to create change and how this fuels burnout.Spotting Burnout Before It's Too Late Learn to identify the subtle behavioural shifts that signal burnout in yourself and colleagues before it becomes a crisis.Creating Teams That Can Weather the Storm See how managers can build resilience by recognising and responding to individual stress patterns.Leveraging Different Perspectives Under Pressure Explore why mixing personalities and viewpoints strengthens problem-solving and team support during incidents.Building a Culture Where People Can Speak Up Understand what psychological safety actually looks like and why it's essential for preventing burnout.Finding Professional Support That Actually Helps Learn where to access peer support and resources designed specifically for cybersecurity professionals.Getting Involved in Industry-Wide Solutions Discover how the Mental Health in Cybersecurity Foundation is creating practical frameworks and communities to address burnout collectively.Resources Mentioned 1. ISACA (Cybersecurity Research and Reports)Referenced by Bec McKeown regarding global research on cybersecurity stress levels.Website: https://www.isaca.org/2. NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming)Mentioned as a resource for self-understanding and career development.Overview: https://www.britannica.com/topic/neuro-linguistic-programming3. Major UK Brands Affected by Cyber AttacksHarrods: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cpq5w324pd3o Marks & Spencer:  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c93x16zkl9do Jaguar Land Rover  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckg1w255gy1o Co-op:  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckgq9dke4e5o 4. ‘Be Left of Bang’ Used as a metaphor by Bec McKeown for proactivity in noticing stress and burnout.Book Info: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Left-Bang-Marine-Combat-Program/dp/19368913015. Maslach’s Research into Burnout Cited by Eve Parmiter about organisational factors driving burnout.Overview: https://www.verywellmind.com/burnout-4157336Christina Maslach Profile: https://psychology.berkeley.edu/people/christina-maslach6. Mental Health in Cybersecurity Foundation (Community and Support Resource)Discussed by Bec McKeown as a growing support and best practice group; LinkedIn page only (no website yet).LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mental-health-in-cybersecurity-foundation/7. The Cyber Sentinel's Handbook (by James Rees)Mentioned as a resource for information security professionals at all levels.Amazon link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cyber-Sentinels-Handbook-professionals-ebook/dp/B0CXTS3S7D/Available as paperback, e-book and via Kindle Unlimited.Connect with your host James ReesHello, I am James Rees, the host of the Razorwire podcast. This podcast brings you insights from leading cyber security professionals who dedicate their careers to making a hacker’s life that much more difficult.Our guests bring you experience and expertise from a range of disciplines and from different career stages. We give you various viewpoints for improving your cyber security – from seasoned professionals with years of experience, triumphs and lessons learned under their belt, to those in relatively early stages of their careers offering fresh eyes and new insights.With new episodes every other Wednesday, Razorwire is a podcast for cyber security enthusiasts and professionals providing insights, news and fresh ideas on protecting your organisation from hackers.For more information about us or if you have any questions you...

Is passwordless authentication finally ready for prime time, or are we just replacing one set of problems with another?Welcome to Razorwire, the podcast where we share our take on the world of cybersecurity with direct, practical advice for professionals and business owners alike. I'm Jim and in this episode, we're tackling one of the oldest challenges in information security: identity and access management.I'm joined by David Higgins, CTO at CyberArk and Murtaza Hafizja, Senior Technical Product Marketing Leader from OneSpan, who bring decades of combined experience from the front lines of identity, authentication and access control. Together, we explore how the industry has evolved from simple username/password combinations to biometrics, passkeys and continuous authentication and where the technology is heading next.SummaryWe examine the persistent challenges around identity management, from the struggle between security and user convenience to the explosion of non-human identities that now need managing. David explains why privilege access management has evolved from credential vaulting to zero standing privileges and how cloud environments have created both opportunities and complexities with their tens of thousands of granular permissions. Murtaza tells us about the passwordless evolution, why risk-based authentication is making a comeback and the real barriers to rolling out modern authentication at scale.Whether you're a CISO wrestling with third-party access, an IT manager trying to balance security with productivity or just someone interested in where authentication is heading, you'll get honest perspectives on what works, what doesn't and what's actually achievable.Key Talking Points The Passwordless Evolution and What It Really Means Learn why passwords are finally on their way out (mostly), how passkeys and biometrics have moved from niche to mainstream and why the technology that failed 20 years ago is now becoming the de facto standard for authentication.Zero Standing Privilege and the Cloud Permission Problem Discover how cloud environments have paradoxically made privilege management both more granular and more complex, why organisations are moving away from permanent permissions and how just-in-time access is becoming essential for modern infrastructure.Continuous Authentication and Behavioural Analysis Understand why a single login authentication isn't enough anymore, how attackers are owning identities by exploiting help desks and why monitoring user behaviour patterns might be the key to stopping credential-based attacks before they cause damage.On the security of key documentation: "Attackers aren't breaking in anymore, they're logging in."David Higgins, CyberArkListen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listenIn this episode, we covered the following topics:The Evolution of Identity Management How authentication has cycled through different approaches over 30 years, from basic username/password to biometrics that failed, then succeeded and why we're finally at a point where passwordless is achievable at scale.From Too Little Granularity to Too Much Why early operating systems forced an all-or-nothing approach to permissions, how cloud providers now offer tens of thousands of different roles and entitlements and why this has made principle of least privilege almost impossible to implement upfront.Zero Standing Privilege as the New Normal How organisations are moving away from permanent permissions toward just-in-time access, why no one should have standing privileges anymore and how this approach aligns with modern cloud environments.The Passwordless Movement Goes Mainstream What's changed to make passwordless authentication viable now, why passkeys are moving from hype to implementation and the real challenges of rolling out modern authentication to millions of users.Third Party and Non-Human Identity Challenges The growing problem of managing identities for contractors, suppliers, automated systems and AI and why this volume of identities is creating new security and access control headaches.Continuous Authentication and Risk-Based Approaches Why logging in once isn't enough anymore, how behavioural analysis can detect when an owned identity is being misused and why risk-based authentication is making a comeback after years of being overlooked.The Help Desk as Attack Vector How attackers are purchasing stolen credentials then simply calling help desks to reset MFA tokens, why context matters as much as credentials and what this means for authentication strategies.Balancing Security Friction with User Acceptance Why completely frictionless security is impossible, how to find the right balance between protection and productivity and why users will find workarounds if authentication becomes too painful.Privilege Access Management Evolution How PAM has evolved from simple credential vaulting to addressing root causes, why managing secrets at scale remains challenging and the shift toward eliminating standing privileges entirely.The Privacy vs Security Dilemma Concerns around government databases for digital ID verification, the risks of centralised identity storage and why securing authentication data is becoming more critical as we move toward digital-first validation.Resources Mentioned CyberArkOneSpan Gartner Hype Cycle for Digital Identity FIDO AlliancePrinciple of Least PrivilegeAWS (Amazon Web Services)Microsoft Azure Google Cloud Platform (GCP)WebAuthn CTAP (Client to Authenticator Protocol)UK Digital ID VerificationConnect with your host James ReesHello, I am James Rees, the host of the Razorwire podcast. This podcast brings you insights from leading cyber security professionals who dedicate their careers to making a hacker’s life that much more difficult.Our guests bring you experience and expertise from a range of disciplines and from different career stages. We give you various viewpoints for improving your cyber security – from seasoned professionals with years of experience, triumphs and lessons learned under their belt, to those in relatively early stages of their careers offering fresh eyes and new insights.With new episodes every other Wednesday, Razorwire is a podcast for cyber security enthusiasts and professionals providing insights, news and fresh ideas on protecting your organisation from hackers.For more information about us or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss email podcast@razorthorn.com.If you need consultation, visit www.razorthorn.com, We give our clients a personalised, integrated approach to information security, driven by our belief in quality and discretion.LinkedIn: Razorthorn SecurityYouTube: Razorthorn SecurityTikTok: Razorwire PodcastInstagram: Razorwire PodcastTwitter:   @RazorThornLTDWebsite: www.razorthorn.comAll rights reserved. © Razorthorn Security LTD 2025

How can small and medium businesses protect themselves from cyber threats without spending a fortune or just ticking boxes for compliance?Welcome to Razorwire, the podcast where we share our take on the world of cybersecurity with direct, practical advice for professionals and business owners alike. I’m Jim and in this episode, we’re taking a look into the challenges faced by SMEs on the journey through cybersecurity compliance and insurance.I’m joined by Lewis Lockwood from Incursion and Josh X of Capsule, who bring experience from the front lines of offensive security and insurance broking. Together, we tackle the misconception that security is prohibitively expensive and explore how smart strategies can strengthen your defences without breaking the bank.SummaryWe tackle a topic at the heart of SME cybersecurity struggles - from box-ticking compliance to negotiating cyber insurance and surviving data breaches. Lewis Lockwood explains why Cyber Essentials is more than a paperwork exercise and how agility can be a secret weapon for smaller companies. Josh X talks about the realities of selling cyber insurance to resource-stretched businesses, the importance of aligning insurance with actual security posture and the real risks hidden even in smaller businesses.Whether you’re a founder, IT manager or just curious about how attackers think, you’ll get practical advice, cautionary tales and actionable steps you can take today.Key Talking Points Cyber Essentials as Practical Defence, Not Just Compliance Learn why basic frameworks like Cyber Essentials shield SMEs from common attacks, offering affordable, actionable protection that goes well beyond box-ticking.How Insurance and Security Must Work Together Discover the realities of cyber insurance for small businesses, including why your security posture affects premiums and claims, and what actually happens if you’re hit by ransomware or invoice fraud.Learning from Real-World Breaches and SME Pitfalls Hear first hand stories about high profile incidents, negotiation tactics with threat actors and how even a local florist or butcher can be targeted. Understand why continuous education, simple security controls and the right insurance mix can prevent both financial disaster and sleepless nights.Tune in for a conversation that’s honest, insightful and practical - with takeaways you can put into action immediately, no matter your company size.On the security of key documentation: “Where are you storing your insurance documents? If someone wants to get into your network, the easiest thing to do is to look at their insurance documents and be like, okay, they've got a million pound limit, let me ask for £2 mil.”Josh X, CapsuleListen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listenIn this episode, we covered the following topics:Cybersecurity Cost Perceptions Why the belief that security is prohibitively expensive for SMEs is misleading and what actually drives costs.The Role of Cyber Essentials How Cyber Essentials provides a practical, affordable security baseline for small and medium businesses without breaking the bank.Insurance as a Safety Net Why cyber insurance can't replace proper security measures and how to understand its role as a last resort, not a first line of defence.SME Agility in Security How smaller organisations can use their size as an advantage to quickly implement fixes and adapt to security recommendations compared to larger enterprises.Rise in Cyber Insurance Adoption What's driving growing awareness and uptake of cyber insurance among SMEs and why certain sectors are slower to adopt.Practical Security Measures Simple, cost-effective steps SMEs can take to drastically reduce risk, including patching, access control and MFA.Fraud and Social Engineering Threats Real-world attack scenarios targeting SMEs, from invoice fraud to phishing, and why user awareness matters more than you think.Incident Response and Business Impact The wider consequences of a cyber incident beyond financial loss, including operational disruption, PR crises, regulatory fines and personal liability for directors.Insurance Document Security Why you need to secure your insurance documentation and how attackers use policy details to calibrate ransom demands.The Value of Security Accreditation How frameworks like ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials can lower your insurance premiums and deliver tangible business benefits beyond compliance.Resources Mentioned Incursion Cyber Security (incursion-security.co.uk) Capsule (capsulecover.com)Cyber EssentialsCyber Essentials PlusIASMEISO 27001DORANIST2PCI DSSHITRUSTJaguar Land Rover Cyber AttackHarrods Cyber AttackCo-op Cyber AttackNHS Cyber AttackSony Cyber AttackICO (Information Commissioner's Office)SOC2DMARCBlockchain technologyConnect with your host James ReesHello, I am James Rees, the host of the Razorwire podcast. This podcast brings you insights from leading cyber security professionals who dedicate their careers to making a hacker’s life that much more difficult.Our guests bring you experience and expertise from a range of disciplines and from different career stages. We give you various viewpoints for improving your cyber security – from seasoned professionals with years of experience, triumphs and lessons learned under their belt, to those in relatively early stages of their careers offering fresh eyes and new insights.With new episodes every other Wednesday, Razorwire is a podcast for cyber security enthusiasts and professionals providing insights, news and fresh ideas on protecting your organisation from hackers.For more information about us or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss email podcast@razorthorn.com.If you need consultation, visit www.razorthorn.com, We give our clients a personalised, integrated approach to information security, driven by our belief in quality and discretion.LinkedIn: Razorthorn SecurityYouTube: Razorthorn SecurityTikTok: Razorwire PodcastInstagram: Razorwire PodcastTwitter:   @RazorThornLTDWebsite: www.razorthorn.comAll rights reserved. © Razorthorn Security LTD 2025

What happens when the dark side gets its hands on cutting-edge AI and why might even seasoned defenders find themselves playing catch-up?Welcome back to Razorwire, where I’m joined by Oliver Rochford and Richard Cassidy to discuss how criminals are using AI, what's actually working and how the threat landscape is changing. We explore how adversaries are using AI, what’s actually working in the wild and how professionals can prepare for the unsettling pace of change.Summary:We discuss AI-powered phishing, deepfakes in recruitment and self-evolving malware. The conversation moves beyond the classic image of lone hackers, unveiling an economy of cybercrime with advanced automation, international collaboration and ruthless incentives. The real tension lies in whether AI is simply sharpening existing attack tools or if we’re on the brink of something genuinely new and autonomous. We dissect economic shifts in attack and defence and raises questions about resilience, readiness and just how quickly the future may arrive.3 Key Talking Points:AI in current attacks: Discover how attackers are already automating phishing, password cracking and social engineering at scale, with some criminal campaigns boasting success rates that would have been unthinkable without AI.Deepfakes and infiltration: Hear real cases of attackers using AI-generated identities and language tools to pass job interviews and access company systems, including documented North Korean operations.The autonomy debate: Join the debate over whether we’re seeing the emergence of fully autonomous AI attacks or just more sophisticated versions of existing threats,  and what it means for risk management and defending against a fast-paced, well-funded adversary.Ideal for any cybersecurity professional looking for sharp perspectives and real-world examples on the present and future impact of AI in the hands of attackers. The New Question for Cybersecurity:"We don't need to ask anymore, ‘Do we have good security?’ What we have to say, and what the question should be is, ‘Are we resilient when AI is being used against us? And how do we do that from a technology perspective?’ And there's no one answer."Richard CassidyListen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listenIn this episode, we covered:AI as the New Adversary Learn how criminals are using advanced AI tools to make cyber threats less predictable and harder to control.Phishing Supercharged by AI Discover why AI-generated phishing campaigns achieve significantly higher success rates than traditional attempts and what makes them harder to spot.Deepfakes and Recruitment Fraud Hear how attackers use deepfakes and voice-changing technology to impersonate job candidates and infiltrate organisations under false identities.Automation and Evolving Malware Explore the debate around whether malware can autonomously adapt and rewrite itself, reducing the need for human hackers to intervene directly.Limits of Current AI Threats Understand why truly autonomous, intelligent cyber attacks aren't widely observed in the wild yet, despite AI amplifying certain attack vectors.Economic Shift in Cybercrime See how AI has lowered costs and barriers to entry for cybercriminals, allowing attacks to scale rapidly without nation-state resources.Social and Psychological Impacts Consider how AI's rapid advancement is outpacing society's ability to adapt, leading to new forms of manipulation and radicalisation.Defence Strategies Lagging Behind Find out why most defensive tools still rely on older methods and haven't matched the sophistication of AI-powered attacks.Importance of Cyber Resilience Learn why resilience measures like robust backup, disaster recovery and regular risk assessments are now critical as AI heightens attack speed and scale.Ethics, Regulation and the Future Race Examine how the race to adopt AI technologies by criminals and corporations alike is happening without adequate regulation or ethical boundaries.Resources Mentioned MIT SloanSafe SecurityVirusTotalPromptLockFirewood (Malware)Mirai (Malware / Botnet Variant)HackerOneExpo (LLM Project)AnthropicOpenAIEuropolChatGPTGenTek AIArctic WolfSQL SlammerMorris WormThe ZiziansFuture Shock (Book)Connect with your host James ReesHello, I am James Rees, the host of the Razorwire podcast. This podcast brings you insights from leading cyber security professionals who dedicate their careers to making a hacker’s life that much more difficult.Our guests bring you experience and expertise from a range of disciplines and from different career stages. We give you various viewpoints for improving your cyber security – from seasoned professionals with years of experience, triumphs and lessons learned under their belt, to those in relatively early stages of their careers offering fresh eyes and new insights.With new episodes every other Wednesday, Razorwire is a podcast for cyber security enthusiasts and professionals providing insights, news and fresh ideas on protecting your organisation from hackers.For more information about us or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss email podcast@razorthorn.com.If you need consultation, visit www.razorthorn.com, We give our clients a personalised, integrated approach to information security, driven by our belief in quality and discretion.LinkedIn: Razorthorn SecurityYouTube: Razorthorn SecurityTikTok: Razorwire PodcastTwitter:   @RazorThornLTDWebsite: www.razorthorn.comAll rights reserved. © Razorthorn Security LTD 2025

Are you making career moves in cybersecurity or is cybersecurity making moves around you?Welcome to Razorwire. In this episode, I sit down with Marius Poskus - CISO, consultant, podcaster and all-round cyber expert - to how to succeed in cybersecurity. We discuss career paths, why security culture fails in most organisations and the risks of rushing into AI without understanding what you're doing. Whether you're trying to break into the industry or you're leading security strategy, this conversation covers what works and what doesn't.Summary:Want to break into cybersecurity without wasting time on the wrong certifications? Wondering why your security programme keeps failing despite all the tools you've bought? We have the answers.From physical security in Lithuania to CISO at a global fintech, Marius explains why pen testing is a terrible entry route for juniors, why compliance doesn't stop breaches and why giving AI control of your SOC is riskier than most people realise.We discuss how to build actual security skills (not just a collection of certificates), why punishing people for clicking phishing links backfires and why you need to stop firefighting incidents and start preventing them. Marius also shares why so many organisations buy expensive tools that solve nothing and what happens when you remove humans from security decisions.Key Talking Points:The Truth About Career Pathways:We debunk common myths about entry routes into cybersecurity, explains why starting in a SOC makes strategic sense and shares advice for hands-on learning that goes beyond certifications.Security Culture and Human Factors:We discuss why technologists and business leaders often miss the mark on culture, how reward (not punishment) transforms security behaviours and what happens when compliance is mistaken for genuine protection.AI, Emerging Threats and Resilience:Marius reflects on the dangers of autonomous AI-driven security, the future of continuous assessments and why building resilience matters more than chasing perfection. If you want a blunt take on what’s coming next in cyber risk, this episode will challenge your thinking.Tune in for real world stories, hard-won lessons and clever insights you can use right now, whether you’re climbing the infosec ladder or shaping your organisation’s security future.The Future of AI in Software Development: “Everyone thinks that pen testing is sexy. How many pen testing roles are you going to find in a junior space? So if I'm playing numbers game, go in a SOC, learn cyber defence, build up all of your skills and then you pivot to wherever you want because that's the easiest path.”Marius PoskusListen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listenIn this episode, we covered the following topics:Choose your entry point strategically: Why starting in a SOC gives you more options than chasing pen testing roles straight away and how to play the numbers game when breaking into the industry.Focus on skills that actually get you hired: Why hands-on experience with home labs matters more than stacking certifications and what employers really look for in junior candidates.Understand why pen testing isn't an entry-level path: Most junior roles are in Security Operations Centres, not penetration testing. Learn why the sexy-sounding jobs aren't where beginners should aim.Stop buying tools to solve people problems: Why organisations waste money chasing technology instead of fixing processes and how this approach guarantees poor security outcomes.Recognise that compliance doesn't mean you're secure: How mistaking audit requirements for actual protection leaves your business exposed and why ticking boxes won't stop breaches.Build a security culture that works: Why punishing people for clicking phishing links backfires and how rewarding reporting creates collaboration instead of fear.Question autonomous AI in security: Why removing humans from security decisions is riskier than most people realise and what happens when AI makes critical choices without oversight.Shift from firefighting to prevention: How to identify root causes instead of just responding to incidents and why this approach saves time and money.Use your network to accelerate your career: Why the relationships you build in the infosec community matter and how asking for help from people who've solved your problems before is a professional skill, not a weakness.Resources Mentioned MP CybersecurityCyber Diaries PodcastCtrl Alt Defend (YouTube channel)CompTIA Security+CompTIA Network+CompTIA A+ISOSOC2Cyber Sentinels HandbookMicrosoft CopilotMontinuGreg van der GaastJack JonesJane FranklandConnect with your host James ReesHello, I am James Rees, the host of the Razorwire podcast. This podcast brings you insights from leading cyber security professionals who dedicate their careers to making a hacker’s life that much more difficult.Our guests bring you experience and expertise from a range of disciplines and from different career stages. We give you various viewpoints for improving your cyber security – from seasoned professionals with years of experience, triumphs and lessons learned under their belt, to those in relatively early stages of their careers offering fresh eyes and new insights.With new episodes every other Wednesday, Razorwire is a podcast for cyber security enthusiasts and professionals providing insights, news and fresh ideas on protecting your organisation from hackers.For more information about us or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss email podcast@razorthorn.com.If you need consultation, visit www.razorthorn.com, We give our clients a personalised, integrated approach to information security, driven by our belief in quality and discretion.LinkedIn: Razorthorn SecurityYouTube: Razorthorn SecurityTikTok: Razorwire PodcastTwitter:   @RazorThornLTDWebsite: www.razorthorn.comAll rights reserved. © Razorthorn Security LTD 2025

Is your security stack making you safer or just adding to the chaos?Welcome to Razorwire, the podcast where we unravel the mess, myths and market realities behind today’s cybersecurity challenges. I’m your host Jim and in this episode, I’m joined by our favourite regulars Oliver Rochford and Richard Cassidy to tackle a topic that irritates every CISO: the security solution stack. We discuss the big questions about vendor motivations, tool sprawl and why consolidation so often promises more than it delivers.In this episode, we set aside the sales buzzwords and look at what it really means to consolidate your security stack. Oliver and Richard share straight-talking insights from both the vendor and CISO perspectives. We debate why security platforms so often fail to reduce complexity and whether AI is about to solve - or simply mask - the underlying pain.Three key reasons to listen:“Noise in depth” versus defence in depth: Discover why having dozens of overlapping tools can actually increase risk and burnout, rather than improve your security posture. Hear insights on “noise in depth” and how it impacts the choices CISOs face.Vendor incentives and the truth behind “consolidation”: Get an insider’s take on why vendors push for consolidation only when it benefits their stack, how lock-in happens and why most platforms are stitched together from half-baked acquisitions.The hard reality of AI, integrations and future-ready strategy: Find out why AI and automation aren’t the magic fix the industry claims and what you actually need to do to keep your stack effective, adaptable and under control in a shifting market.If you want honest, practical advice on managing cybersecurity complexity and want to hear what real CISOs wish they'd known before their last renewal, this episode is worth your time.Welcome to the Future: Solving Problems, Not Just Selling Tools"If you're coming to market, remember the product is only half the game.Security teams, GRC compliance teams - they're drowning. Support, deployment, tuning and post-sales success – they really make or break from my organisations and ones that I talk to. So be the vendor that doesn't just sell the product, be the one that really helps operationalise it. If you're just here to sell a tool, you're already obsolete. If you're here to solve a problem and remove complexity, then welcome to the future.Richard CassidyListen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listenIn this episode, we covered the following topics:Tool Sprawl vs. Defence in Depth Learn why organisations with dozens of overlapping security tools end up with noisy environments instead of effective layered defence and what CISOs actually see happening on the ground.Vendor Incentives and Lock-In Discover how security vendors push you into consolidation within their own ecosystems while prioritising customer lock-in over real interoperability and simplification.Platform Consolidation Cycles Understand why the industry keeps repeating the same consolidation mistakes and what you should consider instead of chasing the perfect platform that doesn't exist.The Role and Myth of AI in Security Stacks Find out why AI won't magically fix your complexity problem and how it often just adds another noisy layer without reducing tool sprawl.Integration Challenges and Data Standards Find out why lack of shared standards makes integration painful, and how to use your purchasing power to demand vendors support open standards and data portability.Cost Fallacies of Consolidation Discover why promised cost savings from consolidating tools rarely appear once you factor in migration, retraining, integration and operational complexities.System Integrators and Rising Complexity Learn why systems integrators and resellers often profit from complexity rather than simplification, and how to spot when you're being sold more than you need.Shifting Vendor Strategies: Acquisitions and Synergy Understand how large vendors grow through acquisitions that never get properly integrated, and what to look for when evaluating whether a "platform" is actually unified or just a collection of separate products.Staying Flexible as Things Change Learn why security leaders need agile, modular strategies and should avoid long-term commitments to match the pace of change in technology and security threats.Resources Mentioned Gartnercyberfuturist.comAgoriaRubrikDORANIS 2Microsoft CopilotMcAfeeWizAWS S3Iceberg DataClickHouseGoldman SachsLangChainThe Cyber Sentinels HandbookConnect with your host James ReesHello, I am James Rees, the host of the Razorwire podcast. This podcast brings you insights from leading cyber security professionals who dedicate their careers to making a hacker’s life that much more difficult.Our guests bring you experience and expertise from a range of disciplines and from different career stages. We give you various viewpoints for improving your cyber security - from seasoned professionals with years of experience, triumphs and lessons learned under their belt, to those in relatively early stages of their careers offering fresh eyes and new insights.With new episodes every other Wednesday, Razorwire is a podcast for cyber security enthusiasts and professionals providing insights, news and fresh ideas on protecting your organisation from hackers.For more information about us or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss email podcast@razorthorn.com.If you need consultation, visit www.razorthorn.com, We give our clients a personalised, integrated approach to information security, driven by our belief in quality and discretion.LinkedIn: Razorthorn SecurityYouTube: Razorthorn SecurityTikTok: Razorwire PodcastX:   @RazorThornLTDWebsite: www.razorthorn.comAll rights reserved. © Razorthorn Security LTD 2025

Are you prepared for the psychological toll that comes with handling disturbing content in the cybersecurity world?Welcome to Razorwire, where today we’re exploring into the realities behind a career in cyber, from technical warfare to the often-overlooked human cost. In this episode, I’m joined by therapist and consultant Eve Parmiter to examine the real psychological impact of repeated exposure to distressing material that many of us face during incident investigations, content moderation and threat research.Eve draws on her background in trauma therapy and real-world experiences both inside and outside of cybersecurity. Together, we discuss why even seasoned professionals struggle to talk about their experiences, how secondary trauma manifests in our daily lives and what can actually help in environments that don’t provide enough support.If you've ever had to investigate colleagues, review disturbing material, or make impossible decisions under pressure, this conversation will resonate. We don't shy away from hard truths, but we do focus on practical ways to build resilience and find some measure of satisfaction in doing the right thing - even when it's difficult.In this episode:1. Understand the true impact of secondary trauma in cyber roles.We break down the difference between stress, burnout and trauma specific to cybersecurity professions, exploring how exposure to disturbing content changes your outlook - and why it’s not a personal weakness.2. Learn why most pros don’t talk about their struggles and how to break the silence.Eve explains why lacking the right language keeps many from processing what they experience and offers insight into building peer support systems and practical organisational responses.3. Discover tested strategies for coping and recovery.You’ll leave with actionable advice straight from the worlds of therapy and cyber on how to protect yourself, when to seek help and the importance of cultivating supportive communities.Tune in for a genuine, valuable discussion that puts the mental health of cybersecurity professionals front and centre and find out how to make a tough job more sustainable for yourself and your team.Why Self Care Isn't Enough for Trauma"You can't self care your way out of trauma. There is no amount of bubble baths or ice baths that are going to remove certain images or certain experiences."Eve ParmiterListen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listenIn this episode, we covered the following topics:The Psychological Impact of Difficult Materials. Why exposure to traumatic or distressing digital content leads to anxiety, depression and long term negative outlooks.Challenges Discussing Trauma in Cybersecurity. How professionals can overcome their reluctance to discuss experiences when they lack the language or organisational support.Primary vs Secondary Traumatic Stress. Learn how to identify when direct and indirect exposure to disturbing content creates real psychological effects that often resemble PTSD.Addressing Vicarious Trauma and Worldview Shifts. How to cope when repeatedly witnessing other people's trauma changes how you perceive the world and interact with your environment.Moral Distress and Injury in Decision Making. Find out how to manage situations where you face ethical dilemmas with no clear 'right' choices.Overcoming Isolation in Infosec Roles. Learn ways to tackle the solitary nature of many cybersecurity positions and find methods for sharing and processing difficult experiences.Building Organisational Support Structures. Explore how to create better support systems, clearer policies and access to therapy or community resources for those regularly exposed to harmful material.Implementing Practical Coping Strategies for Daily Exposure. How using visual and audio moderation tools can reduce the impact of reviewing distressing content.Building Resilience and Finding Meaning. How community, positive reinforcement and focusing on 'doing good' help professionals recover and maintain motivation.Resources for Mental Health in Cybersecurity. Find organisations and peer networks dedicated to improving mental health for cybersecurity professionals. Resources Mentioned Mental Health and Cybersecurity Foundationeveparmiter.comConnect with your host James ReesHello, I am James Rees, the host of the Razorwire podcast. This podcast brings you insights from leading cyber security professionals who dedicate their careers to making a hacker’s life that much more difficult.Our guests bring you experience and expertise from a range of disciplines and from different career stages. We give you various viewpoints for improving your cyber security - from seasoned professionals with years of experience, triumphs and lessons learned under their belt, to those in relatively early stages of their careers offering fresh eyes and new insights.With new episodes every other Wednesday, Razorwire is a podcast for cyber security enthusiasts and professionals providing insights, news and fresh ideas on protecting your organisation from hackers.For more information about us or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss email podcast@razorthorn.com.If you need consultation, visit www.razorthorn.com. We give our clients a personalised, integrated approach to information security, driven by our belief in quality and discretion.LinkedIn: Razorthorn SecurityYouTube: Razorthorn SecurityTikTok: Razorwire PodcastX: @RazorThornLTDWebsite: www.razorthorn.comAll rights reserved. © Razorthorn Security LTD 2025

Understanding AI security threats before they become your next crisisOn this episode of Razorwire, I explore the emerging frontier of AI security with leading experts Jonathan Care and Martin Voelk. We examine the latest risks, show you how adversaries are exploiting AI systems and share practical advice for professionals working with these rapidly advancing technologies.We move past the marketing speak to reveal how attackers are using generative AI, what it really takes to test these complex systems and what the rise of agentic, self-operating AI means for defenders. Security leaders, penetration testers and anyone implementing business technology need to understand these threats before committing to new AI solutions.This conversation addresses real incidents, examines practical realities and highlights why many enterprises are dangerously unprepared for what's ahead in AI security.Key TopicsInside the Mind of the Attacker: Learn how both ethical hackers and financially motivated criminals are already using AI to automate attacks, spread misinformation and create new vulnerabilities. Martin and Jonathan share examples of prompt injection, data poisoning and “model jailbreaking” - all tactics reshaping the cyber threat landscape right now.Pen Testing AI: What’s Different and What’s Still the Same: Go behind the scenes with insights into penetration testing for large language models and agentic AI. The episode discusses fresh attack surfaces, why classic testing skills are still vital and the new OWASP Top 10 for LLMs. If you’re considering buying AI-powered tools, take away concrete advice on how to stress-test these systems before attackers do.Business Risk, Legal Headaches and What to Demand from Vendors: With AI now touching everything from customer bots giving dodgy medical advice to autonomous agents able to cause chaos, the conversation gives practical advice about reputational, legal and operational risks. Listen for the must-ask questions every business should take to their vendors as well as new regulatory requirements that mean robust AI testing can’t be left as an afterthought.If you want to stay ahead of AI and cybersecurity developments and avoid building tomorrow's biggest headache, this episode is essential listening.AI Model Bias Debate: " 77% of enterprises are reporting at least one AI related security incident. 62% of enterprises lack any dedicated testing programme.”Jonathan CareListen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listenIn this episode, we covered the following topics:Test Your AI Before Attackers Do - With 77% of enterprises already hit by AI security incidents but 62% lacking testing programmes, discover what specific vulnerabilities to check for and how to implement proper AI red teaming.Stop AI Hallucinations From Damaging Your Business - Understand how AI systems fabricate information and create legal liability, plus practical steps to identify and mitigate these risks before they affect customers or operations.Protect Against Medical and Legal AI Disasters - Learn from real cases where AI gave dangerous advice and created legal obligations, including what liability questions you need to address with vendors and internal teams.Secure Agentic AI That Can Take Real Actions - Discover why AI agents that can invoke APIs, modify data and trigger real-world changes require completely different security approaches than traditional chatbots.Defend Against Prompt Injection Attacks - Get specific techniques for testing and protecting against AI-specific vulnerabilities that traditional cybersecurity controls cannot address.Identify Poisoned Training Data and Supply Chain Attacks - Understand how attackers manipulate AI training data and learn what questions to ask about data sources and model provenance.Implement Automated and Continuous AI Testing - Explore new tools and frameworks for always-on adversarial testing of AI systems, including what capabilities to build in-house versus buy.Navigate AI Model Bias and Censorship Issues - Understand how different AI models reflect their creators' biases and learn strategies for getting balanced information across multiple sources.Meet New Regulatory Requirements for AI Testing - Prepare for mandatory adversarial testing under the EU AI Act and US executive orders, including what documentation and processes you'll need.Build AI Security Skills and Career Paths - Identify the specific certifications, training and technical skills needed for AI security roles, plus advice for both newcomers and experienced professionals transitioning to AI security.Resources Mentioned OWASP Top 10 for LLMChatGPTGeminiGrokClaudeAnthropicRetrieval Augmented Generation (RAG)RedditWikipediaHugging FaceGitHubDeepseekGwen (Alibaba)Burp SuiteModel Scan (Hidden Layer)Terra SecurityNIST Generative AI ProfileEU AI ActUS Executive Order 14110NIST AI RMFExpo.comSecOps SchoolLearn PromptingCISO Intelligence (Newsletter)Cyber Sentinels HandbookPliny the PrompterConnect with your host James ReesHello, I am James Rees, the host of the Razorwire podcast. This podcast brings you insights from leading cyber security professionals who dedicate their careers to making a hacker’s life that much more difficult.Our guests bring you experience and expertise from a range of disciplines and from different career stages. We give you various viewpoints for improving your cyber security – from seasoned professionals with years of experience, triumphs and lessons learned under their belt, to those in relatively early stages of their careers offering fresh eyes and new insights.With new episodes every other Wednesday, Razorwire is a podcast for cyber security enthusiasts and professionals providing insights, news and fresh ideas on protecting your organisation from hackers.For more information about us or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss email podcast@razorthorn.com.If you need consultation, visit

Is your compliance strategy making life easier or just adding more chaos?Welcome to Razorwire, where we take you to the heart of cybersecurity with voices that have seen it all. I’m Jim, your host and in this episode, I’m joined by Martin Davies (Audit Alliance Manager at Drata) and Patrick Sullivan (VP of Strategy and Innovation at A-LIGN). Together, we explore how to cut the compliance overhead, eliminate duplication across multiple frameworks and turn compliance into a competitive advantage that actually speeds up sales cycles.Compliance is rarely anyone’s favourite topic, yet it’s unavoidable and organisations are under more pressure than ever to do it well. We explore why compliance keeps getting more complex, what’s actually driving value and how the right blend of people, processes and technology can transform it from a painful cost centre into a genuine strategic asset.Key topics:Cutting Compliance Overhead: Discover practical ways to avoid duplication of effort, map overlapping controls across frameworks and use technology to bring order to compliance chaos.Compliance as a Value Generator, Not Just a Cost: Hear real world perspectives on shifting the mindset around compliance, from being a necessary evil to a competitive differentiator that can support new business, speed up sales cycles and add commercial value.The Road Ahead: Continuous Monitoring and Emerging Pressures: Explore the shift from annual audits to ongoing assurance, the impact of AI on compliance frameworks and the new reality of management liability in regulations like DORA and NIS2.If you’re ready to rethink compliance and turn it into a source of strategic advantage, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.On duplication of effort: "The words ‘compliance overhead’ - when I hear that, I hear duplication of effort. If someone's doing the same control twice, that's objectively a bad thing." Martin DaviesListen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listenIn this episode, we covered the following topics:How to tackle the complexity of compliance - Understand why compliance requirements keep growing and discover strategies for managing multiple frameworks without getting overwhelmed.How to turn compliance from cost centre to value generator - Learn practical approaches for positioning compliance as a competitive advantage that can speed up sales cycles and create business value.Practical ways to streamline your compliance processes - Discover methods to eliminate duplication of effort, reduce time waste and support more agile business operations.How to identify and eliminate overlap across frameworks - Learn techniques for mapping overlapping standards and consolidating controls to avoid doing the same work twice.How to leverage technology and GRC tools effectively - Understand how platforms like Drata can transform evidence management, reduce audit stress and bring order to compliance chaos.What auditors actually look for during assessments - Learn why auditors focus on intent and sound processes rather than box-ticking, and how to prepare effectively for audits.When to shift from annual to continuous monitoring - Understand the growing trend towards ongoing assurance and when point-in-time assessments aren't enough.How to manage third party and supply chain compliance risks - Learn strategies for validating and managing external risks as organisations rely more heavily on third parties.Resources Mentioned CTEMDrataA-LIGNPwCPCI DSSISO 27001DORANIS 2HITRUSTHIPAAPCI SSCEU AI ActSOC 2AICPASafeBaseCyber Sentinels Handbook (book)Connect with your host James ReesHello, I am James Rees, the host of the Razorwire podcast. This podcast brings you insights from leading cyber security professionals who dedicate their careers to making a hacker’s life that much more difficult.Our guests bring you experience and expertise from a range of disciplines and from different career stages. We give you various viewpoints for improving your cyber security – from seasoned professionals with years of experience, triumphs and lessons learned under their belt, to those in relatively early stages of their careers offering fresh eyes and new insights.With new episodes every other Wednesday, Razorwire is a podcast for cyber security enthusiasts and professionals providing insights, news and fresh ideas on protecting your organisation from hackers.For more information about us or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss email podcast@razorthorn.com.If you need consultation, visit www.razorthorn.com. We give our clients a personalised, integrated approach to information security, driven by our belief in quality and discretion.Linkedin: Razorthorn SecurityYoutube: Razorthorn SecurityTwitter:   @RazorThornLTDWebsite: www.razorthorn.comAll rights reserved. © Razorthorn Security LTD 2025

Why venture capitalists have abandoned cybersecurity and what this means for real innovationWelcome to Razorwire, the podcast where we go beyond the headlines to dig into what really matters in information security. I'm your host, James Rees and this week we're pulling back the curtain on the world of venture capital in cybersecurity. The brutal truth is that VC money has dried up, innovation has stalled and according to this week’s special guest, we're mostly seeing "the same crap with AI on it." VCs are having layoffs, funds are frozen at 13-14 years with no exits and genuine breakthroughs are nowhere to be found.In this episode, I sit down with cybersecurity expert Oliver Rochford to dissect the state of VC investment in information security in 2025. We break down why funding is tightening, where the "innovation" is really happening (or not) and how security start-ups can survive in a changing landscape. If you're tired of jargon and want to know what's really happening behind the scenes, from market consolidation through to the real world impact on practitioners and products, this one's for you.3 key talking points you won’t want to miss:Why VC money is slowing and what that means for innovationWe explore the shifting strategies of venture capital in the security industry: what’s drying up, where the smart bets are moving and whether this environment is strangling real progress.The reality behind “consolidation” and the myth of the mega-vendorOliver unpicks the idea of market consolidation and explains why, despite the headlines, the security market remains fragmented and why there’s unlikely to be a handful of companies owning it all.What start-ups really need to survive in the current marketWe talk through the pitfalls, survival tactics and realities facing new security vendors. From the importance of business fundamentals to why flashy tech might not be enough, you’ll get practical insight into turning great ideas into sustainable businesses.Tune in for a realistic look at the business side of cybersecurity, packed with lessons directly from the experts.The Startup Funding Struggle:"No one's getting any money. Not the investors, not the VCs. They've had rounds of layoffs in the VC industry, which you can imagine, the people with money have had layoffs."Oliver RochfordListen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listenIn this episode, you’ll learn:Why VC Funding Has Hit Crisis Point: Discover why venture capital investment has frozen in cybersecurity, with VC funds now at 13-14 years (well beyond the typical 10-year lifecycle) and no viable exits in sight and why even VCs themselves are having layoffs.How Major Vendors Are Replacing Traditional VCs: Learn why Cisco, Okta and Zscaler have established their own investment arms and how this shift is concentrating power whilst reducing diversity in startup selection.What's Really Happening Behind the Scenes: Understand how silent fire sales are occurring and why limited partners are refusing to invest further, stalling new cybersecurity ventures.Why "Consolidation" Is Actually a Myth: Learn why the cybersecurity vendor landscape remains highly fragmented despite headlines suggesting otherwise and why no single vendor will ever dominate.How Cybersecurity Compares to Other Tech Markets: Discover why the total addressable market for cybersecurity ($78 billion) pales next to what Microsoft alone spent on AI data centres ($85 billion), making it less appealing for VCs.Which Niches Are Still Getting Funding: Find out why only security telemetry pipelines, AISecOps, cloud security and machine identities are attracting investment whilst most areas see nothing.Why European Startups Face Impossible Odds: Understand the "stunted trees on a mountain" reality, where European startups get 10% of American budgets but are expected to deliver the same results.What Happens to "Autonomous" Security Promises: Learn why most companies promising fully automated pen testing or autonomous security operations inevitably pivot to AI-assisted managed services.How AI Is Breaking Traditional Metrics: Discover why customers jump between AI tools monthly rather than committing annually, making traditional revenue metrics unreliable and forcing new approaches.What Startups Must Do to Survive Now: Understand why rapid traction and clear revenue paths are now essential for securing follow-on investments in this tougher environment.Why Innovation Has Actually Stalled: Learn why there's been no real innovation in cybersecurity for five years, with most products being iterations rather than genuine breakthroughs.How Market Barriers Have Grown Higher: Discover why larger vendors with established customer bases and investment arms now dominate, making it nearly impossible for new startups to break through.Why Networks Matter More Than Ever: Understand how increasing emphasis on backgrounds and connections is creating fewer opportunities for diverse or unconventional teams to succeed.Resources MentionedInfosecGartnerWizRazor's Edge Continuous Threat Exposure ManagementY CombinatorThe Cyber Sentinels HandbookConnect with your host James ReesHello, I am James Rees, the host of the Razorwire podcast. This podcast brings you insights from leading cybersecurity professionals who dedicate their careers to making a hacker’s life that much more difficult.Our guests bring you experience and expertise from a range of disciplines and from different career stages. We give you various viewpoints for improving your cyber security – from seasoned professionals with years of experience, triumphs and lessons learned under their belt, to those in relatively early stages of their careers offering fresh eyes and new insights.With new episodes every other Wednesday, Razorwire is a podcast for cyber security enthusiasts and professionals providing insights, news and fresh ideas on protecting your organisation from hackers.For more information about us or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss email podcast@razorthorn.com.If you need consultation, visit www.razorthorn.com, We give our clients a personalised, integrated approach to information security, driven by our belief in quality and discretion.Linkedin: Razorthorn SecurityYoutube: Razorthorn SecurityTwitter:   @RazorThornLTDWebsite: www.razorthorn.comAll rights reserved. © Razorthorn Security LTD 2025

Are small and medium-sized businesses finally getting the cybersecurity solutions they deserve - or is the market still leaving them exposed?Welcome back to Razorwire, the podcast where I investigate the real world challenges and breakthroughs in cybersecurity, bringing you the stories and advice of the industry’s leading minds. I’m Jim, and in this episode, I’m sitting down with Piers Morgan - no, not that Piers Morgan - who serves as Senior Vice President and General Manager for EMEA at Coro cybersecurity. We’re exploring the future of endpoint security for small and medium-sized businesses and why this sector is seeing a big shift in how security is delivered, priced and managed.In our conversation, we get frank about the tangled mess of security tools, why dashboards are driving everyone mad and how the industry’s obsession with complexity has left the “forgotten” mid-market crying out for help. Piers shares how Coro is shaking up the space with unified, affordable security, without the vendor lock-in and upsell traps that so often sting growing businesses.Key Talking Points:The end of the dashboard nightmare: Discover why having “one pane of glass” for your entire security stack has become more than just marketing hype for smaller firms, and how Coro is actually delivering on this long standing promise.Security without breaking the bank: We dig into the true cost of endpoint protection and how most businesses are burning cash on complex tools they barely use. Learn what a flat rate, scalable approach really looks like in practice.What’s next in SME security: Hear how Coro’s approach to AI and automation is giving small businesses access to enterprise-grade defences, along with Piers’ view on where the market is heading, the threats reshaping mid-sized risk and why managed services are becoming the new frontline for the channel.If you’re a cybersecurity professional, consultant or MSP grappling with SME security demands, you’ll hear practical insights  and perhaps question a few of your own assumptions about what’s possible for the “forgotten middle” of our industry.On the cost burden for smaller businesses:"It can go up to fifteen hundred dollars a seat a year. Now, when you're timesing that by a few hundred licences and users, that's a significant amount of cash. We can manage it in one single platform... we can do it up to a tenth of the cost of what they're currently using today."Piers Morgan (Coro)Listen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listenIn this episode, we covered the following topics:Escape the multiple dashboard trap Learn why juggling numerous disconnected security platforms creates operational chaos and discover practical approaches to streamline your security operations. Right-size security solutions for smaller organisations Understand how to match your security investments to your actual needs and resources, avoiding the enterprise-focused tools that often overwhelm smaller teams. Implement unified security platforms effectively Discover how to evaluate and deploy consolidated security solutions that deliver enterprise-grade protection without the complexity or cost. Calculate the true cost of your security stack Learn to audit your current security spending and identify where you're paying for unused capabilities or redundant tools. Adapt your security strategy to modern threats Understand why traditional security approaches fail against today's attackers who target organisations of all sizes, not just major corporations. Leverage automation to reduce security workload See how to implement security solutions that work behind the scenes, freeing your team from constant monitoring and alert management. Work effectively with managed service providers Learn how to evaluate and engage MSPs as security partners, particularly if you lack in-house cybersecurity expertise. Navigate vendor consolidation and avoid integration pitfalls Understand how to assess whether vendor acquisitions actually improve security platforms or just create more complexity. Prepare for increasing regulatory demands Learn how to build security programmes that meet compliance requirements without breaking your budget or overwhelming your team. Future-proof your security investments Discover how AI integration and modular architectures can make your security solutions more adaptive and scalable as threats evolve.Resources MentionedPiers Morgan (Coro Cybersecurity)Coro (Coro Cybersecurity)CrowdStrikeAzureAWSBarracudaGartnerForresterCanalysMarks & Spencer (M&S) Cyber BreachPCIISO 27001Windows DefenderConnect with your host James ReesHello, I am James Rees, the host of the Razorwire podcast. This podcast brings you insights from leading cyber security professionals who dedicate their careers to making a hacker’s life that much more difficult.Our guests bring you experience and expertise from a range of disciplines and from different career stages. We give you various viewpoints for improving your cyber security – from seasoned professionals with years of experience, triumphs and lessons learned under their belt, to those in relatively early stages of their careers offering fresh eyes and new insights.With new episodes every other Wednesday, Razorwire is a podcast for cyber security enthusiasts and professionals providing insights, news and fresh ideas on protecting your organisation from hackers.For more information about us or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss email podcast@razorthorn.com.If you need consultation, visit www.razorthorn.com, We give our clients a personalised, integrated approach to information security, driven by our belief in quality and discretion.Linkedin: Razorthorn SecurityYoutube: Razorthorn SecurityTwitter:   @RazorThornLTDWebsite: www.razorthorn.comAll rights reserved. © Razorthorn Security LTD 2025

How do we measure and manage the human element of cyber risk beyond technology and basic security training?Welcome to Razorwire, where we uncover what really matters in cybersecurity. I’m James Rees and in this episode, talking about the world of human risk intelligence with Flavius Plesu, Founder and CEO of OutThink. We'll question whether staff really are the 'weakest link' and instead explore how understanding real human behaviour can turn your workforce into a formidable security asset.For too long, information security has focused almost exclusively on technical controls, but sophisticated attacks today often exploit human decision-making more than any firewall. Flavius draws on his experience as a CISO and innovator, sharing first-hand insights into how organisations can predict, quantify and actively manage risk stemming from their staff. We discuss psychological profiling techniques that identify high-risk individuals, methods for engaging employees in security and balancing monitoring with trust when using behavioural analytics. If you want to future-proof your security posture, this episode is essential listening.3 Key Talking Points:Why traditional security awareness strategies fall short - and what truly effective human risk management looks like: Learn why measuring click rates and running generic training programmes leaves you blind to real human risk, and discover how behavioural science and crowdsourced intelligence can finally give you the visibility and control you need.Real world examples of predicting and preventing insider threats - before damage is done: See exactly how banks and enterprises use psychographic segmentation and statistical models to identify risky patterns in their workforce, and understand the practical steps to transform your incident response from reactive to predictive.Navigating the ethical line: how to balance security monitoring with employee privacy and trust: Master the delicate balance between effective security monitoring and employee rights, learning how transparency-driven design and GDPR-compliant approaches can turn potential resistance into active security partnership across your organisation.Ready to rethink the human side of cyber risk? Tune in to this Razorwire episode and sharpen your defences from the inside out.On Moving Beyond Traditional Training: "Something like 90% of users admitted to bypassing security controls… with full knowledge that they're introducing additional risk to the organisation. So the idea that training would be enough, just train them, they'll get it. It's a bit naive."Flavius PlesuListen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listenIn this episode, we covered the following topics:The Evolution of Human Risk in Cybersecurity Learn how the industry's shift from purely technical controls to recognising human factors is reshaping security strategy and why this change is essential for modern organisations.Defining Human Risk Intelligence Understand what human risk intelligence actually means and discover how organisations can quantify and predict human behaviour to strengthen their cybersecurity posture.The Shortcomings of Traditional User Training Discover why legacy approaches like annual training and click-through tests fail to address real world human risk and what you should be doing instead.Accidental vs. Malicious Insider Threats Explore the full spectrum of risky behaviours your organisation faces, from unintentional mistakes to deliberate attempts to circumvent controls, and how to address each type.Behavioural Segmentation and Psychographics Learn how psychographic profiling and behavioural analysis can help you identify risk tendencies in your workforce and tailor security interventions accordingly.Crowdsourced Security Intelligence See how to leverage collective workforce insight to detect risks that traditional security teams miss, turning your employees into valuable intelligence sources.Storytelling in Incident Response Understand why analysing chains of behaviour, rather than isolated events, is crucial for predicting and preventing future security incidents.Predictive Modelling for Proactive Security Discover how combining multiple risk indicators enables you to anticipate and prevent security breaches before they occur, moving from reactive to proactive security.Balancing Security Monitoring with Privacy Navigate the ethical and practical challenges of user monitoring, particularly around GDPR compliance and maintaining employee trust.Cultivating a Security-Conscious Culture Learn strategies for engaging users constructively, transforming them from compliance-focused participants to active partners in your organisation's security efforts.Resources MentionedOutThinkGartnerUCL (University College London)PhishMeSANSBitdefenderAVGIBM WatsonLimeWirePCI DSSMicrosoft Graph APIThe Cyber Sentinels HandbookConnect with your host James ReesHello, I am James Rees, the host of the Razorwire podcast. This podcast brings you insights from leading cyber security professionals who dedicate their careers to making a hacker’s life that much more difficult.Our guests bring you experience and expertise from a range of disciplines and from different career stages. We give you various viewpoints for improving your cyber security – from seasoned professionals with years of experience, triumphs and lessons learned under their belt, to those in relatively early stages of their careers offering fresh eyes and new insights.With new episodes every other Wednesday, Razorwire is a podcast for cyber security enthusiasts and professionals providing insights, news and fresh ideas on protecting your organisation from hackers.For more information about us or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss email podcast@razorthorn.com.If you need consultation, visit www.razorthorn.com, We give our clients a personalised, integrated approach to information security, driven by our belief in quality and discretion.Linkedin: Razorthorn SecurityYoutube: Razorthorn SecurityTwitter:   @RazorThornLTDWebsite: www.razorthorn.comAll rights reserved. © Razorthorn Security LTD 2025

Six months into DORA's implementation, what's actually happening in financial services organisations?Welcome back to Razorwire, where we tackle cybersecurity's toughest challenges with honesty and expert insight. In this episode, I'm joined by returning experts Jonathan Care and Richard Cassidy and also a new guest to the podcast, Romain Deslorieux, to examine how the Digital Operational Resilience Act is playing out in practice.Now some time has passed since DORA's January deadline, we're seeing the real story emerge. Some organisations are discovering they fundamentally misunderstood what compliance actually requires. Others are struggling with skills gaps they didn't anticipate. And many are finding that operational resilience can't simply be bought or outsourced.Our guests share what they're witnessing firsthand – from boardrooms finally grasping why digital resilience matters to IT teams pushed beyond their limits. We discuss the vendor relationship upheaval, the consultant dependency trap, and why some approaches are succeeding while others spectacularly fail.If you're dealing with DORA implementation, wrestling with third-party risk or watching your security team stretched thin, this conversation offers the unvarnished perspective you need.Key Talking Points:From Tick-Box Compliance to True Resilience: Discover why DORA is exposing the dangerous gap between documentation exercises and actual operational readiness and why this demands unprecedented collaboration across IT, compliance and business teams.The Human Capital Crisis Behind DORA: Learn how the regulation is revealing critical expertise shortages (40-50% of financial entities lack internal capabilities), creating dangerous over-reliance on consultants and pushing existing teams towards burnout.Third-Party Risk Revolution: Get behind-the-scenes insights on how DORA has fundamentally changed vendor relationships, why surface-level due diligence no longer works and the board-level cultural shifts making resilience a C-suite priority rather than an IT problem.Tune in for an unfiltered, expert-led conversation on what’s working, what’s failing and where DORA is truly making a difference in cybersecurity today.On the accountability gap in third party risk:"Really what do you do about this responsibility? How do you demonstrate that you are accountable? That people fell short on that question and now with the third party responsibility, which is clearly identified in things like DORA, people cannot ignore it anymore."Romain DeslorieuxListen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listenIn this episode, we covered the following topics:DORA's Immediate Impact Learn how DORA is driving financial institutions to adopt continuous monitoring and operational resilience strategies that go far beyond traditional compliance checklists. Third Party Risk and Vendor Management Understand how to navigate the fundamental shift in vendor relationship management, including the enhanced due diligence and transparency requirements now reshaping procurement decisions. Cultural and Organisational Change Discover strategies for building the cross-functional collaboration between IT, security and business teams that DORA compliance demands. The Human Capital Challenge Explore how to address the critical shortage of skilled professionals capable of delivering DORA's operational requirements whilst avoiding recruitment pitfalls and team burnout. Compliance versus True Operational Resilience Recognise the warning signs that distinguish genuine business transformation from ineffective box-ticking approaches to DORA implementation. The Role of Consultants Learn how to leverage external expertise for DORA compliance whilst building internal capabilities and avoiding dangerous over-dependence on consultants. Disparities across Europe Navigate the varying interpretations and enforcement approaches across member states, particularly around critical definitions like "major incident" and "critical ICT". Supply Chain and Smaller Entities Understand the specific challenges facing smaller fintechs and niche providers in meeting DORA standards, plus strategies for managing extended supply chain risks. Centralised Approaches to Security Implement proven centralised security and resilience frameworks that maximise scarce resources whilst enforcing consistent policy across organisations. The Shift to Resilience Thinking Embrace the industry-wide mindset change from prevention-focused compliance to comprehensive operational continuity and recovery planning at board level.Resources MentionedThalesRubrikKuppingerColeDigital Operation Resilience Act (DORA)GDPRISO 27000PCI DSSNIST frameworksSOC 2CSSF (Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier, Luxembourg)ABBF (Bankers Association, Luxembourg)Microsoft Active DirectorySecurity ScorecardEuropean Banking Authority (EBA)Connect with your host James ReesHello, I am James Rees, the host of the Razorwire podcast. This podcast brings you insights from leading cyber security professionals who dedicate their careers to making a hacker’s life that much more difficult.Our guests bring you experience and expertise from a range of disciplines and from different career stages. We give you various viewpoints for improving your cyber security – from seasoned professionals with years of experience, triumphs and lessons learned under their belt, to those in relatively early stages of their careers offering fresh eyes and new insights.With new episodes every other Wednesday, Razorwire is a podcast for cyber security enthusiasts and professionals providing insights, news and fresh ideas on protecting your organisation from hackers.For more information about us or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss email podcast@razorthorn.com.If you need consultation, visit www.razorthorn.com, We give our clients a personalised, integrated approach to information security, driven by our belief in quality and discretion.Linkedin: Razorthorn SecurityYoutube: Razorthorn SecurityTwitter:   @RazorThornLTDWebsite: www.razorthorn.comAll rights reserved. © Razorthorn Security LTD 2025

Welcome to Razorwire, where we examine the realities facing cybersecurity professionals on the front lines of digital defence.In this episode, I am joined by Rob Priest, a former NHS insider with 24 years of experience, and returning co-host Richard Cassidy to expose the cybersecurity crisis gripping Britain's healthcare system. From WannaCry's devastating impact to recent ransomware attacks on children's hospitals, our experts reveal why the NHS remains a prime target for cybercriminals despite years of warnings and government promises.Rob shares insights from his transition from running around hospital corridors with paper records to witnessing sophisticated nation-state attacks that can cripple entire trust networks for months. Richard brings his unique perspective as both a cybersecurity professional and working paramedic who experienced firsthand how cyber attacks paralyse emergency services when systems go dark.Whether you're a healthcare professional worried about patient safety, a cybersecurity expert trying to understand why healthcare remains so vulnerable, or a concerned citizen wondering why your medical data isn't better protected, this conversation cuts through the political rhetoric to examine what's actually happening behind NHS firewalls.Tune in for an unvarnished look at legacy systems running on Windows 95, the shortage of qualified CISOs across 213 NHS trusts and why the government's latest cybersecurity mandates might create more problems than they solve.Listen in for:The Hidden Fallout of Cyber Attacks on Patient Care - Understand the cascading impact that ransomware and outages have, not just on IT, but on clinicians, paramedics and everyday patient outcomes. Rob shares first-hand accounts of real NHS incidents and why cyber breaches are, at their core, clinical emergencies.Why Legacy Tech and Fragmented Leadership Leave Us Exposed - Hear why outdated, unsupported systems and a chronic lack of cyber leadership make true resilience so tough in large NHS trusts. We unpack the disconnect between government strategy, local implementation and real world risk.Practical Steps (and Missed Opportunities) for NHS Cyber Resilience - Explore what actually works, from playbooks and clinical 'huddles' to the role of centralised threat intelligence - and where policy too often lags behind reality. If you want to know how to prioritise resilience amid chronic uncertainty, this episode is essential listening.Get ready for a grounded discussion that blends expert perspective with genuine NHS war stories - plus candid thoughts on what really needs to change.On learning from cyber incidents before they happen: "Organisations that understand the impacts of events the best are the ones that have actually gone through it. My question is: does that have to be the case?"Rob Priest, RubrikListen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listenIn this episode, we covered the following topics:Understanding Escalating Cyber Threats to the NHS - Learn how nation-state actors and cybercriminals are targeting NHS organisations through supply chain weaknesses and vulnerable digital infrastructure. Recognising Legacy Technology and Technical Debt Challenges - Discover why outdated IT systems and unsupported medical devices create persistent security challenges and make patching complex and risky. Assessing the Impact on Patient Care and Clinical Operations - Understand how cyber incidents lead directly to care disruptions, cancelled appointments and patient safety risks when systems become unavailable. Identifying Supply Chain Vulnerabilities - Learn about the risks from third party vendors and service providers that expose NHS trusts to breaches originating beyond their direct control. Recognising Workforce and Leadership Gaps - Explore the critical shortage of cybersecurity leadership across NHS trusts and why so few employ dedicated CISOs or security professionals. Evaluating Government Strategy, Regulation and Funding - Understand the challenges of fragmented mandates, insufficient funding and slow implementation of government-led cybersecurity initiatives. Understanding the Fallout of Organisational Change - Learn how ongoing restructurings like NHS England's disbandment create uncertainty, undermine coordination and risk losing experienced staff. Exploring Centralisation vs. Localisation Challenges - Discover the tensions between centralised security services and the bespoke needs of individual trusts in maintaining effective governance. Learning from Real-World Incident Impacts – We discuss the lessons learned from major incidents like WannaCry and ransomware attacks and why organisational learning remains slow despite clear vulnerabilities. Implementing Resilience and Cyber Preparedness - Learn practical approaches including playbooks, cyber incident drills, impact quantification and integrating clinical and cybersecurity teams to improve NHS cyber maturity.Resources MentionedRubrikNHS (National Health Service)NHS EnglandNHS DigitalNCSC (National Cyber Security Centre)Active Cyber Defence Programme (NCSC initiative)NCSC Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF)DSBT (Data Security and Protection Toolkit)WannaCrySynnovisBritish Medical Association (BMA)Cyber Security Strategy for Health and Adult Social Care 2023–2030Cyber Security Resilience BillDORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act, EU)Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (film)The Cyber Sentinel’s Handbook (book)Connect with your host James ReesHello, I am James Rees, the host of the Razorwire podcast. This podcast brings you insights from leading cyber security professionals who dedicate their careers to making a hacker’s life that much more difficult.Our guests bring you experience and expertise from a range of disciplines and from different career stages. We give you various viewpoints for improving your cyber security – from seasoned professionals with years of experience, triumphs and lessons learned under their belt, to those in relatively early stages of their careers offering fresh eyes and new insights.With new episodes every other Wednesday, Razorwire is a podcast for cyber security enthusiasts and professionals providing insights, news and fresh ideas on protecting your organisation from hackers.For more information about us or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss email podcast@razorthorn.com.If you need consultation, visit www.razorthorn.com, We give our clients a personalised, integrated approach to information security, driven by our belief in quality and discretion.Linkedin: Razorthorn SecurityYoutube: