THEOS Cybernova

Disclaimer: This episode discusses child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and includes references that some listeners may find distressing.

For Mick Moran, child sexual abuse material (CSAM) is not just a law enforcement issue; it is a cybersecurity blind spot. As CEO of the Irish Internet Hotline and a former INTERPOL Assistant Director, he argues that every CISO needs to know how to detect CSAM, what to do if it surfaces, and how to protect both staff and reputation.

Through wargames at the Council of Europe, Mick shows how easily organisations falter without a CSAM policy: HR rushing to dismiss, legal silenced by uncertainty, and security teams exposing staff to trauma. He connects these lessons to Asia Pacific, where remote abuse and sextortion networks highlight the urgent need for corporate readiness.

This is not a topic widely discussed in cybersecurity circles, but it is one every CISO must factor into their playbook. Detection, wargaming, reporting, and welfare cannot be ignored.

Production Credits:

Presented by: Paul Jackson
Studio Engineer & Editor: Manny Peñamora
Executive Producers: Paul Jackson and Ian Carless
Co-produced by: Theos Cyber and  W4 Podcast Studio

For Group Chief Security Officer Tim McNulty, crisis management is not firefighting; it is foresight. Preparation, horizon scanning, and above all, communication are what turn chaos into resilience. His rule is simple: communicate up, communicate internally, communicate externally.

Tim also reflects on the human side of crisis leadership. He explains how the Asia Crisis and Security Group, formed in response to the 2003 tsunami, demonstrates the power of networks rooted in real-world events, proving that resilience is ultimately about people helping people. Along the way, he shares lessons from his journey through law enforcement and global finance, from breaking down silos to showing boards that security is a business enabler.

Essential listening for senior leaders who want to see how preparation, communication, and people shape true resilience.

Production Credits:

Presented by: Paul Jackson
Studio Engineer & Editor: Manny Peñamora
Executive Producers: Paul Jackson and Ian Carless
Co-produced by: Theos Cyber and  W4 Podcast Studio

Why are cyber scams rapidly increasing across Asia while law enforcement, education, and industry still struggle to keep pace?

In this episode of THEOS Cybernova, Paul Jackson reconnects with Nigel Phair of Monash University to discuss the scam crisis in APAC. They explore why victims are blamed instead of supported, how underreporting skews the true scale of fraud, and what must change in policing. The conversation also delves into the future of cyber talent, the impact of AI on junior roles, and the need for more effective collaboration across government, academia, and industry.

Listen in to uncover why scams are more than just financial crime and how the fight against them must evolve.

Production Credits:

Presented by: Paul Jackson
Studio Engineer & Editor: Manny Peñamora
Executive Producers: Paul Jackson and Ian Carless
Co-produced by: Theos Cyber and  W4 Podcast Studio

From the Philippines to Singapore and Hong Kong, how do companies across APAC balance cybersecurity, data privacy, and regulation in a rapidly shifting landscape?

In this episode of THEOS Cybernova, host Paul Jackson speaks with Jay Gomez, Associate Director in Cyber Advisory at BRG, about what it takes to lead in one of the world’s most diverse and fast-moving cyber regions.

Jay reflects on his journey from IT operations and BPO leadership to becoming one of the Philippines’ first Data Protection Officers and now a regional consultant. He shares candid insights on the Philippines’ tough but unevenly enforced privacy law, the exodus of top cyber talent abroad, and why SMEs are increasingly relying on fractional or virtual CISOs to stay secure.

They also discuss why trust is the bedrock of effective cyber leadership, how ISACA has shaped the IT GRC community, and why AI is more likely to enhance the work of security analysts than replace them.

Production Credits:

Presented by: Paul Jackson
Studio Engineer & Editor: Manny Peñamora
Executive Producers: Paul Jackson and Ian Carless
Co-produced by: Theos Cyber and  W4 Podcast Studio

From being a ROOTCON pioneer and core member (aka GOON) to driving large-scale offensive security operations, Jayson “JV” Vallente has been at the forefront of hacking culture and capability in the Philippines and across APAC. 

In this live episode from the THEOS Cyber offsite, he joins Paul Jackson to share how he built the country’s first major AppSec teams, is helping ROOTCON grow into Southeast Asia’s premier hacker conference, and why the hacker mindset is essential for staying ahead of adversaries. They explore the role of AI in offensive operations, the power of cross-team collaboration, and the discipline required to thrive as an ethical hacker in today’s threat landscape.

Production Credits:

Presented by: Paul Jackson
Studio Engineer & Editor: Manny Peñamora
Executive Producers: Paul Jackson and Ian Carless
Co-produced by: Theos Cyber and  W4 Podcast Studio

Neal Ysart: From Scotland Yard to Manila - Building a Cross-Border Cyber Investigations Practice

From vice squads to digital forensics, one investigator’s journey reveals how cybercrime and response, has changed.

In this episode of THEOS Cybernova, host Paul Jackson sits down with Neal Ysart, a veteran investigator whose journey spans Scotland Yard, Big Four consulting, global law firms and now his own digital forensics and OSINT practice in Manila.

Neal reflects on four decades of tackling everything from vice and organized crime to cyber fraud and corporate misconduct. He shares why digital forensics is no longer optional, how AI is accelerating investment scams, and why the region needs to develop deeper cyber investigations expertise to match its growing offensive security capabilities.

They also explore the role of mentorship, the value of certifications and how his Coalition of Cyber Investigators is helping shape global investigation standards.

Production Credits:

Presented by: Paul Jackson
Studio Engineer & Editor: Manny Peñamora
Executive Producers: Paul Jackson and Ian Carless
Co-produced by: Theos Cyber and  W4 Podcast Studio

Nathan Reid: Inside the High-Stakes World of Digital Forensics & Incident Response

When a cyber incident strikes, every second counts. In the high-stakes world of Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR), elite professionals like Nathan Reed work against the clock to uncover the truth, contain the damage, and get businesses back on their feet - often with millions on the line. 

In the Season 2 opener of THEOS Cybernova, Nathan joins Paul Jackson to unpack what happens during a major incident response, why digital forensics and incident response require distinct mindsets and how speed, grit and teamwork can make or break a breach investigation.

From military signals to global cyber investigations, Nathan's path to becoming THEOS Cyber Head of DFIR is anything but ordinary.

A must-listen for anyone driving cyber resilience across the APAC region.

Production Credits:

Presented by: Paul Jackson
Studio Engineer & Editor: Manny Peñamora
Executive Producers: Paul Jackson and Ian Carless
Co-produced by: Theos Cyber and  W4 Podcast Studio

How can organizations stay resilient as privacy regulations lag behind rapid digital threats?

Anna Gamvros, Partner at A&O Shearman and prominent APAC privacy and cybersecurity law expert, uncovers critical insights on managing data protection, AI governance, and cyber incident response amid evolving regional laws. From deepfake technology risks and outdated privacy regulations in Hong Kong to the far-reaching implications of the new Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Bill, Anna expertly bridges the gap between complex legal frameworks and practical cyber resilience strategies.

In this compelling conversation with host Paul Jackson, Anna explores the growing necessity for modernizing data privacy laws, discusses the controversial aspects of Hong Kong's new cybersecurity legislation, and shares firsthand experience engaging boardrooms in meaningful cybersecurity preparedness. Her unique blend of legal acumen and pragmatic incident response expertise provides vital perspectives for business leaders, privacy professionals, and anyone interested in navigating today's digital complexities.

Whether you're managing privacy programs, advising on cybersecurity, or seeking clarity on the intersection of AI and law, this episode of THEOS Cybernova delivers indispensable strategies and forward-thinking insights.

Production Credits:

Presented by: Paul Jackson
Studio Engineer & Editor: Manny Peñamora
Executive Producers: Paul Jackson and Ian Carless
Co-produced by: Theos Cyber and  W4 Podcast Studio

How do you secure a multinational company while navigating complex cyber regulations and evolving threats?

In this special Women in Cyber episode, Silvia Ihensekhien, CISO at Swire Coca-Cola, shares her incredible journey from IT operations to leading cybersecurity for a global enterprise. She reveals how she navigates complex cyber regulations across multiple jurisdictions, secures both IT and OT environments, and champions diversity in the field.

Host Paul Jackson explores Silvia’s perspectives on the evolving cyber threat landscape, the critical role of communication for CISOs, and how organizations can bridge the gap between cybersecurity and business strategy. Plus, Silvia offers advice for women looking to build a career in cyber and break through industry barriers.

If you’re interested in cybersecurity leadership, risk management, or the future of women in cyber, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Production Credits:

Presented by: Paul Jackson
Studio Engineer & Editor: Manny Peñamora
Executive Producers: Paul Jackson and Ian Carless
Co-produced by: Theos Cyber and  W4 Podcast Studio

How do journalists uncover the truth behind cybercrime? What makes or breaks a company’s crisis response? And why does storytelling matter in cybersecurity?

In this episode, Kate Fazzini, cybersecurity journalist, author, and former reporter for The Wall Street Journal and CNBC, joins Paul Jackson for a deep dive into cyber journalism, crisis communications, and the evolving battle against misinformation.

From major breaches to geopolitical cyber conflicts, Kate shares insights from her reporting career, the role of PR in cyber crises, and the challenges of attribution in cyber warfare. She also discusses her book, Kingdom of Lies: Unnerving Adventures in the World of Cybercrime, and why storytelling is such a critical skill in cybersecurity.

Kate breaks down the importance of clear, effective communication in high-stakes cyber incidents and how organizations can be better prepared when things go sideways.

A must-listen for cybersecurity pros, media insiders, and anyone curious about the way cyber stories are told—and why they matter.

Production Credits:

Presented by: Paul Jackson
Studio Engineer & Editor: Manny Peñamora
Executive Producers: Paul Jackson and Ian Carless
Co-produced by: Theos Cyber and  W4 Podcast Studio