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When AI Learns to Lie: Trust, Deepfakes and the Fight for Reality with Tom Vazdar

Artificial intelligence is evolving faster than any technology we have seen before, but are we truly prepared for the risks that come with it?

In Episode 183, returning guest Tom Vazdar, cybersecurity expert, AI governance specialist and CEO of Riskoria, joins Yoyo for a fascinating and, at times, sobering conversation about the future of AI, digital trust and the threats that are already reshaping our world.

Together, they explore the uncomfortable reality that while organisations are racing to adopt AI, many are doing so without the governance, guardrails or understanding needed to use it safely. The conversation examines how AI is now being used both to defend against cyber threats and to create entirely new ones.

This episode dives into:

🔹 Why AI adoption is outpacing regulation and security practices.

🔹 The rise of deepfakes, voice cloning and synthetic media—and why proving something is real may soon become one of society's biggest challenges.

🔹 How poorly governed AI systems can inadvertently expose sensitive information and create entirely new attack surfaces.

🔹 The growing use of AI by criminals to conduct fraud, scams and social engineering at unprecedented scale.

🔹 The impact of AI on children and young people, and why digital literacy has become as important as reading and writing.

🔹 The geopolitical race for AI dominance and the enormous infrastructure and energy demands powering the next generation of artificial intelligence.

🔹 Why protecting people, trust and critical thinking may become the defining security challenge of our time.

Throughout the episode, Tom offers a balanced perspective. He is an advocate for AI and its incredible potential, but equally passionate about ensuring society understands the risks that accompany this technological revolution.

This is ultimately a conversation about far more than technology. It is about truth, trust, human behaviour and our ability to navigate a world where seeing is no longer believing.

A few powerful themes from this episode:

"The biggest challenge of AI may not be protecting systems—it may be protecting our ability to know what is real."

"Digital literacy is no longer optional. It's becoming a life skill."

"The future of security is not only about defending technology; it's about defending people and their minds."

Episode 183 is an essential listen for security professionals, business leaders, parents and anyone curious about the rapidly changing world around us. If you've ever wondered where AI is taking us—and whether we're ready for the journey—this conversation will leave you with plenty to think about.

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"You are literally there for them in their lowest and most vulnerable moments."

"You are letting someone into the most intimate parts of your life — your home, your work, your family. There has to be trust there."

Executive protection is often misunderstood.

Popular culture paints a picture of dark sunglasses, earpieces, and imposing figures standing between a VIP and danger. The reality is far more complex—and far more human.

In Episode 182 of The Security Circle Podcast, I sit down with Sherelle Blackwell, Commercial Leader for Close Protection and Premium Security Solutions at Rock Security Solutions, to explore what really happens when business leaders, high-net-worth families, and public figures become targets.

From kidnap and ransom threats against families, to protecting executives during periods of intense public scrutiny, Sherelle offers a rare insight into a world built on trust, discretion, intelligence gathering, and calm decision-making under pressure.

Together we discuss why many organisations have invested heavily in cyber security and physical security controls but still have no meaningful executive protection strategy. We examine how rapidly changing geopolitical tensions, insider threats, reputational attacks, deepfakes, and targeted campaigns are creating new risks for today's leaders and their families.

Most importantly, we explore a simple but uncomfortable truth: when a threat moves beyond the executive and towards the people they love, every plan is suddenly put to the test.

This is a fascinating conversation about preparedness, trust, resilience, and the human side of protection.

Because every CEO has a plan... until someone targets their family.

LI Profile: (4) Sherrelle Blackwell | LinkedIn

Company website: Home - Rock Security Solutions

Bio: Sherrelle Blackwell is the Commercial Director at Rock Security Solutions, where she blends her team's operational experience with strategic insight & commercial acumen to elevate standards in protective services. With a career spanning elite corporate environments, Sherrelle has led programs focused on close protection, threat mitigation, and colleague safeguarding across complex, high-pressure settings. Known for her partnership-driven approach, she brings a strong focus on preparedness, ensuring teams aren’t just reactive, but ready. Sherrelle champions training that is practical, risk-informed, and culturally aligned. Her perspective bridges frontline reality and executive risk, making her voice essential in today’s evolving protection landscape.

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Podcast Summary – EP 181 | The Return of Dr Matt Todd

Some conversations stay with you long after the microphones switch off. Others quietly change the trajectory of an entire podcast.

When Dr Matt Todd first joined The Security Circle Podcast back in Episode 113, listeners around the world connected with something extraordinary. It wasn't just the stories from a former hostage and crisis negotiator who had stood on bridges in the middle of the night, worked alongside governments during international kidnappings, and helped people navigate their darkest moments. It was the humanity behind them.

To this day, Matt's first appearance remains the single most downloaded episode in the history of The Security Circle Podcast – a remarkable achievement in a catalogue filled with some of the security industry's greatest minds. Yet, if you know Matt, you will know that success sits lightly on his shoulders. Few people combine such profound expertise with such genuine humility.

In this deeply thoughtful return to the podcast, Matt shares the lessons that years of crisis negotiation, global deployments, academic research, and human connection have taught him. From the surprising power of a simple cup of tea to the importance of truly listening, he explores why behaviour matters more than words, how emotion shapes decision-making, and what leaders can learn from those standing at the edge of despair.

Together, we discuss the reality of negotiating in the aftermath of terrorist attacks, managing families through unimaginable crises, navigating the challenges of social media in a connected world, and the four behavioural drivers that underpin so much of human behaviour: control, identity, respect, and capacity.

But perhaps most importantly, this episode reminds us that beneath every title, every role, and every crisis, there is simply another human being trying to be heard.

Warm, insightful, and profoundly moving, Dr Matt Todd returns to The Security Circle Podcast not only as our most popular guest, but as one of its most cherished. Whether you joined us for Episode 113 or are discovering Matt's wisdom for the very first time, this is a conversation that will change the way you listen, lead, and connect with others.

Because sometimes, the most powerful thing we can offer another person isn't an answer.

It's our attention. Our presence.

And perhaps... a cup of tea. ☕

Welcome back, Dr Matt Todd. The Security Circle wouldn't quite be the same without you.

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Podcast Summary

🎙️ EP 180: Russia Wants You Angry: A Spy's Warning to the West

What if the greatest threat facing Western democracies isn't a missile, a tank, or even a cyberattack?

What if it's distrust?

This week on The Security Circle Podcast, I sit down with former CIA case officer and Russian intelligence specialist Sean Wisswesser to explore the hidden battlefield of modern conflict — information warfare, influence operations, espionage, and the psychological tactics being used to divide societies from within.

Drawing on nearly three decades in the intelligence community, Sean shares extraordinary insights into how Russian intelligence operates, why democracies remain a target, and what ordinary citizens need to understand about the unseen war being fought every day across social media, politics, and public discourse.

Together we discuss:

🔹 Russian intelligence tradecraft and modern espionage

🔹 Putin's strategic view of the West

🔹 Information warfare and cognitive manipulation

🔹 The weaponisation of social media and division

🔹 The lessons of Ukraine for Western democracies

🔹 Why young people are increasingly targeted by influence operations

🔹 The psychology of betrayal, treason, and recruitment

🔹 Whether the West is winning or losing the intelligence war

Two powerful moments from the episode capture the challenge facing democracies today:

🗣️ "For Putin, the greatest threat isn't NATO. The greatest threat is a functioning democracy on his border."

🗣️ "Russian intelligence doesn't care which side you choose. They just want you fighting each other."

This is a fascinating conversation about spies, strategy, influence, and the future of democracy itself. Whether you're a security professional, intelligence enthusiast, or simply trying to make sense of an increasingly complex world, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

🎧 Available now on all major podcast platforms.

I think this title and summary work exceptionally well together because they reinforce the central theme Sean kept returning to throughout the interview: the real battleground isn't territory, it's trust.

https://www.linkedin.com/safety/go?url=https%3A%2F%2Fa.co%2Fd%2F0hW0vRex&trk=flagship-messaging-web&messageThreadUrn=urn%3Ali%3AmessagingThread%3A2-OTBmOTQ5MWUtZDM0Ni00M2Q0LWFhODEtZjk0MTc3ZTc5MGE3XzEwMA%3D%3D&lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_messaging_conversation_detail%3B6crqUSPZRNuwsaVUr46TNw%3D%3D

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Podcast Summary

EP 178 The Future of Fraud: There Is a Scam for Everyone with Becky Holmes

This week on The Security Circle Podcast, we welcome back fraud expert, author, and social engineering commentator Becky Holmes for a gripping conversation about the rapidly evolving world of deception, manipulation, and digital trust.

Following the success of her bestselling book Keanu Reeves Is Not In Love With You, Becky returns to discuss her powerful new release, The Future of Fraud — and why modern fraud is no longer just about dodgy emails and suspicious links. Today’s scams are organized, scalable, emotionally manipulative, AI-enhanced, and designed to exploit human vulnerability at scale.

From romance fraud and pig butchering scams to deepfakes, fake businesses, cloned travel websites, and emotionally engineered attacks, Becky explains why fraudsters are no longer hacking systems — they are hacking people.

Together, we explore:

• Why “there is a scam for everyone”

• How AI and deepfakes are eroding digital trust

• The psychology behind social engineering

• Why smart people still fall victim to fraud

• The parallels between romance fraud and domestic abuse

• How organized crime has industrialized deception

• Why shame remains one of the fraudster’s greatest weapons

• The growing responsibility of social media and search platforms

• And why the future of fraud is becoming deeply personal

This is a fascinating, emotional, and eye-opening discussion that challenges the belief that fraud only happens to “other people.”

Because in today’s world, the real attack surface isn’t technology.

It’s human trust.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckyholmeshatesspinach/

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Podcast Summary

From Costa Rica’s escalating violence and drug trafficking routes to complexity theory, semiotics, cultural anthropology, and the psychology of human behaviour — this week’s episode of The Security Circle Podcast goes far beyond traditional security conversations.

Joining me is Erik D. Erikson, a Costa Rica-based security professional, trainer, coach, and systems thinker whose work explores the intersection between security, culture, language, community dynamics, and human resilience.

In this fascinating discussion, we unpack:

• The changing security landscape in Costa Rica
• Drug trafficking, migration, and societal instability
• Why ego can become one of the greatest risks in security leadership
• Complexity theory and the Cynefin Framework in crisis management
• Semiotics, misinformation, propaganda, and “irregular warfare”
• Why understanding culture and human behaviour is now essential for modern security professionals

This is not a typical cyber security episode. It is a deep exploration into how people, systems, narratives, and communities shape the environments security professionals must operate within every single day.

Thought-provoking, unconventional, and packed with insight — this episode challenges us to think differently about what security really means in today’s world.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-d-erikson/

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This week on The Security Circle Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with one of the most fascinating minds in modern security and operational resilience — Bruce McIndoe.

Bruce’s career journey is extraordinary. From working in astrophysics and NASA missions, through intelligence operations supporting military environments where decisions could mean life or death, to pioneering the travel risk management industry as Founder of iJET International (now part of GardaWorld/Crisis24), Bruce has spent decades helping organizations navigate uncertainty, disruption and crisis.

Today, as President of McIndoe Risk Advisory, Bruce advises global organizations on operational resilience, protective intelligence, people risk management and the future of cross-functional security operations.

In Episode 177 — From Space Missions to Security Missions — we explore:
🚀 What NASA taught Bruce about failure, systems thinking and mission-critical risk
🛰️ Why intelligence work changes the way you view uncertainty forever
🧠 Why “the biggest risk isn’t technology — it’s people”
⚠️ The dangers of security silos in modern organizations
🤝 Why the future belongs to multi-capable security professionals
📊 Why more dashboards, more AI and more tools do not automatically create resilience
🔮 The Future Operations Center and how AI could reshape operational security forever

This episode is packed with insight for anyone working across security, cyber, resilience, crisis management or leadership.

Some standout quotes:
💬 “Technology feels comfortable. People don’t.”
💬 “Resilience isn’t built on perfect intelligence.”
💬 “Good training builds judgment, not just muscle memory.”

This is one of those conversations that challenges the way you think about security altogether.

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Podcast Summary

Paul reflects on his extraordinary journey researching AI agents nearly 30 years ago — long before the world was paying attention — while Jaci shares practical insights into how organisations are struggling to balance innovation with control.

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a future problem. It is already shaping how businesses operate, how decisions are made, how cyber attacks evolve, and even how humans think, trust and behave online.

From AI-powered cyber threats and vulnerable AI agents to surveillance concerns, hallucinations, insider risk, and the growing dependency humans are developing on chatbots, this episode explores why some of the very people building AI are also the ones warning us to slow down and think carefully.

The conversation dives into:

• Why AI is advancing faster than many organisations can govern it
• How AI is already transforming cybersecurity and software development
• The hidden risks of AI agents operating inside businesses
• Why “human in the loop” matters more than ever
• The future impact on jobs, education and younger generations
• Whether AI is subtly reshaping human behaviour and decision-making
• Why governance, accountability and ethics can no longer be treated as optional

Jaci is a finance transformation and AI governance leader at NatWest Group, where he serves as the Lead for NatWest AI Digital Enabler Platform. In this role, he focuses on enabling responsible adoption of emerging technology at scale, with an emphasis on strong risk management, clear accountability, and practical governance that supports innovation while protecting colleagues, customers, and the organisation.

Paul is the Head of Responsible AI and AI Strategy at one the UKs largest bank, leading a dedicated team of AI practitioners, and pioneering Responsible AI in financial services. Paul also leads the bank’s AI Strategy to ensure AI provides not only a highly personalised customer experience but is also deployed ethically to augment colleagues’ day-to-day work.

Paul is also co-author of ‘Governing the Machine: How to Navigate the Risks of AI and Unlock its True Potential’ (Bloomsbury Business, 2025), a practical guide to responsible AI which has since been named in the Amazon top 10 bestsellers in two categories and in the FT top 5 Business Books of the Month. Paul's influential work has been published throughout leading articles, including The AI Journal, The Green Business Journal, Business Reporter, Natwest, Evident AI Responsible AI Report, Irish Tech News and CIO Business World Magazine.

Paul’s influence extends beyond corporate boardrooms and into the global arena, where he actively participates in international forums, policy discussions and projects aimed at setting global standards for responsible.

Paul has a PhD in Agentic AI and was previously a university researcher and lecturer in Computer science and AI.

Jaci began his career at PwC working in Assurance and Business Recovery Services, before moving into FP&A at NatWest. He later transitioned into data and technology, bringing together financial rigour with hands-on experience of building and governing digital capabilities in a regulated environment. Alongside his industry role, Jaci chairs the ICAS AI Working Group and is a member of the ICAS Ethics board. His work connects professional ethics, assurance-minded thinking, and real-world experience of deploying AI. 

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Episode Summary

In Episode 175 of The Security Circle Podcast, Yolanda (Yoyo) Hamblen is joined by Elizabeth Parks, President and Chief Marketing Officer of Parks Associates and fellow 2025 Life Safety Alliance winner, for a fascinating deep dive into the realities of our hyperconnected world.

From smart homes and surveillance tech to AI companions and the hidden risks of convenience, Elizabeth shares eye-opening insights from decades of tracking consumer behaviour, connected technologies, and the ever-blurring lines between physical security and cybersecurity.

Together, Yolanda and Elizabeth unpack some of the biggest questions facing us right now…

Is your smart TV really listening… or even watching?

Why are consumers willingly trading privacy for convenience?

Why do smart, informed people still click phishing links?

Are AI tools becoming companions we trust too much?

And are connected devices making our homes safer… or more vulnerable?

With shocking real-world examples, including connected TVs allegedly capturing thousands of images per hour, AI hallucinations, phishing scams, smart cameras aiding law enforcement, and the growing dependency on devices like Alexa and ChatGPT, this episode explores the security, ethical, and emotional consequences of life online.

If you’ve ever wondered whether convenience is costing us control… this episode is for you.

🎙️ Expect bold opinions, practical advice, and some unsettling truths about the devices already inside your home.

We love Thursdays!

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EP 174 Ransomware Nation: Why Business Is Still Getting Punched in the Face with Jamie MacColl

Ransomware is no longer “just an IT problem.” It is a national security threat, an economic threat, and a direct threat to business survival.

In this explosive episode of The Security Circle, Yolanda interviews cybercrime expert Jamie MacColl, whose recent appearance on BBC Panorama put the UK’s ransomware crisis firmly in the spotlight.

Together they unpack the brutal reality facing organisations today: why businesses are still failing the basics, why boards are not listening until they get “punched in the face,” and how cyber criminals are exploiting weak fundamentals like poor patching, missing MFA, vulnerable suppliers and operational complacency.

From the chaos caused by attacks on UK retail, manufacturing and healthcare, to the rise of groups like Scattered Spider, Jamie explains why ransomware has become a business hostage crisis hiding in plain sight.

This episode dives into:

• Why ransomware should be treated like terrorism and organised crime

• The dangerous culture of silence stopping businesses learning from attacks

• Why “secure by design” and “secure by default” are still more slogan than reality

• How supply chain weakness is fuelling the next wave of attacks

• Why governments are struggling to legislate fast enough

• What businesses must do now to survive the next six months

If your organisation still thinks “it won’t happen to us,” this episode is your wake-up call.

Because in today’s world… complacency is expensive.

🔥 We love Thursdays.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-maccoll-b925a8127/

Jamie MacColl is a Senior Research Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute. His current research focuses on ransomware and other financially motivated cybercrimes, the UK’s national cyber strategy, and the role of private companies in global cyber governance. He is also currently a Senior Research Associate at Virtual Routes, a European think tank, and a Project Fellow at the Research Institute for Sociotechnical Cyber Security. Jamie holds an MPhil in International Relations and Politics from the University of Cambridge and BA in War Studies from King’s College London.

Security Circle ⭕️  is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers