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

In this episode, we covered the following topics:

• Finding the Balance: Discover how to navigate the tension between robust security measures and practical business operations without alienating your colleagues
• Biometric Backlash: Understand why people readily surrender their biometrics to tech giants but resist providing the same data to employers
• Security Theatre: Learn to identify when security measures serve more as performance than protection, particularly in public spaces like airports
• Risk Management Revelations: Gain insights into creating meaningful risk assessments that protect assets without drowning in needless bureaucracy
• Human Behaviour: Recognise how "laziness" and resistance to security controls might actually signal poorly designed systems rather than difficult users
• Security Culture: Explore how organisational risk culture directly impacts the effectiveness and acceptance of security measures
• Physical vs Digital Controls: Compare approaches to security across both physical spaces (like data centres) and digital environments
• Proportionate Response: Develop strategies for implementing security controls that match the actual threat level without overengineering solutions
• Compliance vs Security: Distinguish between controls that genuinely protect your organisation and those that merely tick regulatory boxes
• Security Stakeholder Management: Master the art of communicating security needs to business leaders without being dismissed as "overzealous"

Other episodes you'll enjoy

• Security vs Privacy: The Ethics of Data Collection

YouTube: https://youtu.be/iIRv0qVXmWM 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0wbWKF9zyxkHMY5kKMZyx5 

• The Business of Biometrics: Data Protection and Ethical Standards in Cyber Security

YouTube: https://youtu.be/eWfRalOk0E8 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1QJPHcVRkKIIht3zsJWqWq 

Connect with your host James Rees

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:

1. The Human Element of Cybersecurity

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.

1. Accessibility as a Security Imperative

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.

1. The Evolving InfoSec Community

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

In this episode, we covered the following topics:

• Overcoming Adversity: Learn how navigating difficult circumstances can build transferable skills for an InfoSec career 
• Budget Realignment: Discover why redistributing your security budget towards human factors can address the root cause of 97% of incidents 
• Inclusive Security: Explore how removing barriers to learning strengthens your organisation's overall security posture 
• Employee Engagement: Find out how to move beyond compliance to create genuine security motivation amongst your staff 
• Community Dynamics: Navigate the changing InfoSec landscape and its impact on collaboration and knowledge sharing 
• Diverse Recruitment: Understand the value of hiring security professionals with unconventional backgrounds and experiences 
• Translating Complexity: Learn techniques for explaining security concepts in ways that resonate with non-technical audiences 
• Solution Assessment: Gain insights into evaluating security vendors and avoiding "ambulance chasing" during incidents 
• Combating Bias: Recognise and address behaviours that create barriers for underrepresented groups in security teams

Resources Mentioned

• CultureGem - Empowering Small Businesses, Enterprises, and Security Professionals with Adaptive Learning Solutions
• The Cyber Sentinels Handbook – by James Rees 
• OWASP - (Open Web Application Security Project) 
• WannaCry - The 2017 ransomware attack that inspired Jemma's move into cybersecurity

Other episodes you'll enjoy

• Mental Health, Organisational Culture & The Human Side of Cybersecurity 

YouTube: https://youtu.be/k_VVu_bQZXg 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1h88WI6RlKjF0BQ3ylbnfH?si=1Zqi4lrNSzO-klDQleyEhw 

• Cybersecurity Burnout & Organisational Culture

YouTube: https://youtu.be/naUT5jBQE_s 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2xaF8hTnFR7MfQ0ob9wBu3 

Connect with your host James Rees

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

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

In this episode, we covered the following topics:

• Incident Clarity - Transform your incident response with effective communication strategies for high stress scenarios
• Global Trust - Build trust across global teams by understanding cultural communication differences
• Stakeholder Speak - Tailor your security messaging for maximum impact with different stakeholders
• Focus Shield - Protect your technical team from distractions during critical incidents
• Pre-Crisis Planning – Advice on creating communication plans before incidents occur to reduce chaos when they happen
• Mental Control – Learn breathing techniques to maintain clarity during high pressure security events
• Remote Mastery - Navigate the complexities of remote teams across different time zones
• Image Repair – How to break the "security is the bad guy" stereotype through better communication
• Technical Translation – How to adapt your technical language for different audiences without losing credibility
• Practice Pressure - Learn from war-gaming exercises to improve your team's communication under pressure
• Toxicity Management – How to recognise and handle toxic communication patterns in the workplace
• Feedback Loop - Implement feedback mechanisms to continuously improve your communication style

Resources Mentioned

• Effective Communication in Tech - Stefania's project focused on communication skills for technical professionals (effectivecommunicationintech.com)
• DevStefOps - Stefania's personal website
• The Culture Map – by Erin Meyer, on multicultural communication in business settings
• Never Split the Difference - by Chris Voss, on negotiation techniques
• Box Breathing Technique - a stress management tool to use during incidents
• GitLab's Incident Response Guide - an example of transparent incident communication
• The Cyber Sentinels Handbook – by James Rees 
• Neuro-Linguistic Programming - a communication framework
• Myers-Briggs Type Indicator - a personality assessment tool

Meet our guest

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.

Other episodes you'll enjoy

• Mental Health, Organisational Culture & The Human Side of Cybersecurity YouTube: https://youtu.be/k_VVu_bQZXg 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1h88WI6RlKjF0BQ3ylbnfH?si=1Zqi4lrNSzO-klDQleyEhw 

• The Art of Cyber Deception: How To Get Inside The Mind of A Hacker YouTube: https://youtu.be/r_n275AsK8c 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3GMSIXpbexPBqH2Rb92PNi?si=TCCxuTo-QeeMALLyHomwtg 

Connect with your host James Rees

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

In our latest episode, join me, James Rees, for a chat with Nick Palmer from Censys about the critical importance of attack surface management. With 25 years of experience in the industry, Nick explains how today's threat landscape has evolved dramatically, with attackers now discovering vulnerabilities within hours rather than weeks.

We explore the challenges of maintaining visibility across expanding digital footprints, particularly with cloud adoption creating new blind spots for security teams. Nick shares eye-opening real-world examples that illustrate the hidden vulnerabilities present in even seemingly secure environments.

We cover how organisations can gain continuous visibility of their assets, extend security monitoring to third party suppliers and build a security culture that protects customer data effectively.

A must-listen for security professionals seeking practical advice on protecting against modern cyber threats.

Key Talking Points:

1. Attack Surface Velocity: Learn how attackers can discover vulnerabilities within just hours instead of weeks, and how Censys's daily internet scanning helps organisations keep pace with this alarming speed. Nick talks about the mechanics behind this acceleration and what it means for your security strategy.
2. Supply Chain Security: Discover the hidden risks in your vendor ecosystem through Nick's shocking real-world example of compromised medical equipment. This is a key example on why monitoring your suppliers' security posture is just as crucial as your own.
3. 
   
4. Beyond Compliance: Understand why building a genuine security culture trumps mere regulatory compliance. Nick and I discuss practical approaches to embedding security consciousness throughout your organisation, from the C-suite to frontline staff.

Gain practical insights that will help you better defend your organisation. This conversation goes beyond theoretical concepts to deliver actionable security wisdom you can implement immediately.

"If you are looking at your external attack surface any less than daily, you're missing a trick. It has to be scanned at least daily, preferably in real time." 

-Nick Palmer, Censys

In this episode, we covered the following topics:

●     Attack Surface Management: Learn how to identify and manage your organisation's vulnerabilities to prevent cyber attacks.

●     Evolution of IT and Security: Gain historical perspective on how security challenges have evolved to better prepare for future threats.

●     Supply Chain Security: Discover techniques to protect your business from vulnerabilities introduced by third-party suppliers.

●     Legislation and Compliance: Understand how to navigate new regulations like DORA to avoid penalties and legal consequences.

●     Phishing Defence: Master strategies to protect your organisation from increasingly sophisticated social engineering attacks.

●     Rapid Response: Learn why and how to accelerate your security monitoring to match attackers' discovery capabilities.

●     Cloud Security: Acquire practical approaches to securing cloud and virtual environments against emerging threats.

●     Building Security Culture: Develop effective methods to embed security awareness throughout your organisation.

●     Continuous Monitoring: Implement cost-effective techniques for ongoing attack surface visibility to catch vulnerabilities before attackers do.

●     Security Tooling: Explore the latest technological innovations that can strengthen your security posture and response capabilities.

Resources Mentioned

• Censys
• Black Hat
• Cyber Sentinels Handbook
• ZMap
• Chainalysis
• SWIFT network
• DigitalOcean
• Heroku

Connect with your host James Rees

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

In this episode of Razorwire, we’re looking into the contentious realm of AI and data privacy. This week, I’m joined by Amy Stokes Waters, CEO of The Cyber Escape Room Company, and Ryan Mangan, a chartered IT professional and Microsoft MVP, to explore the ethical implications of feeding our personal data into AI systems.

Join our discussion on recent controversies, including Adobe's T&C changes and Clearview's facial recognition technology, while questioning who truly benefits from AI data collection. We debate the balance between technological advancement and personal privacy rights, highlighting the disparities in how different organisations handle consent and transparency.

From medical research to creative rights, this episode addresses how AI development is outpacing both regulatory frameworks and organisational policies. As businesses increasingly rely on AI-powered tools, what safeguards should we demand, and how much of our digital footprint are we willing to sacrifice?

3 Key Talking Points:

1. The Opt-Out Illusion: Discover how major tech companies are quietly changing their terms of service to automatically opt users into AI training programmes using your data. We reveal the hidden challenges of truly removing your information once it's been absorbed into AI systems and what this means for your digital privacy. 
2. Policy vs. Protection Gap: Learn why most organisations lack proper AI usage policies, leaving customer data vulnerable. Our experts discuss how even well-intentioned employees are likely uploading confidential information to ChatGPT without realising the risks and what safeguards businesses should implement immediately. 
3. The Jurisdictional Minefield: Understand the complex legal landscape where regulations like GDPR and HIPAA struggle to keep pace with AI development. Our conversation explores the dangerous territory of international data jurisdiction and how conflicting regulations create loopholes that affect your privacy rights.

"I think it's really positive that actually these things are coming out and that there are court cases and legal action being taken against companies who are using data without consent." Amy Stokes Waters

Listen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listen

In this episode, we covered the following topics:

• Spot stealth data collection – Identify how companies like Adobe and LinkedIn are changing their terms of service to automatically opt you into AI training programmes
• Protect your creative work - Understand the risks to your intellectual property when uploading content to cloud services with AI features
• Navigate consent manipulation - Recognise the tactics used to hide opt-out options and how to find them
• Safeguard sensitive information - Prevent employees from inadvertently exposing confidential data through ChatGPT and similar tools
• Understand data sanitisation - Learn what proper data anonymisation actually means and why it matters for your privacy
• Balance innovation with privacy - Discover how organisations can ethically use AI for advancements in healthcare while protecting personal data
• Create effective AI policies - Develop clear guidelines for your business on appropriate AI usage before data breaches occur
• Recognise AI's limitations - Identify when AI might present biased or false information, particularly in specialised fields like law
• Prepare for international data conflicts - Navigate the complex landscape of competing regulatory frameworks affecting your data (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.)
• Anticipate future privacy challenges - Get ahead of emerging concerns as AI technology continues outpacing regulatory frameworks

Resources Mentioned

• The Cyber Escape Room Co - A business led by Amy Stokes Waters that creates cybersecurity-focused escape room
• Ether Assist - Ryan Mangan's AI platform designed specifically for IT professionals and security teams, providing technical assistance and support.
• OFFS Events - A conference series organised by Amy that hosts cybersecurity events in South Africa and the UK.
• The Cyber Sentinels Handbook – written by James Rees and described as "a primer for information security professionals", aimed at practitioners at all career stages, from beginners to experienced professionals.
• CoStar - A framework for creating effective AI prompts that helps users structure their queries with context, style, and other parameters to get better results from AI systems.
• Adobe's Terms of Service AI Training Controversy
• Clearview AI Dutch Data Protection Fine
• Microsoft Graph Security Information
• LinkedIn AI Training Suspension After ICO Concerns
• Slack's AI Features and Data Collection
• Model Autophagy Disorder (MAD) in AI
• Creating Effective AI Usage Policies

Meet our guests

Amy Stoke-Waters

Amy has a decade of experience in sales and marketing and now acts as CEO at The Cyber Escape Room Co and CCO at Yellowstone Security. She is a founding member of RINA's Maritime Cyber Security Task Force and an active advocate for gender diversity in the industry. As a regular guest on podcasts and panels, Amy talks on a variety of topics including security culture and awareness, personal branding, and women in tech.

Ryan Mangan

Ryan Mangan is the CEO of EfficientEther Ltd, a Microsoft Startup focused on AI-driven IT solutions and cloud cost management. With a strong background in managed services, Ryan previously founded and led Systech IT Solutions, building successful technology businesses focused on Managed Services. A Microsoft MVP and Chartered Fellow of the British Computer Society (FBCS CITP), he is a recognised industry expert, author, and public speaker. Ryan is also an Editorial Advisory Board member for TechTarget, contributing to thought leadership in enterprise IT. His work has been featured in publications such as Computer Weekly, TechTarget, and BCS IT Now, and he regularly speaks at industry events, sharing insights on AI, cloud, and other IT topics.

Other episodes you'll enjoy

• Humans vs AI: Building a Security Culture That Actually Works

YouTube: https://youtu.be/SNcpKrsWniY

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/53PxszWM34ZrpA9EnSHuJf 

• Hacking Cybersecurity Training: Escape Rooms & Entrepreneurial Thinking with Amy Stokes-Waters

YouTube: https://youtu.be/dpn8N4xfojA

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5TWqagRzQdKZDQIxRjDOaP 

Connect with your host James Rees

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

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here

All rights reserved. © Razorthorn Security LTD 2025

Our latest episode brings in security expert Iain Pye, who shares military tales with me, your host James Rees, about what really happens when everything goes wrong. We get stuck into the nitty-gritty of incident response - the sleepless nights, the pressure from executives, and how to keep your team going when they're running on fumes. 

From ransomware attacks to system meltdowns, we chat about war games and escape room scenarios, exploring how organisations can build proper resilience rather than just ticking compliance boxes. We dig into why most incident response plans gather dust in drawers and what happens when you actually need to use them. Ian brings a refreshing military perspective to corporate incident management, showing how battlefield experience translates surprisingly well to handling information security crises. 

Whether you're dealing with compromised systems or insider threats, this episode packs practical wisdom for those moments when everything falls apart.

3 Key Talking Points and Reasons to Listen:

1. Building Resilience Through War Games: Discover why military-style drills and wargaming are crucial for effective incident response. Iain and I explore how regular team exercises - from realistic ransomware scenarios to creative "zombie apocalypse" simulations - help build the muscle memory and team dynamics needed when real crises hit. We share practical examples of how to run these exercises effectively.
2. Managing Team Stress in a Crisis: Learn the critical importance of managing your team during long running incidents. We break down the practical aspects often overlooked in incident response plans - from implementing proper shift patterns to ensuring your team stays fed, rested and functional during multi day crises. Find out why pushing your team to exhaustion is a recipe for disaster.
3. Turning Incidents into Improvements: Understand why post-incident analysis is where the real value lies. We discuss how to turn incident learnings into actionable improvements, including how to leverage serious incidents to secure necessary budget improvements. Learn why the "five whys" methodology is essential for preventing future incidents and strengthening your security posture.

On building muscle memory through repeated training: 

"It's drills essentially. It’s doing the same thing over and over again and having that natural reaction. So you train your body - your mind, essentially - so if the proverbial poo does hit the fan,  you can react in the right way and in accordance with what your SOPs [Standard Operating Procedures] might be."

Iain Pye

Listen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listen

In this episode, we covered the following topics:

• Military Training for Incident Response: Learn how military-style drills can transform your team's ability to handle high-pressure security incidents with confidence and precision.
• Importance of Incident Response in Infosec: Master the essential skill of incident response and protect your organisation from data breaches and ransomware attacks effectively.
• Human Reactions to Emergencies: Discover practical techniques to keep your team calm and focused when emergencies strike, avoiding costly panic-driven mistakes.
• Role of Team Trust: Build unshakeable team trust that enables swift, coordinated responses during critical incidents.
• Communication During Incidents: Develop clear communication strategies that keep stakeholders informed and confident during crisis situations.
• War Games for Preparation: Create engaging war games and scenarios that prepare your team for real world incidents while building stronger team dynamics.
• Impact of Incident Stress on Teams: Protect your team from burnout during long-running incidents with proven strategies for managing stress and fatigue.
• Lessons Learned Post-Incident: Turn every incident into an opportunity for improvement by conducting effective post-incident reviews that actually strengthen your security.
• Importance of Documentation and Reporting: Create documentation and reports that drive real change and secure essential resources for your security programme.
• Scenario Planning for Various Risks: Build comprehensive scenario plans that prepare your organisation for any crisis, from common incidents to worst case scenarios.

Connect with your host James Rees

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 back to Razorwire!

I'm your host, Jim, and in this second part of our CISO Dilemmas series, we welcome back security experts Oliver Rochford and Richard Cassidy. Moving beyond the challenges covered in part one, this episode explores the rewarding aspects of the role while taking a frank look at the ethical issues security leaders regularly face. The guests share personal experiences and practical actions for transitioning from technical expertise to strategic leadership, building effective teams and managing relationships across the business. 

As regulations tighten and cyber threats evolve, we talk about how the CISO position has grown far beyond its IT roots to become a complex executive role requiring business knowledge, political savvy and strong moral judgement. 

This conversation offers a valuable perspective on where the role is heading and what it takes to succeed. Stay til the end for our predictions about how the CISO position will transform over the next five years as organisations grapple with AI, automation and increasing regulatory scrutiny.

We’re talking about:

The CISO Role Beyond Technology

Learn how modern security leaders are shifting from pure technical expertise to become strategic business enablers. Richard and Oliver share some great insights about balancing technical knowledge with leadership skills, and explain why successful CISOs need to master communication, relationship-building and business strategy alongside their security expertise.

Navigating Ethical Challenges

Get an insider's perspective on the ethical decisions that CISOs face, from breach disclosures to managing surveillance requests. Using some real world examples from Oliver and Richard, we talk about how security leaders can maintain their integrity while balancing business interests, regulatory requirements and moral obligations.

Building Future-Ready Security Teams

Discover practical approaches to developing high performing security teams in an era of rapid change. The conversation offers actionable guidance on mentoring new talent, improving resilience and creating a positive security culture - essential knowledge for both current leaders and those aspiring to senior 

This episode is packed with practical advice and forward-looking perspectives that every cybersecurity professional can benefit from. 

"CISOs often face ethical dilemmas... 52% of CISOs reported that they've faced situations where they felt pressured to compromise ethical standards for business interests. In cybersecurity, the hardest decisions aren't technical - they're ethical." 

Richard Cassidy

Listen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listen

In this episode, we covered the following topics:

• Role Definition of the CISO: Learn how to navigate different stakeholder expectations and position yourself effectively as a CISO.
• Transformational Changes: Gain insights on transitioning from technical expert to strategic business leader.
• Key Skills for CISOs: Master the essential skills that make modern CISOs successful—from boardroom communication to risk management.
• Ethical Dilemmas: Handle ethical challenges confidently with real-world strategies from experienced security leaders.
• Regulatory and Legal Knowledge: Build your knowledge of global security regulations and protect yourself from personal liability.
• Leadership Impact: Develop leadership techniques that inspire and retain top security talent.
• Collaboration and Communication: Improve your influence across the organisation through proven communication approaches.
• Future of CISO Role: Prepare for the future of security leadership and upcoming industry changes.
• Incident Response and Crisis Management: Build effective incident response capabilities and crisis management skills.
• Positive Aspects of Being a CISO: Discover what makes the CISO role uniquely rewarding and how to find personal satisfaction in security leadership.

Connect with your host James Rees

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 cybersecurity—from seasoned professionals with years of experience, triumphs and lessons learnt 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

Surviving and Thriving in the 2025 Cybersecurity Landscape: Predictions and Strategies

Welcome back to Razorwire! Join me, Jim, as we forecast the major trends and changes for 2025 that are set to reshape the cybersecurity industry. Joining me are cyber veterans and regular guests Oliver Rochford and Richard Cassidy.

As cybersecurity becomes increasingly complex and critical to business operations, understanding what lies ahead can provide an invaluable edge. In this episode, Richard, Oliver and I break down our predictions for 2025, focusing on market consolidation, the evolution of AI in security and the ever-tightening grip of global regulations. From the rising costs of consultancy services to the rapid proliferation of security technologies, we've got you covered. We'll also take a look into the potential rise of AI-powered hacktivism and what it means for organisations worldwide. 

Key Takeaways:

1. Strategic Investment Planning for 2025 - Get expert insights on why vendor consolidation may not be the answer and learn practical approaches to evaluating emerging security technologies against established solutions while managing rising costs.
2. Practical Regulatory Compliance Tactics - Discover how organisations are using AI to efficiently manage overlapping regulations, with actionable strategies for meeting multiple regulatory requirements without duplicating effort.
3. Future-Proofing Your Security Strategy - Learn how the threat landscape is evolving with politically motivated insiders, how organisations are using behavioural analysis in security and what AI can realistically do for security operations in 2025.

From understanding emerging markets to decoding regulatory complexities, this episode offers critical insights to arm you for the future. Don’t miss out on these expert predictions and actionable advice!

Consolidation of Regulation: 

"A group of CISOs wrote to the G20 summit, the OECD member states, writing a letter crying out for some level of sanity on regulatory releases because it's just getting to the point where businesses are struggling."

Richard Cassidy

Listen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listen

In this episode, we’re talking about:

● Consolidation of the Cyber Security Market Learn how to evaluate whether vendor consolidation makes sense for your organisation and identify which emerging technologies could add value to your security programme.

● AI in Security Operations Understand the practical applications of AI in security versus future possibilities, helping you make informed decisions about AI investment and implementation.

● Regulation Complexity Discover strategies for efficiently managing overlapping regulations and learn how other organisations are successfully navigating complex compliance requirements.

● Quantum Encryption Learn about forthcoming quantum encryption products and how to start preparing your organisation's encryption infrastructure for quantum resilience.

● AI Enabled Activism Understand how autonomous AI systems could be used in cyber campaigns and what defensive measures you should consider implementing.

● Increased Costs and Market Changes Get practical advice on managing rising security costs and maintaining effective security despite budget pressures.

● Vendor Pricing and Economic Pressures Learn negotiation strategies for vendor relationships and how to evaluate the true value of security investments in today's economic climate.

● Insider Threat Intelligence Explore new approaches to behavioural analysis and risk profiling that can enhance your insider threat programme while maintaining privacy considerations.

● Future Threat Landscape Understand emerging threat actor motivations and behaviours to better prepare your organisation's defensive strategy.

● Technology for Regulatory Compliance Learn how to leverage AI and automation to streamline regulatory compliance while improving operational efficiency.

Resources Mentioned

• DORA
• Gartner
• OECD
• NIS 2
• PCI DSS
• HIPAA
• Cyber Essentials
• ISO
• PIPL
• CCPA
• GDPR
• Three Mile Island
• Journal of Psychological Research in Cyberspace
• Journal of Strategic Security
• Taylor and Francis Online
• Popular Mechanics
• Neuralink
• Rubrik
• CrowdStrike
• Palo Alto
• Fortinet

Other episodes you'll enjoy

Cybersecurity Burnout and Organisational Culture with Yanya Viskovich & Eve Parmiter

https://www.razorthorn.com/cybersecurity-burnout-and-organisational-culture-with-yanya-viskovich-eve-parmiter/

The Art of Cyber Deception: How To Get Inside The Mind of A Hacker with Rob Black

https://www.razorthorn.com/the-art-of-cyber-deception-how-to-get-inside-the-mind-of-a-hacker-with-rob-black/

Connect with your host James Rees

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

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here

All rights reserved. © Razorthorn Security LTD 2025

Ever wonder how to get the most out of your cybersecurity budget without leaving your company vulnerable?

Hey there, it’s Jim from Razorwire! In this episode, I sit down with cybersecurity pros Chris Dawson and Iain Pye to chat about smart spending when it comes to your cybersecurity budget. Whether you’re a big enterprise with a hefty budget or a small business wanting maximum impact on a small budget, we’ve got some actionable insights for you.

In this episode, we tackle one of the industry's most pressing challenges—how organisations allocate and manage their cybersecurity spending. Together with Chris and Iain, we examine the complex relationship between IT departments and security teams competing for resources, exploring perspectives from startups making their first security investments through to enterprises managing substantial security budgets.

Drawing on our collective experience, we challenge conventional wisdom about security investment and explore whether current approaches truly serve organisations effectively. Through real-world examples and hard-earned lessons, we examine why traditional approaches often fall short and propose fresh perspectives on security strategy.

Our debate around tools versus talent—and occasional heated disagreements—gives you multiple battle-tested perspectives to help shape your own security investment strategy, whether you're just starting out or running an enterprise security programme.

Key Talking Points 

1. Get More Bang for Your Security Buck - Learn how successful organisations are stretching their security budgets by intelligently balancing people, tools and training - so you can stop wasting money on solutions that don't deliver
2. Build Security That Sticks - Discover how to create a security programme that works for your whole business, not just IT, with proven approaches that align security spending to genuine business risks
3. Smart Security on a Budget - Get practical insights on maximising security with minimal spend, from leveraging free tools effectively to knowing when (and how) to bring in expert help

Tune in to Razorwire for these tips and more, and start making your cybersecurity budget work harder for you, not the other way around!

Decentralised Security Budgeting: 

"Security doesn't need to be expensive. It just needs to be effective, and there's a million different ways to handle security in a million different organisations."

Jim Rees

Listen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listen

In this episode, learn how to:

●      Scale Security for Your Company Size: Implement the right cybersecurity strategy whether you're running a small business or large corporation.

●      Balance Your Security Investment: Make informed decisions between hiring security personnel or investing in software tools when working with limited resources.

●      Measure Security ROI: Effectively demonstrate and track the business value of your cybersecurity investments.

●      Choose Security Partners: Select and evaluate third party security providers that match your organisation's needs and budget.

●      Implement Continuous Security Testing: Set up a continuous penetration testing programme using global resources to maintain strong security.

●      Build a Security-Aware Culture: Create and run effective security awareness programmes that actually reduce organisational risk.

●      Structure Your Security Budget: Establish and manage a dedicated security budget separate from IT spending.

●      Unify Physical and Digital Security: Create a cohesive security strategy that bridges physical and IT security measures.

●      Access Expert Security Guidance: Leverage consulting services to get CISO-level expertise without the full time cost.

●      Optimise Security Tools: Combine open source and paid security solutions to maximise protection on a limited budget.

Resources Mentioned

The Cyber Sentinel's Handbook: A Primer for Information and Security Professionals by James Rees

ISO 27001/27002

PCI DSS

GDPR

DORA

HIPAA

EU Cybersecurity Certification Scheme

OpenVAS

Greenbone

Connect with your host. James Rees

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 cybersecurity—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

Join us for part one of our two-part series examining the world of Chief Information Security Officers. This episode welcomes back Richard Cassidy, Field CISO at Rubrik, and Oliver Rochford, former Gartner analyst and founder of Cyberfuturist. This episode offers insights that will give you insight into what makes security leadership successful - and what can lead to failure.

Through real world experiences and practical examples, we explore where CISOs best fit in modern organisations, proven approaches for communicating risk to boards and how to handle increasing personal accountability under new regulations. Our guests share hard won lessons from building security programmes across different business cultures, revealing what works and what doesn't. We also examine why CISO tenures average just 18-24 months, and identify the changes needed to make the role sustainable.

As cybersecurity becomes a pivotal aspect of business operations, the significance of CISO roles continues to grow - and so do the challenges. From justifying cybersecurity budgets to handling personal accountability for breaches, we take a look at the complexities and evolving duties of today's CISOs. 

For security professionals, this discussion will help you prepare for senior leadership. For current CISOs, you'll gain strategies for navigating common challenges. And for business leaders, you'll learn how to better support and work with your security teams to protect your organisation effectively.

Key Talking Points:

• The role and responsibilities of modern CISOs - understand how the Chief Information Security Officer position has transformed from a technical IT role into a complex business leadership position that spans multiple organisational functions 
• 
  
• Reporting structures and organisational challenges - discover how different reporting relationships (to CEO, CIO, CFO, etc.) impact a CISO's effectiveness and ability to implement security programmes across the business 
• 
  
• The personal and professional costs of being a CISO - learn about the realities and challenges that CISOs face, from stress and burnout to reputation management and legal liability, providing valuable insights for those considering or currently in the role

Don't miss out on this deep dive into the cost, both personal and professional, of being a Chief Information Security Officer.

Evolving Role of the CISO: 

“A CISO today is essentially a senior executive that is responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing any organisation's cybersecurity strategy... But it has significantly evolved from what used to be the old IT security director from simply managing technical security operations to actually acting as a key business partner... balancing risk and compliance and security whilst, and this is the hard part, aligning with organisational goals.”

Richard Cassidy

Listen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listen

In this episode, we covered the following topics:

• Learn proven approaches for justifying security investments - Discover how to effectively demonstrate the value of preventative security measures and build compelling business cases for cybersecurity budgets 
• Master the language of business risk - Learn how to translate complex cyber risks into clear financial, operational, reputational and regulatory impacts that resonate with senior leaders 
• Navigate the new regulatory landscape - Understand how recent regulations like the SEC Cybersecurity Disclosure Rule affect your accountability and what this means for your role 
• Secure board-level investment - Learn strategies for overcoming common challenges when seeking security funding and how to build persuasive investment cases 
• Manage professional pressures effectively - Gain practical insights into handling accountability demands whilst avoiding burnout in high pressure security leadership roles 
• Balance competing demands successfully - Learn from experienced CISOs about managing the 24/7 nature of the role whilst maintaining personal wellbeing 
• Communicate security risks effectively - Master techniques for explaining complex security concepts in ways business stakeholders truly understand and act upon 
• Adapt your approach for different organisations - Learn how security attitudes and approaches vary across small, medium and large businesses, and how to adjust your strategy accordingly 
• Navigate organisational politics successfully - Understand how reporting structures and internal dynamics affect security programmes and learn how to operate effectively within them 
• Prepare for future challenges - Get ahead of how AI and evolving regulations will reshape the CISO role and what this means for your career development

Connect with your host James Rees

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

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here

All rights reserved. © Razorthorn Security LTD 2025