Hacked Off

When it comes to software security, prevention is always better than cure. Design flaws can open the door to breaches from the outset and result in millions of pounds worth of losses. It’s vital to have security principles running through the whole software development lifecycle. To discuss this in more detail we spoke to Adrian Thompson, a Consultant Software Engineer and Chair of the British Com...

In 2016 financial fraud losses totalled £768.8 million*. With the ever-growing risk of cybercrime, what can we do as individuals and as a business to reduce the risk to ourselves and others? Jennie Williams, Cyber Protect Officer for the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU) talks to us about how making small changes and taking simple steps towards cybersecurity can make all the differ...

Some say education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world, so we brought together two of the most influential educators in cybersecurity. Manchester University’s Academic Cybersecurity Lead and overall cyber enthusiast, Dr Daniel Gideon Dresner, BSc (Hons), FInstISP and our very own Head of Education at Secarma, Paul Mason to discuss all things cyber. From Danny’s first...

The risk of a cybersecurity attack on the UK’s critical infrastructure, like the one that hit Ukraine’s energy grid in 2015 and 2016, is growing. With the threat landscape constantly evolving it’s vital for public sector organisations to adopt a robust approach to defending key targets from cyber-attacks. In this episode Paul speaks with Stephen Jewell, Director of UKFast Public Sector, which has...

Becoming an Ethical Hacker The cybersecurity industry is working hard to close the skills gap. But, with increasing advancements in technology and a continuously rising number of attacks, the gap is widening. It’s predicted that, by 2022, there will be a shortage of 1.8 million workers in the information security sector. Paul is joined by Gordon, a senior consultant at Secarma, to discuss his path...

Today, women make up 20% of the global cybersecurity workforce. That figure has increased from 11% in 2013, but the numbers are still desperately low. So, why does cybersecurity have such a gender problem? To discuss the issue of diversity in cyber and how to encourage more women into the industry, Paul is joined by Noha Amin, Information Security Awareness Manager at TalkTalk. The key points: 3’0...

Cyber criminals are constantly looking to exploit the weakest link in your chain. Using social engineering, they’re targeting employees, looking to abuse their trust and willingness to help, in order to gain access to sensitive information. Paul Mason is joined by Edward Whittingham, founder of the British Fraud Prevention Partnership (BFPP), to understand how companies can best get to grips with...

When it comes to cybersecurity, can you believe everything you read in the news? In the opening episode of Hacked Off, Paul Mason and David Quinn dissect the recent Superdrug breach. They explore how the breach was reported by the media and delve a little deeper to uncover the real takeaway lessons that need to be learned. The discussion then moves on to the issue of password security. What makes...