Compromising Positions - A Cyber Security Podcast

We all know running a cybersecurity function is expensive and many of us have a hard time successfully negotiating the budgets we need to keep our organisation safe.But what if we let you in on the secrets of successfully securing your cybersecurity budget?This week we are joined by Scott Robertson, CFO of CreateFuture and he gives us the insights on what you should ask for when it comes to your next yearly budget, how to ask for it and crucially (because timing is everything when it comes to money!) when to ask for it!Key Takeaways:What Does a CFO do? A CFO is not just about managing financials but also safeguarding assets and ensuring future stability through effective risk management.Time Your Requests Strategically: Discover the optimal timing to approach your CFO for budget increases and how to align your requests with the organisation's financial planning.Quantify the Cost of Risk: Learn how to effectively communicate the potential financial impact of cyberattacks and the value of preventive measures.Build Strong Relationships: Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, including the CFO and other executives, to foster trust and support.Prioritise and Justify: Identify critical security needs, prioritise investments, and present a compelling business case to secure the necessary budget.

The data landscape is changing faster than ever, and with it, the security threats - so whose responsibility is it to make sure your data is safe? Is it the data team? Or is it the cyber team? We tackle this question and more with Head of Data at AND Digital, Tim Hatton.From leveraging AI to secure data to the importance of real user testing, to how Tim threat models his client’s data capability, you won’t want to skip this ever-important topic!We also talk about ‘data mesh’ and if you’re not familiar with that term - it’s a data management framework that decentralises data ownership and responsibility to the teams that use the data. The idea is to make data more accessible and available to business users by directly connecting data owners, data producers, and data consumers.So you can see why we thought that was an important topic to cover because, with this model, comes a lot of trust in others doing the right thing when it comes to data security!So you won’t want to ‘mesh it up’ if people are following this framework in your organisation.Key Takeaways:Test User Journeys with Real People: Assumptions don't cut it—Tim emphasizes the importance of validating user journeys with real-world testing to ensure effective data usage.AI and the Data Deluge: Friend or Foe? We explore the booming trend of AI in data management, but also ask the tough questions: Can AI be used for good in cybersecurity? Can it even help solve cold cases?Holistic Data Security Assessments: Discover Tim's approach to assessing clients' data capabilities and security, involving both data and cybersecurity teams for comprehensive protection.Maturity Matters: Responsibility for Data Protection. Tim reveals a surprising trend - immature organizations might have stricter controls! Discover how your organization's maturity level defines data security ownership.The Future of Self-Sovereign Data: Explore the concept of self-sovereign data and why it might be the future of personal data management and security.Show NotesBook - Wicked Beyond Belief (The one I mistakenly said was Helter Skelter)An Article on Self-Sovereign DataAbout Tim HattonTim Hatton has been working in digital since before it was called digital.  Over the course of his career, he has worked on data and digital transformation projects for some of the biggest companies in the world.He joined AND Digital in 2016 and is currently Head of Data.  At AND he has worked on data strategy projects for clients in industries including finance, travel, publishing and retail as well as for several government departments.Tim joined AND from Accenture Digital, and prior to this Tim ran his own digital marketing agency for many years, and co-founded a number of dotcom start-ups during the 1990s, none of which made him a millionaire but all of which taught him a great deal.Tim is a regular speaker on digital topics at AND Digital events, for AND’s clients and in the media.LINKS FOR Tim HattonTim’s LinkedIn

LinkedIn is very divisive! Some people love it, and others hate it and everything it stands for. And if you’ve ever hangout on the subreddit, LinkedIn lunatics, then you can see why.Now for all the braggarts and the ‘what working during my wedding taught me about b2b sales’ posts, there is a lot to like about LinkedIn and many opportunities to be had…if you do it right!We can all learn how to be good LinkedIn citizens, So if you’re LinkedIn has two followers, or 20,000, there is plenty to be getting your ears around in this conversation with John Moore -the question is…have you endorsed me yet?Key Takeaways:Why Humour Makes You Human (and Helps You Get Hired): Ditch the cringe! Learn how humour can break the ice and make your cybersecurity expertise more relatable.Building Your Personal Brand Brick by Brick: Discover John's three-pronged approach to building a lasting LinkedIn legacy (think Time, Effort, and Commitment!).Embrace the Journey: Failure is Fertilizer (But Not Fertilizer for Your Profile): Don't shy away from sharing lessons learned.The Power of Storytelling: Learn how to craft compelling narratives that resonate with your audience and build genuine connections.LinkedIn as Your Digital Shopfront: Make sure your profile shines!Show NotesNegotiate Anything PodcastHumour is Serious Business in Cybersecurity ComplianceAbout John MooreJohn C. Moore brings over two decades of dynamic experience in recruitment and operations management to his role at TekBank. With a keen eye for talent assessment and acquisition, John has mastered the art of full-cycle recruitment, excelling in sourcing, screening, and onboarding top-tier candidates. His expertise extends across diverse areas, including IT recruitment for commercial and government sectors.LINKS FOR John MooreJohn’s LinkedInTekBank

No new episode this week because we’re are both speaking at the AI for the Rest of Us conference this week.So instead we’ve hit up the vaults for the wonderful  Paula Cizek, Chief Research Officer at Nobl. She guides leaders and teams through the change management process, from assessing the organization’s readiness for change to implementing initiatives. In this episode, we explore the fascinating topic of Corporate Change and how its lessons can be applied to cybersecurity.Normal service resumes next week but for now keep secure!Show NotesAsana’s guide to running Project Pre-mortemsHow to “Start with the Skateboard” - SpotifyExplaining Fail save vs Safe to Fail changes - NOBLBarriers to Change - NOBLHow long does it take to make organisational change? NOBLComplexity Science Explained - Complexity ExplainedAn introduction to Network theoryBlending Complexity Science and Network TheoryDisentangling Risk and Uncertainty: When Risk-Taking Measures Are Not About RiskNegotiation Tips - Getting Comfortable being UncomfortablePsychological Safety - McKinseyAbout Paula CizekPaula Cizek is the Chief Research Officer of NOBL, where she guides organizations through large-scale transformation. A thought leader in change management and change resistance, she specializes in translating complex concepts into simple, practical tactics that deliver immediate and meaningful change.Before joining NOBL, she was Innovation Manager at the IPG Media Lab, advising brand and media clients on emerging technology. Prior to that, she was Senior Innovation Consultant at Mandalah, where she led consumer behavior and brand strategy research for brands around the world. She's worked with a diverse roster of clients including Warner Bros., Chanel, Capital One, Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Airbnb, Chipotle, Grupo Bimbo, and more, and she's been published or quoted in publications like BrandingMag and Women's Wear Daily. She graduated from Georgetown University, majoring in Marketing and International Business.LINKS FOR Paula CizekPaula’s LinkedInNOBL

Dreaming of a career in Cybersecurity? Currently a Student and wondering how to succeed?In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Thalita Vergilio. Thalita is a passionate technologist and cybersecurity expert dedicated to demystifying complex concepts.This episode is for those dreaming of a thrilling career in cybersecurity as Thalita gives her roadmap for success from cybersecurity student to your first job in cyber. She also highlights where cybersecurity professionals can do better now that she’s on the other side, working with developers as a consultant at Create Future. So it’s not just an episode for students! Key Takeaways:From Consultant to Lecturer to Consultant Again!: Thalita shares her unconventional path, including hacking into the university system as part of her job interview!Are Universities REALLY Preparing Students for the Real World of Cyber? Spoiler alert: It's a complex issue, and Dr. Vergilio spills the tea and makes a bee-line for lecturer of the year (in our opinion!)What Qualities Do The Best Cybersecurity Students Have?: Learn about the skills and experiences that make a good cybersecurity student, including passion for the subject, tenacity, and resilience.From Academic to Action: Industry Skills You NEED to Know to Get Your First Job in Cyber: Your education is just the start, so in this competitive market, what are you going to do to stand out?Bridging the Cyber-Engineering Gap: Developers must be aware of the security implications of their code to avoid vulnerabilities, so how do you go about doing that?Show NotesAbout Dr. Thalita VergilioDr. Thalita Vergilio is a passionate technologist and cybersecurity expert dedicated to demystifying complex concepts. Her extensive experience in organisational transformations and streamlining large-scale systems provides a unique perspective on the intersection of engineering and cybersecurity. Having previously worked as a Senior Lecturer, Thalita is keen to share her knowledge and insights, making complex technical concepts accessible to a broad audience.Her doctoral research focused on developing a vendor-agnostic, multi-cloud solution for big data stream processing, showcasing her expertise in innovative and efficient data management strategies. Through this podcast, she aims to explore the fascinating world of cybersecurity, drawing on her PhD research and teaching background to offer valuable perspectives and practical insights.LINKS FOR Dr. Thalita VergilioLinkedIn

This episode we are joined by Marcy Charollois.  Marcy is a socialtech writer, content strategist, and the founder of Merci Marcy and The Safe Place. Her mission is to enable teams to embody a culture of genuine inclusion beyond superficial measures.This week we explore the complex, important, and under-discussed topic of diversity, equity and inclusion in cybersecurity.As an industry, we do an alright job talking about hiring diversity in cyber, but that is not where the topic should end. With more and more people from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities interacting with our security controls, we need to think about whether the security measures we put in place are accessible.We explore how can make a more accessible cybersecurity user journey, design inclusive password patterns, how to be an ally in this space and make sure that we always act ethically when we think about security. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in creating a more equitable and effective cybersecurity landscape.Key Takeaways:Inclusive Security Controls: Marcy explains why diversity and inclusion should be integral to our security controls. It’s not just about who we hire but how we design our systems to be inclusive for all users.Purposeful Technology: Avoid creating technology for technology’s sake. Always consider the end-users and their diverse needs to ensure the technology serves everyone effectively.Inclusive Passwords: Traditional password systems can be exclusionary. Marcy discusses how we can make password fields more accessible and inclusive, particularly for those with disabilities.The Coded Gaze: Our current coding practices often reflect a narrow societal view, excluding many groups. Marcy urges the adoption of accessible design practices to create better security solutions.Allyship and Continuous Improvement: Being an ally involves continuous learning, listening, and taking concrete actions. Marcy provides a recipe for inclusive UX to help check biases and improve user experiences for marginalised communities.Show NotesMarcy’s Talk at WebDevCon - Racism Fuels User ExperiencesUnmasking AI: My Mission to Protect What is Human in a World of Machines by Joy BuolamwiniAlba Villamil’s LinkedInW3.Org’s Accessibility Standards for AuthenticationAbout Marcy CharolloisMarcy Charoloois is a social tech writer, content strategist, and the founder of Merci Marcy and The Safe Place. She served as the editor-in-chief of WeLoveDevs for two years, where she made history as the first woman, as well as the first racialised and LGBTQIA+ woman, to be hired.Recognising the lack of representation for people like herself in the tech industry, Marcy took a committed stance to promote diversity. She is dedicated to breaking through the pretence of corporate values and advocating for real cohesion within teams. Her mission is to enable teams to embody a culture of genuine inclusion beyond superficial measures.LINKS FOR Marcy CHarolloisLinkedInBlue Sky

In this Episode we are joined by Kelly Paxton. Kelly Paxton has more than 20 years of investigative experience. Kelly is a Certified Fraud Examiner, author, and podcast host-founder of Fraudish.This week’s episode asks why it is so hard to commit a crime these days! But when people do, what is their motivation behind it! We also look at the nature of surveillance, how it can be used to catch criminals but also the implications of being willing to bring in surveillance devices into your home and life - yes I’m looking at you iPhone! How fraud in the workplace happens, what are the signs to spot for and how to prevent it happening and how sometimes it’s not so pretty in pink, as we explore Kelly’s specialism, Pink Collar Crime!Key Takeaways:I Always Feel Like Somebody’s Watching Me: From personal devices to public spaces, surveillance is a constant presence in our lives. While it can deter crime, it also presents opportunities for criminals to exploit our vulnerabilities.The Impact of Dishonesty: Delving into the profound repercussions of workplace dishonesty on trust and employee behaviours.Pink-Collar Crime: Often committed by low to medium-level employees, primarily women, pink-collar crime is more prevalent than you might think. These crimes are usually subtle, with fraudsters blending seamlessly into their environments.The Impact of Tone at the Top: A company's culture and leadership play a crucial role in influencing employee behavior. Ethical leadership and a positive work environment can discourage dishonest actions.Show NotesThe BeeKeeper FilmLinkedIn page for Avi KleinArtist uses CCTV cameras to selfies back to their Instagram page - VICELinkedIn page for Mish AalNumber Go Up: Inside Crypto’s Wild Rise and Staggering Fall by Zeke FauxNobody’s Fool: Why We Get Taken In and What We Can do About It by Daniel Simons and Christopher ChabrisAbout Kelly PaxtonKelly Paxton is a Certified Fraud Examiner, Private Investigator, and Professional Speaker. She also is the founder of the Fraudish (formerly Great Women in Fraud) podcast. She published Embezzlement: How to Prevent, Detect and Investigate Pink-Collar Crime in December, 2020.LINKS FOR Kelly PaxtonLinkedInPink Collar Crime WebsiteKelly’s Podcast Fraudish

In this Episode we are joined by Dr. Rebekka Reinhard. Dr Reinhard is a philosopher and the founder and editor-in-chief of Human magazine, which aims to holistically address the impact of AI beyond the technical to include the cultural and the human. In this episode, Hacking Our Capacity to Think - The Philosophy of Trust, Cybersecurity and AI, we explore these topics and more within the lens of philosophy. We discuss the importance of an interdisciplinary dialogue between tech experts and humanities experts. How AI is Impacting democracy and our concept of trust and safety within the context of cybersecurity, and new threats like deepfakes and misinformation. Key Takeaways:The Human Element of AI: AI is not just technology; it's a reflection of human values and biases. Understanding its impact requires an interdisciplinary approach that considers philosophy, ethics, and technology.AI and Democracy: Technology poses a threat to democratic processes. AI's ability to manipulate our thoughts and behaviours poses a significant threat to our autonomy and critical thinking. It's essential to be aware of these dangers and develop strategies to protect ourselves.The Importance of Trust: Trust is a fundamental building block of society, and it's equally crucial in the context of AI. Building trust in AI systems requires transparency, accountability, and ethical considerations.The Dangers of Individualism: In the digital age, individualism can lead to echo chambers and biased information. It's vital to foster a sense of collective responsibility and work together to address global challenges.The Need for Reflection and Accountability: Leaders and creators of AI tools must be held accountable for the potential harms their creations may cause.Show NotesLondon School of Economics - https://www.lse.ac.uk/study-at-lse/online-learning/courses/ethics-of-aiA list of Dr Reinhard’s Books via AmazonBlueDot AI Safety Alignment courseAI Pretends to Pick up a BallChatGPT is BullshitDeepfake Documentary, Another BodyAbout Dr Rebekka ReinhardDr. Rebekka Reinhard is the founder and editor-in-chief of „human“. The magazine, both in print and digital formats (German and English editions // quarterly), it is the first of its kind to holistically address the impact of AI on the economy, politics, society, and culture, while keeping a strong focus on the human aspect.LINKS FOR Dr Rebekka ReinhardLinkedInLinkedIn for Human MagazineInstagramInstagram for Human MagazineWhere to buy the MagazineKeywords: cybersecurity, ai ethics, trust, philosophy, deepfakes, ethics, democracy

In this Episode we are joined by Sergès Goma, a Paris-based software developer specialising in JavaScript. In this episode, Sometimes, we are the Villains - Tech ethics in software development, we dive deep into the ethical dilemmas we face as workers and creators of technology. Heroes are few and far between in this tech landscape, even if we don’t like to admit it, and that includes us in cybersecurity! So it is important we have these conversations and look inward at our industry and the impact it has on culture and society.We also talk about why developers always seem to top the leader board when it comes to phishing simulation click rates, the complexity of the word ‘privacy’ in different countries, and ask if we are heading towards a more regulated industry and what that might mean for innovation and creativity.Key Takeaways:Uncovering the Dark Truth: Discover why those working in tech may not be the heroes we perceive them to be.The Perils of Overconfidence: Learn how the tech-savviness of developers can lead to risky behaviours and potential security breaches.From Feature-Focused to Security-Savvy: Learn how training and awareness can empower developers to become active participants in building secure software.Regulation vs. Innovation: We examine the challenges and opportunities of ethical frameworks in the tech industry.Global Perspectives on Privacy: Gain insights into how privacy is perceived differently across the world and the impact of cultural nuances on ethical considerations in tech.Links to everything we discussed in this episode can be found in the show notes and if you liked the show, please do leave us a review.Follow us on all good podcasting platforms and via our YouTube channel, and don't forget to share on LinkedIn and in your teams.It really helps us spread the word and get high-quality guests, on future episodes. We hope you enjoyed this episode - See you next time, keep secure, and don’t forget to ask yourself, ‘Am I the compromising position here?’ Show NotesEvil Tech: How Devs Became VillainsBackground on the Nestle Milk ScandalThe Untold Story of the 2018 Olympics Cyberattack, the Most Deceptive Hack in History by WIREDParis Olympics Security Warning—Russian Hackers Threaten 2024 Games by ForbesClean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship by Robert MartinAbout Sergès GomaSergès Goma is a Paris-based software developer specialized in JavaScript. When she's not fixing codebases, she gives motivational speeches mostly aimed at junior and would-be developers as well as participating in the tech women's empowerment online community Motiv'Her.LINKS FOR Sergès GomaLinkedInX AccountKeywords: cybersecurity, tech ethics, ethics, software development, privacy

This episode we are joined by the awesome Steve Trapps. Steve is the co-owner of Scrum Facilitators, an experienced Scrum Master, and a Professional Scrum Trainer with 20 years plus of experience in delivering complex products in many different business sectors.This week we answer that age old question, Can Cybersecurity Teams Actually Do Scrum? To answer that, we do a deep dive into when you should and shouldn’t use scrum in your cybersecurity teams and of course, we will learn exactly what a scrum master does! Together we will explore how scrum can be used to foster better conversations, create transparency and help you achieve your goal; what it takes to be an A1 facilitator, like Steve, as well as how not to get caught up in the dogma of ‘the scrum guide’!Key Takeaways:What is Scrum? How do I become a Scrum Master? More than just overseeing daily stand ups and organising Jira tickets we unveil the multifaceted responsibilities of a Scrum Master, including coaching, mentoring, and facilitating effective teamwork.Scrum for the Unknown, Not the Mundane: Scrum shines in situations with complexity and uncertainty, perfect for tackling emerging threats! But for routine tasks (BAU), consider alternative approaches.Ditch the "Scrum Guide Says" Mindset: Focus on the purpose of Scrum - fostering conversations, transparency, and clear outcomes. Don't get bogged down in dogma!How To Spot a Bad Meeting? Well you’re sweet for asking but…Links to everything we discussed in this episode can be found in the show notes and if you liked the show, please do leave us a review.Follow us on all good podcasting platforms and via our YouTube channel, and don't forget to share on LinkedIn and in your teams.It really helps us spread the word and get high-quality guests, on future episodes. We hope you enjoyed this episode - See you next time, keep secure, and don’t forget to ask yourself, ‘Am I the compromising position here?’ Keywords: cybersecurity, agile, scrum, scrum master, coaching, facilitation, kanbanShow NotesVisual Thinking: The Hidden Gifts of People Who Think in Pictures, Patterns and Abstractions by Temple GrandinRadical Candor: How to Get What You Want by Saying What You Mean by Kim ScottCreativity, Inc.: an inspiring look at how creativity can - and should - be harnessed for business success by the founder of Pixar by Ed CatmullAbout Steve TrappsSteve Trapps is the co-owner of Scrum Facilitators, an experienced Scrum Master, and a Professional Scrum Trainer with 20 years plus of experience in delivering complex products in many different business sectors. He started his career as a software developer, working for Nestle before working for Sky, building applications & websites for many of the English Premier League football teams. Previously being a developer, Steve has worked in various teams (Scrum and none Scrum) so he comes packed with real-life stories, from Start-Ups building the next social media network up to large corporations handling thousands of transactions a second. If you want to learn from someone who has been there, then Steve can share experiences to help you on your way. Steve focuses on helping individuals & teams reach their full potential through professional development coaching and professional training.LINKS FOR Steve TrappsSteve’s LinkedInScrum Facilitators

This episode we are joined by the brilliant Stefan Gaillard, the co-founder and current chair of the Journal of Trial & Error, a journal dedicated to highlighting the importance of trial and error in scientific practice and scholarship.Trial and error is part of the scientific method but most of us are risk averse because we are so afraid of failure or we take great lengths to cover up anyone finding out that we have failed. There is so much shame around admitting to failure, especially in cybersecurity when, lets face it, most of us will experience the failure of our security controls eventually. But to hide from failure, not only from ourselves but also our peers, means missing out on important learning opportunities. We need to change this! If we don’t think about failure more, we are doomed to keep failing.This episode we explore the importance of removing the stigma from failure, the benefits AND the dangers of tech’s ‘fail-fast’ mentality, what it’s like to live in the information overload age and finally, the importance of trial and error. Key Takeaways:Removing the Stigma of Failure:  Learn why it’s crucial to view failure as a stepping stone rather than a setback. Stefan discusses how changing our perception of failure can lead to more innovative solutions.Blame the System, Not the Individual: Discover the importance of considering human factors in cybersecurity incidents. Stefan explains why blaming individuals is often counterproductive and how systemic changes can prevent future errors.The Information Overload Age: We’ve left the "Information Age" behind and entered the era of "Information Overload." With so much data and misinformation circulating, how do we stay focused and make informed decisions? Stefan shares his thoughts on how to navigate this landscape while avoiding cognitive overload.Fail Fast, Innovate Faster: What are the pros and cons of a "fail-fast" mentality in tech? Stefan takes us through the benefits of quick iteration and the dangers of overpromising, using examples from AI winters and the current AI hype cycle. Understanding when to abandon a product or pivot can be the difference between success and stagnation.Changing your mind is part of progress. Don’t fear shifting narratives when presented with new facts.Keywords: cybersecurity, trial and error, testing, failure, experimentationShow NotesThe Journal of Trial and ErrorThe British Library’s Cybersecurity Incident ReviewCountering the Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Underpinnings Behind Susceptibility to Fake News: A Review of Current Literature With Special Focus on the Role of Age and Digital LiteracyOverpromising in science and technology: An evaluative conceptualizationTen simple rules for failing successfully in academiaAbout Stefan GaillardStefan Gaillard is the co-founder and current chair of the Journal of Trial & Error, a journal dedicated to highlighting the importance of trial and error in scientific practice and scholarship. For this work he was selected for the Forbes 30 Under 30 list of 2024. Besides chairing the journal, Gaillard is currently pursuing a PhD in ‘Philosophy and Science Studies’. His research focuses on overpromising – what is it, how can we recognize it and when does science fail to correct it? In addition, he is project coordinator at The New Utrecht School, an interdisciplinary platform for urgent discussions on the interaction between the health domain, the arts, and the sciences and humanities. The New Utrecht School and the Journal of Trial and Error are currently hosting a series of lunch lectures and publishing a special issue on ‘Scientific failure and uncertainty in the health domain’.LINKS FOR Stefan GaillardStefan’s LinkedInStefan’s X Account

This episode we are joined by the wonderful Jamie Sherman, a cultural anthropologist and principal UX researcher at ESRI.We explore how words like ‘security and privacy’ are slippery and that can lead to a lot of confusion and misunderstanding.How to ask better questions to really understand how to protect the people and our customers in an organisation and how to create the perfect ‘sniff test’ in our organisations so people feel more able to trust their intuition rather than relying on crap passwords. And Finally we unpack the importance of hiring more anthropologists in cybersecurity because not everybody does it like us.Key Takeaways:Anthropology in Cybersecurity: A Game-ChangerAnthropology isn’t just the study of ancient cultures—it’s about understanding how people make meaning in their lives today. Anthropologists, through methods like ethnography and participant observation, can uncover the human side of cybersecurity, ensuring that security measures align with real-world behaviours, not just technical protocols.What does ‘Security’ actually mean? Words are Slippery We don’t always have a shared meaning for terms like “security” and “privacy.” Misunderstandings can lead us down the wrong path, creating a sense of betrayal. It’s essential to ask, “What is security to you?” and make security visible without overwhelming users with cognitive load.Sniff the milk, is it off? Traditional security measures, like passwords and phishing awareness, often overload users with cognitive demands. But what if we focused on building intuition instead? We can help users develop a gut sense of when something feels wrong—an essential skill in a world where data is constantly on the move and always at risk by triggering the same responses when we sniff off milk!Asking the Right Questions: Better questions lead to better security controls and a deeper understanding of user needs.Links to everything we discussed in this episode can be found in the show notes and if you liked the show, please do leave us a review. Follow us on all good podcasting platforms and via our YouTube channel, and don't forget to share on LinkedIn and in your teams.It really helps us spread the word and get high-quality guests, on future episodes.  We hope you enjoyed this episode - See you next time, keep secure, and don’t forget to ask yourself, ‘Am I the compromising position here?’ Show NotesPumping Iron - Give it a watch!Over Half of Cybersecurity Professionals Engage in Risky Behaviours at Work - KnowBe4Purity and Danger: An Analysis of Concepts of Pollution and Taboo - Mary Douglas About Jamie ShermanJamie Sherman is a cultural anthropologist and principal UX researcher at ESRI. She holds a PhD in anthropology (Princeton, 2011) and has been in the technology and UX space since joining Intel Labs in 2012, where she worked on a range of existing and emerging technologies, including wearable tech, virtual reality, and content creation. Her most recent focus is on the use of data and analytics to do things, from making movies to making maps.LINKS FOR Jamie ShermanJamie’s LinkedInKeywords: cybersecurity, anthropology, user behaviour, privacy, UX

This Episode we’re heading back into the vaults to bring you the unabridged version of our fantastic and extremely popular interview with Bec McKeown, a chartered psychologist with extensive experience in carrying out applied research for organisations including the UK Ministry of Defence and the founder and director of Mind Science, an independent organisation that works with cybersecurity professionals.Ever wanted to know the psychology behind cybersecurity? Bec takes us an a fascinating journey into the mind as we get acquainted with a smorgasbord of psychological concepts to help you understand your cybersecurity posture - especially during a dreaded cybersecurity incident!Key Takeaways:The curse of knowledge: Understanding what it's like to not understand cybersecurity from a technical perspective can be an advantage in helping you communicate better. By putting yourself in the shoes of the listener, you can convey complex ideas in a way that is easy to understand and relatableMicrolearning: Nobody wants to sit in training for three hours! Microlearning helps by breaking up information into bite-sized chunks that are easy to digest. It's also important to account for different learning styles and provide information in various formats.Amygdala hijacking: Cybercriminals leverage amygdala hijacking, which occurs when the amygdala activates the fight-or-flight response when there is no serious threat to a person's safety. It's essential to recognize the contextual cue that led you to act that way and develop strategies to deal with it before it happens.Awareness does not equal change in behaviour: One size doesn't fit all, and quantitative is usually valued over qualitative, which needs to change.Focus on Impact Skills, Not Just Technical Knowledge: Decision-making, communication, and collaboration are the foundational skills needed to navigate complex cyber threats.Show NotesImmersive LabsBec’s Article in Immersive Labs on Workforce ResiliencyChristian Hunt’s episode - Compromising PositionsArticle on Theory X and Theory Y - Mind ToolsInfluence by Robert CialdiniActionable Gamification - Yu-Kai ChouKirkpatrick Model - Mind ToolsCopywrite movies. Privacy is a Crime VideoThe software Lianne used on her tabletop exercise to get anonymous responses: Mentimeter and SlidoAbout Bec McKeownBec McKeown CPsychol is the Founder and Director of Mind Science, an independent organisation that works with cyber security professionals. She helps businesses to advance the human aspect of system resilience, so a collaborative culture of innovative thinking and an agile threat response becomes the norm.As a Chartered Psychologist with extensive experience of carrying out applied research for organisations including the UK Ministry of Defence, Bec has gained a unique perspective on the ways humans react in times of crisis. She works at both operational and strategic levels, with a focus on situational awareness, decision-making and problem-solving in complex environments.LINKS FOR Bec McKeownBec’s LinkedInMind Science LTD

We’re still on a summer break but in the meantime we are delighted to share with you an episode from friend of the show, Cyber Empathy which Lianne appeared on earlier this year. In this episode Lianne discussed how she hates the term ‘weakest link’ when talking about our colleagues, how the language that we use in cybersecurity can be incredibly harmful to our cybersecurity posture, and how she applies her skills as an anthropologist to her organisation.Key Takeaways:Why Anthropology and Cybersecurity Make for Good Bedfellows - Cybercriminals are most successful when they aim for the human element. Knowing what it means to be human continues to be very important for facing emerging cybersecurity threats!When Was the Last Time You Gave a Gift? Lianne discusses how the giving of ‘gifts’ in your organisation might just lead people to bond with your message through the principle of reciprocity.Trust Issues? In cybersecurity our whole schtick is trust issues, but does it have to be that way? If we trusted people a little more, could they help us in the fight against cybersecurity criminals?Tell Me a Story - Storytelling is the crux of human existence and one of our main drivers of our evolution - and yet in cybersecurity, despite having exciting stories to tell, we instead drone on about MFA! Lets make cybersecurity interesting again through storytelling!Show NotesFull show notes can be found at the source on Cyber EmpathyAbout Andra ZahariaAndra is a cybersecurity communication manager focused on organic growth and fighting infosec marketing cliches to make content that people actually enjoy. She is also the creator of the award-winning podcast Cyber Empathy where she shares stories of kindness, curiosity and connections that show how humans shape online security and privacy.LINKS FOR Andra ZahariaAndra’s WebsiteAndra’s PodcastAndra’s LinkedInThank you kindly to Cyber Empathy for giving us permission to share this episode!Keywords: cybersecurity, storytelling, trust, anthropology, empathy, reciprocity

We’re still on a summer break but in the meantime we are delighted to share with you an episode from friend of the show, The Modern.Net Show in which Jeff and Lianne we’re interviewed on. In this discussion we talked about how you protect your ass-ets, your SDLC, and how to overall improve cybersecurity practices within your organisation.Jamie is a great interviewer and we are sure you’ll enjoy his show. And if you do, don’t forget to look him up and subscribe to his channel. We’ve put details of where to find him in the show notes. Enjoy!Thank you kindly to The Modern.Net Show for giving us permission to share this episode!Key Takeaways:Herd Mentality - Cybercriminals are always going for the easiest target so even a bit of extra security can make you look unappetising and unappealing to a hacker.Being Secure is Never the Primary User Goal - Security should be invisible but that can only be achieved if you think in a humancentric way or utilise the principles of user experience, behavioural science and psychology.Your Cybersecurity Team is Likely to be Overwhelmed - So give them a hand. If you want the to loosen up a security control, do you research! Explain why you need a certain library, for example, and explain how you intend to manage the risks. Don’t expect the cybersecurity team to have the time to do all the research for you!Product Security Might be the Answer to Good Security - Why a holistic approach is the best approach to securing the products you are building.Links to everything we discussed in this episode can be found in the show notes and if you liked the show, please do leave us a review.Follow us on all good podcasting platforms and via our YouTube channel, and don't forget to share on LinkedIn and in your teams.It really helps us spread the word and get high-quality guests, on future episodes. We hope you enjoyed this episode - See you next time, keep secure, and don’t forget to ask yourself, ‘Am I the compromising position here?’ Show NotesFull show notes can be found at the source on The Modern.Net ShowAbout Jamie TaylorJamie is a Microsoft MVP and seasoned technologist specializing in .NET, Python, Go, and bespoke software delivery. With over a decade of experience, Jamie brings a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic thinking to the table.In 2023, he was honoured with the award for Most Visionary Software Development Managing Director, a recognition that underscores his commitment to innovation and leadership in the industry. His journey is marked by a dedication to translating complex technological landscapes into tangible business benefits. As the host of The Modern .NET Show, an award-winning podcast, he showcases his deep technical knowledge and communicates complex concepts in an accessible manner.LINKS FOR Jamie TaylorJamie’s WebsiteJamie’s PodcastJamie’s LinkedInKeywords: cybersecurity, SSDLC, AppSec, dev, product security, storytelling

Welcome to Compromising Positions! The award-winning tech podcast that asks non-cybersecurity professionals what we in the industry can do to make their lives easier and help make our organisations more prepared to face ever-changing human-centric cyber threats! This Episode we’re heading back into the vaults to bring you the unabridged version of our fantastic and extremely popular interview with Christian Hunt, the founder of Human Risk. He's a Behavioural Science expert and author of the award-winning book 'Humanizing Rules'.Key Takeaways:The Importance of Designing Things for how People Actually Behave (as opposed to how we would like them to behave!)Are Phishing Simulations Still Fit for Purpose? The ethics of phishing simulations and how to measure the success of cybersecurity awareness trainingF*ck Your Rules! We go into how people really feel about rules they don’t respect and how you can stop them from rebelling against your cybersecurity controls! Stop Treating Everyone Like A Master Criminal! Why a one-size-fits-all approach to suspicion will be causing more harm than good for your cybersecurity postureI’m Only H.U.M.A.N(S) - Christian shares his H.U.M.A.N.S framework to use in your organisation today! Links to everything we discussed in this episode can be found in the show notes and if you liked the show, please do leave us a review. Follow us on all good podcasting platforms and via our YouTube channel, and don't forget to share on LinkedIn and in your teams.It really helps us spread the word and get high-quality guests, on future episodes.  We hope you enjoyed this episode - See you next time, keep secure, and don’t forget to ask yourself, ‘Am I the compromising position here?’ Keywords: cybersecurity, phishing, behavioural science, rules, compliance, h.u.m.a.n.s frameworkShow NotesChristian’s Book (highly recommended) - Humanizing Rules About Christian HuntChristian is the founder of Human Risk, a Behavioural Science (BeSci) led Consulting and Training Firm specialising in Ethics & Compliance and the author of a book, ‘Humanizing Rules’. He was formerly Managing Director, Head of Behavioural Science at UBS. Christian joined the Firm in Compliance & Operational Risk Control, leading the function globally for UBS Asset Management. Before joining UBS, he was COO of the UK Prudential Regulation Authority, a subsidiary of the Bank of England responsible for regulating financial services.LINKS FOR Christian HuntChristian’s WebsiteChristian’s PodcastChristian’s LinkedIn

This Episode we are joined by Simon Painter a senior software engineer with nearly 20 years of experience in the industry and author of the book Functional Programming with C#.In this episode, Hack The Planet! The Best And Worst Hacker Movies Reviewed! Our regular programming has been hijacked to bring you a discussion on the best, and worst, hacker movies! In this episode we cover greats like Hackers, Sneakers, Jurassic Park and War Games, and not so great movies like The Net!So boot up that modem, turn off the lights and enter the deepest darkest web of hacker forums, and try not to accidentally trigger thermonuclear war, as we explore this sometimes brilliant and sometimes bonkers sub-genre!Disclaimer! This podcast is for educational purposes only and is distributed without profit. This Episode may contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorised by the copyright owner. We believe our use of such material constitutes fair use for the purpose of review, commentary, and critiqueWe Talked About A Lot Of Films In This Episode - Here’s The List:Hacker MoviesHackers (1995)Sneakers (1992)The Net (1995)The Net 2.0 (2006)Jurassic Park (1993)Jumping Jack Flash (1986)Brazil (1985)The Italian Job (1969)War Games (1983)Electric Dreams (1984)Swordfish (2001)Mr Robot (TV(2015))Non-Hacker MoviesAmélie (2001)Blade Runner (1982)Blade Runner 2049 (2017)Arrival (2016)Dune Part 1 (2021)The Zone of Interest (2023)The Duke of Burgundy (2014)Flux Gourmet (2022)In Fabric (2018)Short Circuit (1986)Flight of the Navigator (1986)Metropolis (1927)Cliffhanger (1993)Tough Guys Don't Dance (1987)Cast Away (2000)The Fugitive (1993)Links to everything we discussed in this episode can be found in the show notes and if you liked the show, please do leave us a review.Follow us on all good podcasting platforms and via our YouTube channel, and don't forget to share on LinkedIn and in your teams.It really helps us spread the word and get high-quality guests, on future episodes. We hope you enjoyed this episode - See you next time, keep secure, and don’t forget to ask yourself, ‘Am I the compromising position here?’ Keywords: cybersecurity, movies, series end, hackers, war games, sneakers, filmSHOW NOTESSimon’s Book, Functional Programming with C#Read Simon’s Film Reviews on his websiteThe beautiful Leeds Cinema, The Hyde Park Picture HouseABOUT SIMON PAINTERWith nearly 20 years of software engineering experience across various industries, Simon is a Senior Software Developer at Müller UK & Ireland, one of the leading dairy companies in Europe. Simon is also a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) since 2023, an O'Reilly technical book author, and a public speaker at IT events worldwide.His core competencies include C#, JavaScript, React.js, and Microsoft Azure, as well as ITIL and computer security.LINKS FOR SIMON PAINTERSimon’s WebsiteSimon’s Linkedin

Welcome to Compromising Positions!The award-winning tech podcast that asks non-cybersecurity professionals what we in the industry can do to make their lives easier and help make our organisations more prepared to face ever-changing human-centric cyber threats! This Episode we are joined by Simon Painter a senior software engineer with nearly 20 years of experience in the industry and author of the book Functional Programming with C#.In this episode, There is no perfect cybersecurity but you could at least put a padlock on it! we look at how to get your first technical book published, what developers really need from the cybersecurity team (hint - its probability more than you are giving!) and what developers really think of security reviews!Key Takeaways:Everyone Has A Book In Them: Simon shares the 101 on how to get published with tech publishing legend, O’ReillyLearning Never Stops: Simon’s MSc in Cybersecurity taught him that continuous learning is essential. If you’re in a career rut, consider picking up a new skillBeyond Hackers: Infosec isn’t just about thwarting hackers, sometimes it’s about knowing what to do when someone ‘does a stupid!’No Padlocks, One Padlocks, 100 Padlocks, When Is it Enough?: Make yourself the ‘un-easy’ target through automation tools like OWASP Zap, Burp Suite, and playing around with Kali Linux.Visibility And Collaboration For Happy Devs: Cybersecurity teams, step into the spotlight! Get involved in the code, engage with other teams, and demystify your work. Let’s build bridges, not just firewalls!Links to everything we discussed in this episode can be found in the show notes and if you liked the show, please do leave us a review.Follow us on all good podcasting platforms and via our YouTube channel, and don't forget to share on LinkedIn and in your teams.It really helps us spread the word and get high-quality guests, on future episodes. We hope you enjoyed this episode - See you next time, keep secure, and don’t forget to ask yourself, ‘Am I the compromising position here?’ Keywords: cybersecurity, devsecops, pentesting, kali linux, owasp, devs, software developmentSHOW NOTESSimon’s Book, Functional Programming with C#Jeff’s Book Recommendation, Grokking Artificial Intelligence AlgorithmsHow To Get The Community Edition of Immersive Labs (Try And Get Your Boss To Pay For The Full Thing - So Worth It!)Play Around With Hacking In a Safe Environment with HACK THE BOX and TRY HACK MEABOUT SIMON PAINTERWith nearly 20 years of software engineering experience across various industries, Simon is a Senior Software Developer at Müller UK & Ireland, one of the leading dairy companies in Europe. Simon is also a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) since 2023, an O'Reilly technical book author, and a public speaker at IT events worldwide.His core competencies include C#, JavaScript, React.js, and Microsoft Azure, as well as ITIL and computer security.LINKS FOR SIMON PAINTERSimon’s WebsiteSimon’s Linkedin

This Episode we are joined by Martina Mitz, a UX Psychologist, Strategist and Designer.In this episode, When Perception is Everything: Is it Time to Ditch the name "Cybersecurity"?, we explore how people feel when they see the title ‘cybersecurity’ and ask the question: is the term ‘cybersecurity’ it actually putting people off engaging with us! We also talk about the power of perception, how to learn from failure, and supporting cognitive shifts so people feel like a contributing cog for the securing of our organisations rather than just a spare part! And Martina also shares a story about the time when she got hacked and you won’t believe what the hacker did next!Key Takeaways:Feeling like a cog in the security system? People need to understand its intricacies to truly support it. We need to remind the people we support that you’re not a spare part; you’re essential.Rethinking the Name: Should we ditch "cybersecurity" for a term that resonates better?Building a Security Mindset: Discover how to create a mental model of security that empowers everyone.Learning from Failure: Why embracing a "safe to fail" environment is crucial for innovation in cybersecurity.A Hacker Leaves a Note: Learn how one hacker hacked ‘for good’ to change insecure behaviours!Links to everything we discussed in this episode can be found in the show notes and if you liked the show, please do leave us a review.Follow us on all good podcasting platforms and via our YouTube channel, and don't forget to share on LinkedIn and in your teams.It really helps us spread the word and get high-quality guests, on future episodes. We hope you enjoyed this episode - See you next time, keep secure, and don’t forget to ask yourself, ‘Am I the compromising position here?’Keywords: cybersecurity, UX, psychology, UR, behaviour, creativity, security champions, accessibilitySHOW NOTESA version of Martina’s talk that Lianne and Jeff saw- Experience Mapping: Why, How and WhatABOUT MARTINA MITZMartina started as a self-taught Web Designer in 1999. From the very beginning her approach was user-centered despite not being familiar with the now-common phrase of ‘User Experience’. In 2007 she finalized her (Diploma-) study in Psychology and started working in the field of clinical Psychology. It was at this point that Martina’s academic background and her passion joined and she started a career as UX Designer, being called “Conceptioner” at first. Since then Martina has not only contributed to the digital and service ecosystems of many recognizable companies (e.g. eBay, PayPal, Emirates Airlines, Volkswagen, Telekom and many more), but she also helped selected Start-ups in Europe, by forming and driving their Research, as well as contributing to their product or service strategy and definition.LINKS FOR MARTINA MITZMartina’s LinkedInMartina’s WebsiteMartina’s Youtube

This Episode we are joined by Martina Mitz, a UX Psychologist, Strategist and Designer.In this episode “Can Cybersecurity Teams Flex Their Creativity To Keep Us All Safe?”, we’re going to talk about the natural intersection between psychology, UX and Cybersecurity, and the importance of understanding human behaviour to create user-centric digital interfaces, that people will not only want to interact with, but will also keep them safe.We’ll also discuss the importance of bridging the gap between the Cybersecurity and UX teams, building trust between two teams that are often perceived to be at odds with each other, or may not interact at all!And finally whether or not Cybersecurity could or maybe even should be considered a creative pursuit.Key Takeaways:The Intersection of Psychology and UX Design: Martina explains how her background in clinical psychology enhances her approach to UX design. She highlights the importance of understanding human behaviour to create user-friendly and secure digital interfaces.Bridging the Gap Between Cybersecurity and UX: We delve into the often-overlooked collaboration between cybersecurity teams and UX designers. Martina emphasizes the need for cybersecurity professionals to engage with UX teams to better understand user behaviour and create more effective security measures.Overcoming Fear and Building Trust: Martina discusses the common fear and mistrust between cybersecurity teams and other departments. She provides strategies to foster better communication and collaboration, ensuring security measures are user-centric and effective.The Importance of User Research in Security: The episode highlights how user research can identify potential security risks and user vulnerabilities. Martina shares examples of how understanding user needs and behaviors can lead to more robust security solutions.Creativity and Innovation in Cybersecurity: Martina challenges the stereotype that cybersecurity is purely analytical and devoid of creativity. She argues that solving security challenges often requires innovative thinking and a deep understanding of human psychology.Links to everything we discussed in this episode can be found in the show notes and if you liked the show, please do leave us a review.Follow us on all good podcasting platforms and via our YouTube channel, and don't forget to share on LinkedIn and in your teams.It really helps us spread the word and get high-quality guests, on future episodes. We hope you enjoyed this episode - See you next time, keep secure, and don’t forget to ask yourself, ‘Am I the compromising position here?’ Keywords: cybersecurity, UX, psychology, UR, behaviour, creativity, design, trust, accessibilitySHOW NOTESA version of Martina’s talk that Lianne and Jeff saw- Experience Mapping: Why, How and WhatABOUT MARTINA MITZMartina started as a self-taught Web Designer in 1999. From the very beginning her approach was user-centered despite not being familiar with the now-common phrase of ‘User Experience’. In 2007 she finalized her (Diploma-) study in Psychology and started working in the field of clinical Psychology. It was at this point that Martina’s academic background and her passion joined and she started a career as UX Designer, being called “Conceptioner” at first. Since then Martina has not only contributed to the digital and service ecosystems of many recognizable companies (e.g. eBay, PayPal, Emirates Airlines, Volkswagen, Telekom and many more), but she also helped selected Start-ups in Europe, by forming and driving their Research, as well as contributing to their product or service strategy and definition.LINKS FOR MARTINA MITZMartina’s LinkedInMartina’s WebsiteMartina’s Youtube