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Why venture capitalists have abandoned cybersecurity and what this means for real innovation
Welcome 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:
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 Rochford
Listen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listen
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.
Hello, 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 [email protected].
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 Security
Youtube: Razorthorn Security
Twitter: @RazorThornLTD
Website: www.razorthorn.com
All 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:
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."
Listen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listen
Hello, 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 [email protected].
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 Security
Youtube: Razorthorn Security
Twitter: @RazorThornLTD
Website: www.razorthorn.com
All rights reserved. © Razorthorn Security LTD 2025
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:
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 Plesu
Listen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listen
Hello, 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 [email protected].
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 Security
Youtube: Razorthorn Security
Twitter: @RazorThornLTD
Website: www.razorthorn.com
All 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:
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 Deslorieux
Listen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listen
In this episode, we covered the following topics:Hello, 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 [email protected].
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 Security
Youtube: Razorthorn Security
Twitter: @RazorThornLTD
Website: www.razorthorn.com
All 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:
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, Rubrik
Listen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listen
Hello, 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 [email protected].
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 Security
Youtube: Razorthorn Security
Twitter: @RazorThornLTD
Website: www.razorthorn.com
All rights reserved. © Razorthorn Security LTD 2025
Can we secure generative AI before it outpaces our ability to defend it?
Welcome back to Razorwire, where we have our finger on the pulse of cybersecurity’s most urgent dilemmas and future threats. I’m your host, Jim and in this episode, I sit down with Ante Gojsalić, CTO and co-founder of SplxAI, to unpick the tangled challenges of securing the next wave of generative AI before it becomes too integrated, too complex and too risky to control.
Generative AI is reshaping everything from business operations to personal lives, but the race to capitalise on its potential leaves us with difficult questions. Are we allowing technological progress to sprint ahead of security? Is anyone putting robust protections at the heart of these new AI systems? Ante shares stories from the frontlines - explaining why both East and West are taking wildly different approaches, why securing AI isn’t as simple as plugging in a new tool and how the real vulnerabilities lie hidden in the everyday systems we’re already beginning to trust.
Three key talking points to listen out for:
Whether you’re a CISO, an AI developer or a cyber strategist, this episode of Razorwire will arm you with practical insights and hard-won lessons on defending against the unknowns of AI.
Why Continuous Security Testing Is Essential:
"So imagine you do the security evaluation [of AI] on day one, then they change it a hundred times and you don't do another pen test. It's not relevant anymore. So, yeah, the continuous thing is important. Automation is important. And with AI, which is non-deterministic and which is still very changeable day by day, it's different than web security or API security… It's just unstable."
- Ante Gojsalić, on why traditional security approaches fail with AI systems
Listen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listen
Hello, 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 [email protected].
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 Security
Youtube: Razorthorn Security
Twitter: @RazorThornLTD
Website: www.razorthorn.com
All rights reserved. © Razorthorn Security LTD 2025
Welcome to Razorwire, the podcast that challenges conventional thinking about cybersecurity with insight, humour and a dose of reality.
In this episode, James Rees is joined by security awareness specialists Amy Stokes-Waters and Jemma to dismantle outdated approaches to security training. From click-through fatigue to the critical importance of culture change, our experts explore why traditional computer-based training fails to make organisations truly secure.
Listen as Amy and Jemma share their expertise on transforming security awareness from a box-ticking exercise into meaningful behaviour change. Their refreshingly honest assessment of the "80% compliance myth" and why focusing on business impact rather than personal consequences undermines effectiveness will have security professionals nodding in recognition.
Whether you're a CISO struggling with training completion rates, an IT professional tired of being ignored, or someone who's repeatedly clicked "next" through mandatory security modules wondering if there's a better way, this conversation offers practical alternatives to the stale CBT approach that dominates the industry.
Tune in for a candid discussion that feels like eavesdropping on three security professionals brainstorming how to fix what's broken in security awareness while acknowledging the realities of human behaviour.
3 Key Talking Points:
"What a lot of people are doing is security training for compliance, but they're not actually doing anything around the culture. They're hitting the compliance metrics. Brilliant. But the actual culture of the organization is still inherently insecure."
- Amy Stokes-Waters, on the difference between compliance and cultural change
Listen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listen
In this episode, we covered the following topics:YouTube: https://youtu.be/iIRv0qVXmWM
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0wbWKF9zyxkHMY5kKMZyx5
YouTube: https://youtu.be/eWfRalOk0E8
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1QJPHcVRkKIIht3zsJWqWq
Hello, 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 [email protected].
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 Security
YouTube: Razorthorn Security
Twitter: @RazorThornLTD
Website: www.razorthorn.com
Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here
All rights reserved. © Razorthorn Security LTD 2025
Welcome to Razorwire, the podcast that challenges conventional thinking about cybersecurity with insight, humour and a dose of reality.
In this brilliantly unfiltered episode, we're joined by security professionals Iain Pye and Chris Dawson for a no-holds-barred discussion about security measures that cross the line from prudent to preposterous. From biometric authentication dilemmas to the maddening theatre of airport security, our experts dissect the fine balance between protecting assets and actually getting things done.
Listen as Chris and Iain lock horns on what constitutes "reasonable" security, with Chris arguing for Fort Knox-level protection while Iain advocates for practicality, whilst your host Jim attempts to referee. Their real-world examples of security absurdity, including trapping thieves in revolving doors and putting warning signs in car parks, will have you nodding in recognition or shaking your head in disbelief.
Whether you're a battle-scarred security professional or maybe just someone who's stood impatiently in endless security queues wondering why your belt buckle is suddenly a threat to national security, this conversation offers both genuine insight and proper laughs about the sometimes bizarre world of overzealous security controls.
Tune in for a refreshingly honest chat that feels like overhearing three security experts having a pint down the pub whilst debating the madness that sometimes defines our industry.
3 Key Talking Points:
The Security vs Practicality Tightrope
Listen as our experts dissect the eternal balancing act between locked-down security and business functionality. When Chris boldly claims he'd implement "seven layers of security" for critical infrastructure while Iain argues for practicality, you'll gain valuable perspective on finding that sweet spot where protection doesn't become paralysis.
The Psychology Behind Security Resistance
Discover why people willingly hand over biometric data to tech giants yet baulk at the same requests from employers. Our conversation uncovers the fascinating psychological disconnect between consumer and corporate security acceptance, offering insights you can apply immediately to your own security implementation strategies.
Beyond Bureaucracy: When Risk Management Goes Wrong
Experience the painful yet hilarious reality of security bureaucracy gone mad, from needless warning signs in car parks to the absurdity of airport security theatre. You'll leave with a clearer understanding of how to champion meaningful security measures while avoiding the trap of controls that exist merely to tick compliance boxes.
"Information security professionals the world over, in various different cultures and various different parts of the world have had the words echoing through the halls: ‘Isn't that a bit much?’"
- James Rees, Razorthorn Security
Listen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listen
YouTube: https://youtu.be/iIRv0qVXmWM
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0wbWKF9zyxkHMY5kKMZyx5
YouTube: https://youtu.be/eWfRalOk0E8
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1QJPHcVRkKIIht3zsJWqWq
Hello, 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 [email protected].
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 Security
YouTube: Razorthorn Security
Twitter: @RazorThornLTD
Website: www.razorthorn.com
All rights reserved. © Razorthorn Security LTD 2025
How can overcoming personal adversity lead to a successful career in cybersecurity?
Welcome to Razorwire, the podcast that delves into the world of cybersecurity by sharing the journeys of its most inspiring figures.
Join us for a truly heartwarming episode as we welcome Jemma, the brilliant mind behind CultureGem and a passionate champion for security behaviour and culture. Jemma's incredible journey - from surviving homelessness to becoming a respected voice in InfoSec - reminds us how our different paths can bring richness and depth to our industry.
Jemma shares her powerful story and gives fresh perspectives on the human side of cybersecurity, why accessibility matters in learning and the reason technical solutions alone will never be enough. We discuss the changing face of InfoSec culture, the eyebrow-raising phenomenon of "cyberlebrities", and how we might better spend our security budgets to protect the people who matter most.
Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your InfoSec journey, you'll find wisdom in Jemma's approach to making security concepts meaningful for everyone - from corporate executives to her beloved nan.
Tune in for a conversation that, for me, genuinely felt like catching up with a friend at the pub, whilst challenging us all to think differently about creating a more inclusive approach to security.
3 Key Talking Points:
Learn why organisations allocate less than 1% of security budgets to human factors despite 97% of incidents being attributed to human error. Jemma explains how addressing this disconnect creates stronger security cultures and reduces vulnerabilities.
Discover how CultureGem's accessible learning approach removes barriers to understanding security concepts. Jemma demonstrates why making security comprehensible to everyone isn't just inclusive - it's fundamental to effective protection.
Gain perspective on industry dynamics from "cyberlebrities" to challenges faced by professionals from non-traditional backgrounds. This discussion gives valuable context for navigating the InfoSec community.
"If 10% of an IT budget is spent on cyber, which is there or thereabouts, less than 1% is spent on human side of cyber. Yet 97% of incidents are put down to, rightly or wrongly, human error."
- Jemma, Founder of CultureGem
Listen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listen
YouTube: https://youtu.be/k_VVu_bQZXg
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1h88WI6RlKjF0BQ3ylbnfH?si=1Zqi4lrNSzO-klDQleyEhw
YouTube: https://youtu.be/naUT5jBQE_s
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2xaF8hTnFR7MfQ0ob9wBu3
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 [email protected].
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 Security
YouTube: Razorthorn Security
Twitter: @RazorThornLTD
Website: www.razorthorn.com
Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here
All rights reserved. © Razorthorn Security LTD 2025
In this latest episode of Razorwire, I sit down with the brilliant Stefania Chaplin to explore the often overlooked yet crucial skill of effective communication in information security.
Throughout our conversation, we discuss why communication matters so much in our field, especially during critical moments when tensions run high. Stefania brings her trademark enthusiasm and wealth of experience to highlight approaches that work across different contexts, cultures and situations.
As our profession has evolved, and particularly when working with colleagues remotely, our approach to communication needs to adapt accordingly. Whether you're just starting out or have been in the trenches for decades, I guarantee you'll take away some valuable insights on a skill that I've found to be just as important as technical expertise throughout my career.
3 Key Talking Points:
Managing Communication During Incidents
Discover practical strategies for effective communication during high stress security incidents. Learn how to establish clear communication channels, manage stakeholder expectations and create space for your team to resolve issues without constant interruptions. Stefania shares techniques from her experience, including the importance of creating transparent incident documentation and using mindfulness to maintain clear thinking under pressure.
Cross-Cultural Communication in Global Teams
Gain insights into navigating the complexities of multicultural teams in information security. With remote work connecting professionals across different time zones and cultural backgrounds, understanding how communication styles vary globally has never been more crucial. Learn how different cultures approach feedback, instructions and hierarchy, drawing from Stefania’s multicultural background and experiences working as a digital nomad.
Adapting Your Message to Different Audiences
Master the art of tailoring your security communication for different stakeholders. Whether you're speaking with developers who need technical details or executives who need the headlines, find out how to switch hats effectively. This practical knowledge will help you build credibility with technical teams whilst ensuring leadership understands the key security messages they need for decision-making.
"What happens when you have a cybersecurity incident and you're working in a global organisation with employees from all different countries and cultures in a very high stress environment? In those moments, communication really matters."
Stefania Chaplin
Listen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listen
Stefania Chaplin
Stefania’s (aka DevStefOps) experience as a Solutions Architect within DevSecOps, Security Awareness and Software Supply Chain Management means she's helped countless organisations understand and implement security throughout their SDLC. As a python developer at heart, Stefania enjoys optimising and improving operational efficiency by scripting and automating processes and creating integrations. She is a member of OWASP DevSlop, hosting their technical shows. When not at a computer, Stefania enjoys surfing, yoga and looking after all her tropical plants.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1h88WI6RlKjF0BQ3ylbnfH?si=1Zqi4lrNSzO-klDQleyEhw
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3GMSIXpbexPBqH2Rb92PNi?si=TCCxuTo-QeeMALLyHomwtg
Hello, 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 [email protected].
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 Security
YouTube: Razorthorn Security
Twitter: @RazorThornLTD
Website: www.razorthorn.com
All rights reserved. © Razorthorn Security LTD 2025
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