In our latest episode of the Cyber Versed podcast, we continue with our mini-series on Diversity in Cyber; this time, we are looking at Neurodiversity. Three exceptional guests join Mandy Haeburn-Little: Dr Emma Philpott MBE, CEO at IASME Consortium; Jonathon Ellison OBE, Director of National Resilience and Future Technology at the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC); and Jess Burden, Security Engineer at IASME Consortium. During the discussion, all three more than adequately explain the numerous advantages of employing neurodivergent people. Both Jonathon and Emma outline how they have not only embraced neurodivergent workforces but also demonstrate the many benefits and how both organisations are thriving because of it. Indeed, Jonathon explains that he considers their attitude towards recruiting a broad range of neurodivergent people as 'mission-critical'.  Jess Burden also provides an open and very honest insight as a neurodivergent employee who has progressed in IASME to become a security engineer. She explains very clearly some of the challenges faced by her and many others and how her colleagues and the culture at IASME have helped her progress and grow as an individual and a valuable employee.   All in all, it's a great insight into neurodivergence and the vital role a neurodiverse workforce can play in the success of all businesses of any size.

In Episode 25, Mandy Haeburn-Little speaks to the team from SAS, the latest addition to the growing number of National Ambassador organisations. Mandy is joined by Caroline Barnett, Principal Consultant; Nicky Furlong, Senior Director, Northern Europe, Public Sector, Health and Life Sciences; David Shannon, Head of Hyperautomation, NI&UK; and Dr Iain Brown, Head of Data Science, Northern Europe. It's an interesting insight into the broad range of work undertaken by one of the leading global software companies to assist clients in making the best use of their structured and unstructured data. During the discussion, the team discussed a wide range of topics, from their ethos and culture to the need for transparency when using AI and Generative AI to how they predict what's coming next.  They cite some fantastic examples of how their work is helping in healthcare, such as their work with Patricia Maguire, Professor of Biochemistry at University College Dublin, on AI_PREMie. This potentially life-saving solution aims to empower clinicians by developing a powerful risk stratification tool that will help them diagnose and manage women affected by preeclampsia. Mandy also poses the question about how to avoid being freightened of AI, and she invites the team to explain the difference between Artificial Intelligence and Automation. It is an informative episode from start to finsih and well worth a listen.

In episode 24, Mandy Haeburn-Little takes a deep dive into the work of one of the Regional Centres—the Eastern Cyber Resilience Centre. During her conversation with the centre Director, Detective Superintendent Paul Lopez, she highlights again how Eastern CRC differs from the other centres, particularly in the type of companies and industry sectors it supports.   Paul begins by explaining how he arrived in cyber and why he thinks this role is the most important and impactful job he has done in all of his years in policing. Paul also outlines his ambitions and goals for the future. He will continue to promote the CRC network as a police-led, business-focused initiative in order to establish the Eastern Centre as a one-stop-shop for all things cyber. Paul accepts they will have only some of the answers or solutions. Still, he wants business owners to appreciate that if they don't have the answers, they will be able to introduce the right person or organisation that will be able to help.   Paul also touches on the Cyber PATH programme and Fiona Bail's work in delivering this crucial element of the CRC initiative, which is building an elite talent pipeline of students who want a career in cyber.   It's a highly positive and engaging exploration of the geographical, commercial and cyber landscape in the Eastern Region. Moreover, it adequately outlines and promotes the opportunities in policing for anyone considering a career in crime prevention or, indeed, cyber!

This is the first of a series of Cyber Versed podcasts looking at diversity in cyber. And to start the series, we're looking at women in policing to coincide with International Women's Day. And who better to host this series than Mandy Haebrurn-Little, who was named Cyber Woman of the Year in 2021.  Mandy is joined by an impressive panel of women for the podcast; they are Fiona Bail, Detective Chief Inspector and Cyber PATH Lead for the National Cyber Resilience Centre; Leanne Alleyne, Chief Inspector, NPCC Cybercrime Programme, and Mary-Anne Dickson, Detective Constable NPCC Cybercrime Programme. It is an open and transparent look at policing from a female perspective. Each guest shared their reason for getting into policing, how they found the experience at the time, and what has changed now. They also offered useful advice and encouragement for young women considering policing as a career choice, and the over-riding advice is to speak to women in your local police as a starting point. Leanne and Mary-Anne both stressed that there is a broad range of career options in policing. Mandy also talks to them about the gender gap in cyber and the need to encourage more young women to consider technology, and in particular, cyber, as a career path. Fiona's advice here is to explore the Cyber PATH programme, where cyber experience is not a prerequisite and where they are looking for students with a variety of skills.

In episode 22, Mandy Haeburn-Little meets up with some of the team from The South East Cyber Resilience Centre.    Mandy kicks off the conversation by asking the centre director, Chris White, about his new experience setting up a business and being 'Head of Everything'. He explains which skills have transferred well to his new role with the centre. Then, Chair Glen Hymers chats about how he worked with the team to build the board and set the centre up as a business. He also outlines how he views his role as Chair and how he harnesses the skills and talent around the table to deliver the best for the centre. In the process of the discussion with Mandy, he manages to pick up the new name, 'Harmonious Choirmaster'!   It's a great insight into the workings of a Regional Centre that adequately outlines its purpose and the passion with which its services are delivered. Other topics include a fascinating look at the global tangible and intangible assets and how that helps us define the status of the skills gap in cyber.   In this episode, Mandy is joined by Chris White, Director of South East Cyber Resilience Centre; Glen Hymers - Chair of South East Cyber Resilience Centre and Civil Servant at The Cabinet Office; Sharif Gardner - Head of Defence, Military and Law Enforcement, UK, Ireland & Nordics at SANS Institute and David Scutt – Global Head of HP Wolf Security Sales and Non-Executive Director of the South East Cyber Resilience Centre.

In episode 21, Mandy Haeburn-Little chats with some of the team involved with the National Cyber Resilience Centre for the West Midlands. She talks with the Centre Head, Vanessa Eyles, about how she came to be involved with the centre and her experience of moving from policing into running a business which was already established when she arrived. She speaks with passion about her team and their moral compass and shared vision to help the business sector become more resilient and prevent cybercrimes. In this episode, Mandy is joined by: Vanessa Eyles, Managing Director, The National Cyber Resilience Centre for West Midlands Usman Khan – IAP Consulting Emma Daniel – Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Warwickshire Martin Nash – Head of Cyber Security & Information Assurance (CS&IA) Services, CDS Defence & Security

In episode 20, Mandy Heaburn-Little explores the work of one of the Regional Centres - The National Resilience Centre for Wales. She looks at the purpose and mission of the regional centres and what the centre in Wales is specifically doing to support SMEs in the region. It is an interesting insight that highlights the ways in which government, policing, the private sector and academia are delivering positive outcomes in the local business community. Mandy is joined on the podcast by Paul Peters, Managing Director at The Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales; Simon Tee, Managing Partner at Kilsby & Williams and Chairman at The Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales; Mike Learmond, Senior Development Manager, Wales - Federation of Small Businesses, Paul Hall, Detective Inspector / Head of Cyber and Innovation at the Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales.

In episode 19, host Mandy Haeburn-Little is joined by Stephen Ridley, Head of Cyber and Becki Betts, Commercial Lines Product & Proposition Manager, both at Aviva. Aviva is the most recent addition as a National Ambassador company and the first from the insurance sector. During the conversation, they talk about the various cyber insurance products and services that are available to small businesses and touch on the lack of awareness of such policies among SMEs. The two also comment on why Aviva was keen to support the National Cyber Resilience Centre Group and the Regional Centres by becoming a National Ambassador, picking out their desire to share data, knowledge and experience, and the opportunities to work with the Cyber Path programme as two of the many reasons. It's an interesting conversation that provides some helpful insight into Aviva and what support is available to SMEs in the event of a cyber attack.

In Episode 18, Mandy Haeburn-Little hosts a roundtable discussion focusing on Cyber PATH; all that policing is doing nationally to support students, innovation and new skills, and making sure those skills are available to the business community. Joining Mandy on the podcast are: Fiona Bail, National Cyber PATH lead, National Cyber Resilience Centre Group Sharif Gardner, Head of Defence, Military and Law Enforcement, UK, Ireland & Nordics, SANS Institute James Duncan, Security Cloud Solutions Architect, Microsoft Rania Hindy, Studying Physics/Computer Science and current Cyber PATH Student, National Cyber Resilience Centre Group Matt Tomlinson, Associate Tutor, Cardiff Metropolitan University, and former Cyber PATH Student at The Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales

In this episode, Mandy Haeburn-Little hosts a round table discussion focusing on the need for a national voice on behalf of the SME community. It’s an inspiring, insightful and instructive discussion among the guests who are: Maxine Bulmer, Vice-President Consulting Delivery, CGISimon Newman, CEO of the Cyber Resilience Centre for LondonBruce Reekie, National Ambassador Workstream Project Manager, National Cyber Resilience Centre GroupDaniel Patefield, Head of Programme, Cyber and National Security at techUK

In this episode, Mandy Haeburn-Little hosts a round table discussion about promoting the importance of cyber intelligence and cyber resilience across the Business and Third Sector community. It’s an open and insightful discussion among the guests who are: Alex Cable – Area VP, WEMEA, Chainalysis Ian Kirby – Detective Superintendent, NPCC National Cybercrime Programme & National Cyber Resilience Centre Group Paul Peters – Temporary Detective Superintendent, Director of The Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales Andy Gould – Detective Chief Superintendent, National Cybercrime Programme Lead, City of London Police Max Bruce – Strategy & Engagement Manager, NFIB Protect, City of London Police

In Episode 15, Sharif Gardner, Head of Defence, Military and Law Enforcement, UK, Ireland & Nordics at SANS Institute, provides a fascinating insight into his journey and how he 'fell' into cyber. In the podcast, he talks about the work SANS do and the range of training courses they provide to organisations around the globe. Sharif explains SANS' seven cyber curriculums, which offer comprehensive courses tailored to specific skill sets. He also explains how an organisation of the SANS scale remains agile and able to provide up-to-the-minute information and solutions.   Sharif is passionate about the business, and his overriding advice for anyone wanting to find out more about SANS is to head to the Resources section of the SANS website https://www.sans.org/security-resources/ where there are thousands of free tools, cutting-edge resources, and the latest cybersecurity news that can't be found elsewhere. This includes their podcasts, the latest of which is 'Wait Just An Infosec' - https://www.sans.org/podcasts/wait-just-an-infosec/ , a weekly cybersecurity-focused.   ABOUT SANS Launched in 1989 as a cooperative for information security thought leadership, it is SANS' ongoing mission to empower cyber security professionals with the practical skills and knowledge they need to make our world safer. They fuel this effort with high-quality training, certifications, scholarship academies, degree programs, cyber ranges, and resources to meet the needs of every cyber professional. Their data, research, and the top minds in cybersecurity collectively ensure that individuals and organisations have the actionable education and support they need. https://www.sans.org

In Episode 14, Mastercard's David Cox, Head of the European Cyber Resilience Centre, joins Mandy to discuss his role and the work done by the ECRC. David explains the principles of the four P's (Prepare, Prevent, Protect and Pursue) and what these mean to Mastercard. In an enlightening discussion, David also discusses the organisation's goal to bring people together to share knowledge, collaborate and become a best-in-class centre of excellence. He also explains their work with Paytechs and Fintechs and how their Strive UK initiative supports the nation's micro and small businesses to adapt and thrive in the digital economy. David also touches on the Mastercard culture and how their 'Decency Quota' gives something back to the community.

In this podcast, John McDiarmid discusses how NatWest Group ensures that their cyber security development, on which their customers desperately rely, keeps pace with the ever-growing innovation within the banking industry. At the same time, Amanda Scott gives us a first-hand explanation of how NatWest’s AI-powered assistant, Cora, has become a growing digital influence in how they serve customers.

Microsoft joins us once again to deep dive into the increasing threats small businesses are facing in the rapidly growing Cyber Security Space, Jonathan Davies discusses protecting the world, one signal at a time with Microsoft's advanced AI and machine learning technology and Lesley Kipling helps us understand staying ahead of the game whilst navigating the rapid and sophisticated cyber-attacks of today." Cyber Signals (microsoft.com) Cybersecurity + Threat Intelligence | Microsoft Security Insider – Explore the latest Cyber Security insights and updates.

Episode 11 is a celebration of the newly joined NCRCG Ambassador Microsoft. Mandy sits down with Microsoft's Sian John MBE, Director of SCI Strategic Growth Business Development, and Paul Kelly, Director of Security Business Group, to hear about how a major global technology organisation manages the evolving threat of cybercrime at scale. From practical tips on how to secure your everyday activity across Microsoft applications to their expert perspective on our student Cyber PATH initiative, not only do we get a sense of reassurance to have such sharp minds leading the charge against online crime, but we also gain a sense of hope – it looks like we're winning.

In Episode 10, Ben Fletcher, Group Chief Financial Officer of The Very Group, brings us a unique perspective in his conversation with Mandy as they discuss the priorities of a role working in finance for a major retailer while juggling the increasing cyber security risks that come with being such a prominent organisation.  Exploring themes of risk, workplace culture, collaboration and more, Ben offers us a rare insight into the workings of a huge multi-category retailer, with some surprises along the way.  In listening to Ben, we realise that finance is ultimately about safeguarding organisations for the future, a mission which dovetails nicely with cyber resilience and expounds the partnership between the National CRC Group and The Very Group as one of their Founding National Ambassadors.

For Episode 9, we’re bringing you a bumper special to celebrate the UK's first National Cyber Resilience Centre Network Summit and Cyber Security Awareness Month.  With four guests drawn from Centre leadership and our National Ambassadors, this roundtable conversation covers everything from our work as a National network to the increasing importance of cyber issues amongst the business community and how this is being tackled.  Featuring Nick Bell from National CRC Group, Alex Cable of Chainalysis, Andy Richardson from the South East CRC, and Richard Holmes of CGI, we’re offering you a front-row seat to the most exclusive cyber discussions happening in the UK right now.

Episode 8 features John McDiarmid, Head of Security and Information Governance at NatWest Group, sitting down with our host Mandy Haeburn-Little to dive into the complexities of cybersecurity in the financial services industry.   This dynamic chat covers so much – from NatWest’s commitment to staff development to working in security throughout the pandemic and the skills needed in cyber security – that we might need to follow up with a part 2!

In episode 7 of CyberVersed, Mandy Haeburn-Little welcomes Alex Cable, Regional Director at Chainalysis, one of our Founding Ambassadors. Alex discusses why she initially got involved with cyber, the rise of cryptocurrency and the importance of ensuring businesses plan for ransomware attacks. The two go on to discuss how businesses can use Blockchain to benefit their existing supply chains.