What would you describe as your most memorable achievement in the cybersecurity industry ?

I was proud to be involved in the creation of the financial sector cyber collaboration centre ( FSCCC ), a cross industry group involving public and private entities . It was devised with the aim of enhancing cyber-resilience across financial firms in the UK , and it works by combining , analysing and distributing cyberthreat information and supporting cyber incident response for the industry ’ s benefit . Before I joined , there was a four- or five-year period of trying to get this initiative off the ground , but over the course of two years I played a part in helping to make it a reality .

What first made you think of a career in cybersecurity ?

I had always loved computers , and after completing my mathematics degree , a role in IT was the natural next step . After about three years at my first company , my manager asked me if it was what I really wanted to do due to my wider skillset . I realised I wanted to maximise the use of my maths degree with computing . He recommended a MSc course at Royal Holloway which matched my ambition . It was focused on information security , an early term for cybersecurity , and run by the maths department . As soon as I saw the syllabus , I knew I wanted to enrol . My cyber career developed from there .

What style of management philosophy do you employ with your current position ?

I ’ m a very driven individual , but I don ’ t think that should stand in the way of humility . I like to make sure I ’ m accessible and approachable to staff . I make an effort to adapt my leadership style based on the individuals I ’ m supporting . Seeing other people shine is something that really energises me ; it ’ s a real sense of pride when I see someone who ’ s progressing well in their career . My view of success is having somebody that I currently manage then grasping the opportunity to climb the ranks and become my manager .

What do you think is the current hot cybersecurity talking point ?

It has to be Artificial Intelligence ( AI ). It ’ s equally frightening and exciting to think how AI will change the cybersecurity industry . Bridewell is considering how it will both evolve and make it easier for cybercriminals to orchestrate attacks , but also help organisations to better defend themselves as well . We ’ re starting to see AI-driven innovations that can learn about internal systems and self-heal them for protection against the latest threats . AI will only be growing in its use , so it ’ s important for us to know how we can use it to our advantage .

I was proud to be involved in the creation of the financial sector cyber collaboration centre ( FSCCC ), a cross industry group involving public and private entities .

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