Razorwire Cyber Security

Razorthorn Security
Razorwire Cyber Security

Welcome to the Razorwire podcast where we share information, best practices and up to date news in cyber security and infosec. Our mission is to help you become a better cyber security professional and support our vision of creating an agile community of cyber professionals who are stronger than ever before. This show is first and foremost about sharing knowledge and benefiting from collaboration. We bring you the advice and wisdom of both your host, James Rees, and his guests to build on the strength and depth of your own knowledge and experience. Your host James Rees is an information security veteran with over 25 years of industry experience and is the founder of Razorthorn Security, delivering expert security consultancy and testing services on a day to day basis to some of the largest and most influential organisations in the world, including many in the Fortune 500. The Razorwire podcast is for cyber security professionals looking for new ideas and the drive to improve their response to cyber security events. Through collaboration, we can strengthen our defences. For more information about us or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss on the podcast email podcast@razorthorn.com or head to www.razorthorn.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

  1. 11 DEC

    The Cost of Being A CISO Part 1: Personal, Professional & Organisational Challenges

    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

    59 min

  2. 27 NOV

    Humans vs AI: Building a Security Culture That Actually Works with Noora Ahmed-Moshe

    As AI reshapes cybersecurity threats, understanding how scams are evolving has never been more critical. Welcome to Razorwire. I'm Jim, and today I'm talking with Noora Ahmed-Moshe, VP of Strategy and Operations at Hoxhunt. We'll explore how AI is transforming cybersecurity threats and what that means for protecting ourselves and our organisations. We discuss how traditional scams have changed with AI technology and look at why phishing remains a persistent problem, along with practical ways to make security training more effective. Noora explains her approach to combining smart technology with human awareness and why building a supportive security culture works better than focusing on mistakes. Join us to gain insights into today's cyber threats and take away actionable tips for how organisations can better prepare their teams. 3 Key Talking Points: AI-Enhanced Phishing Techniques: Discover how AI, including tools like ChatGPT, has drastically increased the volume and sophistication of phishing emails, making them harder to detect and more culturally nuanced.Positive Reinforcement in Training: Learn why a supportive, non-punitive approach to security awareness training—using gamification and rewards—can lead to better internalisation of security practices among employees.Deepfake Challenges: Understand the emerging threats posed by deepfake technology, particularly in a remote work environment, and how organisations can adapt their security measures to validate identities effectively. Tune in to this vital discussion to stay ahead of cyber threats and foster a culture of security within your organisation. Motivating Through Gamification:  "It is about motivating people and how you do that. And that's why at Hoxhunt, when we do our training, for example, in terms of social engineering attacks, we reward people anytime they report something. Then they're on a leaderboard, and it's all gamified. So it gives people this real sense of engagement, and that makes it positive." Noora Ahmed-Moshe Listen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listen In this episode, we covered the following topics:Power up your security training: Learn how to structure effective security training programmes that actually prevent data breaches, based on real-world examples of what works and what doesn't.Master the scammer’s playbook: Understand why "too good to be true" scams continue to succeed by exploring their evolution from the Love Bug virus to modern day frauds, helping you spot timeless patterns in social engineering.Outsmart AI-powered threats: Discover how AI is transforming phishing attempts with sophisticated language and cultural awareness and learn what makes these new attacks so challenging for staff to detect.Stay ahead of QR code attacks: Get ahead of emerging threats by understanding how criminals are exploiting QR codes in innovative ways and learn how to spot these often-overlooked security risks.Unlock human security potential: Understand why human behaviour is at the heart of most security breaches and learn practical ways to address these vulnerabilities in your organisation.Build a confident security culture: Discover why leading organisations are moving away from fear-based security cultures and learn how to create an environment where staff feel confident reporting potential...

    49 min

  3. 13 NOV

    Mental Health, Organisational Culture & The Human Side of Cybersecurity

    Are layoffs increasing your cybersecurity risk and driving your team to burnout? This episode looks into the psychological underpinnings of infosec to navigate turbulent times at work. Welcome to Razorwire, the podcast that cuts through the complexities of information security with sharp insights and expert discussions. In this episode, I’m joined by Lisa Ventura (MBE), founder of Cybersecurity Unity, and Bec McKeown, a psychologist specialising in high-risk environments. Together, we explore the hidden psychological factors that shape cybersecurity practices and discuss essential strategies to safeguard your organisation. Join us as we discuss the impact of economic layoffs on cybersecurity, the efficacy and ethical concerns surrounding psychological profiling, and the sophisticated tactics employed by malicious actors in today's digital arena. Lisa, Bec, and I also unpack the importance of organisational culture in mitigating human error, the role of mental health in cybersecurity, and how to implement targeted security measures without overwhelming your team. This episode is a must-listen for professionals seeking to understand the human dynamics behind infosec challenges and cultivate a supportive, resilient security culture. 3 Key Takeaways: Protect Your Organisation Without Crossing Privacy Lines. Want to strengthen your security approach without relying on controversial psychological profiling? Discover practical, ethical alternatives as Bec McKeown walks you through smarter ways to assess and mitigate insider risks whilst preserving employee trust and privacy.Prevent Data Theft During Company Transitions. Is your organisation facing changes? Learn how to protect your critical assets during turbulent times. Lisa Ventura reveals proven strategies to identify and secure your most valuable data, particularly when your company is experiencing workforce changes or economic pressure.Build a Stronger, More Resilient Security Team. Ready to boost both your security effectiveness AND team morale? Get hands-on techniques from Bec McKeown to create an environment where your security professionals thrive. Walk away with practical steps to reduce burnout, increase psychological safety and build a high-performing team that stays sharp and engaged. Tune in to Razorwire for actionable advice and expert perspectives to fortify your cybersecurity strategy amid challenging times. On Psychological Safety & Blame Culture: "If people are constantly told off for not doing things in the right way, whether that's cybersecurity training or otherwise, they're never gonna fess up to it... if you haven't got that psychological safety within the culture, then these things are probably more likely to happen because it's not in the person's best interest to hold their hand up." Bec McKeown  Listen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listen In this episode, we covered the following topics:Understanding Layoff Security Risks: Explore why workforce changes increase data theft risks and why organisations need heightened awareness during these transitions. Beyond Psychological Profiling: Learn more effective and ethical ways to assess security risks without compromising employee privacy - practical alternatives you can implement today. High-Value Target Protection: Understanding why certain roles face increased targeting and need additional security...

    41 min

  4. 30 OCT

    Insider Threats & Third Party Risk: How to Manage Security Threats

    Every vendor you trust and every employee you hire could be your next security crisis—explore the realities of third party risk and insider threats on this episode of Razorwire! Join us for a discussion on the multifaceted challenges of third party risk and how they can destabilise your organisation. From the growing complexities of cloud providers like AWS and Azure to detecting and dealing with insider threats, our conversation covers it all.  My esteemed guests, Razorwire favourites Iain Pye and Chris Dawson, share their perspectives on the right to audit third parties and how shifts in business models and changing workplace culture impact our security postures.  We also break down a case study involving indemnity and insurance settlements following a breach incident, providing you with practical takeaways for enhancing your own security protocols. Key takeaways: Strengthen Your Third Party Risk Management Implement contractual audit rights early in vendor relationshipsDevelop resilience plans for vendor service failuresUnderstand the risks of supply chain dependencies (third parties of third parties)Plan for scenarios where key service providers might fail or be compromised Understand and Mitigate Insider Threats Identify different types of insider threats (accidental, disgruntled employees, corporate espionage)Monitor for behavioural changes and suspicious activity patternsImplement ongoing background checks and security clearance reviewsBalance monitoring with employee privacy and company culture considerations Address Modern Security Challenges Evaluate the cost-benefit trade-offs between in-house and outsourced servicesImplement monitoring solutions that correlate data from multiple sourcesDevelop security strategies that account for both human and technical factorsCreate comprehensive risk assessments that include both internal and external threats Join us on Razorwire as we untangle the complexities of third party risk and insider threats, providing you with actionable insights to fortify your organisation's cyber defences. On the inevitability and scale of third-party breaches:  "It's inevitable. You're gonna have a third party breach. There's about, what, 10 a day... You could do all the due diligence in the world and all the security checks about this. You could have a very robust vendor risk management, whatever you wanna call it. At the end of the day, it's gonna take one little, maybe insider threat on the third party side, and that will cause a breach."  Iain Pye Listen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listen In this episode, we discuss:● Implementing Third Party Audit Rights: Secure your organisation by establishing robust audit rights in vendor contracts before engagement begins. ● Evaluating Cloud Provider Stability: Assess and mitigate risks when selecting cloud providers by verifying their financial stability and data migration capabilities. ● Preventing Insider Security Breaches: Distinguish and protect against both intentional and accidental internal security threats through targeted controls. ● Building a Strong Security Culture: Foster an environment where employees actively report and respond to security warnings rather than normalising them. ● Managing Employee-Related Risks: Develop strategies to...

    45 min

  5. 16 OCT

    How to Optimise Your GRC Tools

    How to Optimise Your GRC Tools Improving Value, Efficiency & True Risk Management Are your GRC tools really managing risk, or just creating noise? Welcome to the latest episode of Razorwire, where we cut through the complexities of the cybersecurity world to deliver actionable insights.  I'm your host, Jim, and in this episode, we're discussing the multifaceted challenges and opportunities surrounding Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) tools with none other than Jack Jones, creator of the FAIR risk model and a seasoned security professional with nearly 40 years’ experience. In our conversation, Jack and I explore the intricate landscape of GRC tools, questioning their effectiveness in truly managing risk. We talk about the difference between controlling efficiencies and understanding genuine risks, shedding light on the often misleading contents of risk registers.  In this episode, you'll learn invaluable insights that could transform how you approach risk management and compliance. From navigating price range vs efficiency, to the idea of developing a more effective and affordable GRC solution, this episode offers a treasure trove of useful takeaways for anyone in the cybersecurity field.  Key takeawaysThe Real Cost of GRC Tools: Jack and I discuss the hidden expenses and renewal price hikes associated with existing GRC tools. If you're feeling the financial strain of your current GRC solutions, this segment is a must-listen to understand the true cost and value proposition of these tools.Redefining Risk Management: We talk about the importance of differentiating between real risks and mere efficiencies and how many organisations can get this wrong. Learn how to avoid the ‘noise’ in your risk register to focus on genuine risk scenarios that matter to your business.The Path to Better GRC Solutions: Tune in to hear our thoughts on the pressing need for innovation in GRC tool design. If you're looking for practical, cost effective solutions tailored to meet your risk management needs, you'll want to hear our insights and future plans. Don't miss this conversation that could reshape your perspective on GRC tools and risk management. "If I thought the [GRC tool] technology is actually provided anywhere near the value of their potential… if the GRC products and their implementations were actually doing the job they're intended to do, they should cost a lot of money because they would be providing a ton of value." - Jack Jones Listen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listen In this episode, we covered the following topics:Cybersecurity Responsibilities Debate: We debate whether cybersecurity should fall under IT or infosec departments.Penetration Testing Management: How penetration testing could be subject to a conflict of interest depending on which department manages it.GRC Tool Costs: Maximising GRC Tool ROI: Gain insights on how to assess and optimise your GRC tool's value proposition through regular utilisation and cost reviews.Identifying GRC Tool Shortcomings: Understand the common pitfalls of popular GRC tools in addressing real world risks, enabling better tool selection and implementation.Proper Risk Register Management: Learn to distinguish between genuine risks and audit deficiencies for more accurate and useful risk registers.Third-Party Risk Management: Learn strategies for effectively managing the challenges posed by third party risks in modern business environments.Effective Risk Communication: Master...

    44 min

  6. 2 OCT

    Navigating Mental Health, Narcissism & Burnout in Cybersecurity with Lisa Ventura MBE

    Welcome to Razorwire, the podcast where I, James Rees, cover the cybersecurity topics that matter with expert guests from across the industry. We aim to help cybersecurity professionals enhance their skills, improve their work performance, and boost their overall quality of life in this demanding field. The illustrious Lisa Ventura, MBE, award winning cyber security specialist and the founder of Cyber Security Unity, joins me in this episode. We talk about the pressing issues that cybersecurity professionals face on a daily basis, from mental health struggles to dealing with industry narcissists. Lisa shares her insights on current industry developments and uses her personal experiences to offer practical advice and knowledge for cybersecurity professionals at all career stages. Join us as we talk about: 1. Burnout and Mental Health in Cybersecurity: We talk about the root causes of burnout and mental health issues among cybersecurity professionals, and share practical strategies to protect your wellbeing in a high stress environment. 2. Navigating Industry Narcissism: Gain insights on how to identify and handle narcissistic behaviours in the workplace, and work towards a healthier and more supportive professional atmosphere. 3. Cyber Skills Gap and Industry Trends: Lisa's shares her thoughts on the role of AI and VC money, and the ongoing challenge of closing the cyber skills gap, especially in smaller organisations. Tune in to Razorwire and empower yourself with the knowledge and resilience essential for thriving in the cybersecurity arena. Lisa on handling narcissists in the workplace:  "If it gets too much, I have only one bit of advice. And it's not a good bit of advice to say, and that is to find something new as soon as you possibly can and leave because those individuals will never change." Lisa Ventura, MBE Listen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listen In this episode, we covered the following topics:Burnout and Mental Health: Discover strategies for managing burnout and maintaining mental health in cybersecurity.Cyber Skills Gap: Learn about the factors contributing to the cyber skills gap and how this can be addressed.Responsibility and Fear: Understand the psychological impact of responsibility and blame in security roles.Budget Reductions and Layoffs: Find out how budget cuts and layoffs are affecting the industry post-pandemic.Handling Narcissistic Individuals: Get practical advice on dealing with narcissistic individuals in the workplace.Infosec Industry Trends: Explore current and future trends in information security, including AI misuse.Legislation and C-Suite Attention: Learn how new legislation is increasing executive-level focus on cybersecurity.Experiences in Infosec: Hear firsthand accounts of dealing with negative behaviours in the industry.Targeting and Narcissism Among Women: Uncover insights on targeting and hypocrisy, even among diversity advocates.Challenges for Young Professionals: Find out how mentorship can help newcomers overcome challenges and impostor syndrome. Resources MentionedCyber Sentinels...

    41 min

  7. 18 SEPT

    ChatGPT vs Cyber Threats: The REAL Role of AI in Cybersecurity

    Unlock the truth about using Large Language Models (LLMs) in cybersecurity - are they the next big thing or just another trend? In this episode of Razorwire, your host, James Rees, brings together cybersecurity expert Richard Cassidy and data scientist Josh Neil to talk about the use of AI and large language models (LLMs) in cybersecurity and their role in threat detection and security. Join us for a discussion on the capabilities and limitations of these technologies, sparked by a controversial LinkedIn post.  We bring you expert insights into AI in security applications and a frank discussion on always being open to learning and correcting misconceptions. Hear about real world examples and practical advice on how to integrate AI tools effectively without falling into common traps. This episode delivers a balanced, in depth look at an often misunderstood but crucial topic in modern cybersecurity. 3 Key Takeaways: Anomaly Detection Challenges: We break down why traditional time series models are still king when it comes to anomaly detection, highlighting the limitations of LLMs. Learn why these models are better suited for identifying real threats without drowning in false positives. Role of Critical Thinking in Cybersecurity: Richard Cassidy emphasises the irreplaceable value of human expertise in threat detection. Discover why relying too heavily on AI could stifle critical thinking and skill development, especially for junior analysts, potentially weakening your security team in the long run. Practical Applications and Misconceptions: Hear a candid conversation about the real strengths and weaknesses of LLMs in cybersecurity. Both guests share practical advice on how LLMs can augment, but not replace, human-driven methods to ensure stronger, more reliable security measures. Tune in to Razorwire for an episode that cuts through the hype and delivers actionable insights for cybersecurity professionals navigating the evolving landscape of AI in security. The Downside of AI in the Workplace:  "My concern with AI assistants or co-pilots with quick and easy answers, the junior analysts aren't learning the critical thinking required to become senior analysts, and therefore we're losing our bench. And we're going to end up with unskilled senior analysts that don't know when the LLM doesn't know what to do. Neither does the human." Josh Neil Listen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listen In this episode, we covered the following topics:●      Anomaly Detection Challenges: Find out how experts approach the complex task of identifying unusual patterns in cybersecurity data. ●      LLMs vs. Traditional Methods: We explore different approaches to anomaly detection, comparing cutting-edge AI with established statistical techniques. ●      Organisational Understanding: Listen to insights on the importance of deep knowledge about critical systems for effective threat detection. ●      Surgical vs. Brute Force Approaches: Discover the debate surrounding different methodologies in cybersecurity, and the role of human expertise. ●      Training and Critical Thinking: We examine how the increasing use of AI tools might impact skill development in the cybersecurity workforce. ●      Evolution of Threat Detection:...

    57 min

  8. 4 SEPT

    DORA & NIS2: The Cybersecurity Regulation Revolution

    Are you ready for DORA and NIS2? Discover how these regulations could transform your security strategy! Welcome back to another episode of Razorwire! Today we unpack the DORA and NIS2 regulations with esteemed cybersecurity expert Richard Cassidy. I’m your host, Jim Rees, and I’ll be guiding the conversation for anyone navigating the evolving landscape of digital security in the financial sector. In this information-packed episode: Discover why organisations are dangerously behind in DORA and NIS2 preparationLearn how these EU regulations could impact global operations, including US companiesExplore the potential for hefty fines and personal liability for executivesUnderstand the critical role of third party providers in complianceGet practical advice on assessing your organisation's readinessUncover the challenges of implementing cross border information sharingGain insights on budget planning and vendor alignment for compliance Whether you're a CISO, IT professional or business leader, this episode offers crucial information to help you stay ahead of regulatory changes. Don't miss Richard's expert analysis and insider tips on preparing effectively for compliance. This episode is packed with invaluable insights you won't want to miss. " Don't be looking at this, head in your hands and worry that you haven't got the stack. You most likely do have the capabilities. Now you've just got to understand how you go about aligning to DORA."  Richard Cassidy Listen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listen In this episode, we covered the following topics:Regulatory Gap Analysis: Why organisations should start by analysing gaps between current performance and DORA and NIS2 regulations.Vendor Involvement: Why it’s essential to involve vendors and ensure they align with new regulations.Global Impact: Learn how DORA and NIS2 will impact organisations worldwide, especially those within the EU financial industry.Budget Implications: Advice on beginning regulatory analysis before budget renewal, for better allocation of resources.Contract Renegotiation: How to navigate the lengthy process and challenges of renegotiating contracts for compliance with new regulations.Third Party Security: Why we need to include audit rights and fine clauses in contracts with third party service providers.C-suite Accountability: Learn about the personal responsibility of the c-suite under DORA, including potential legal consequences.CISO Role Evolution: Find out how the CISO role is likely to gain more prominence and may replace the CIO in the future.Information Sharing Challenges: We discuss the difficulties organisations might face in sharing cybersecurity information.Implementation Recommendations: How to implement a simplified approach to aligning with DORA by assessing maturity and targeting domain-level improvements. Resources MentionedDORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act)NIS2 (Network and Information Systems 2)a href="https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/prudential-regulation"...

    51 min
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About

Welcome to the Razorwire podcast where we share information, best practices and up to date news in cyber security and infosec. Our mission is to help you become a better cyber security professional and support our vision of creating an agile community of cyber professionals who are stronger than ever before. This show is first and foremost about sharing knowledge and benefiting from collaboration. We bring you the advice and wisdom of both your host, James Rees, and his guests to build on the strength and depth of your own knowledge and experience. Your host James Rees is an information security veteran with over 25 years of industry experience and is the founder of Razorthorn Security, delivering expert security consultancy and testing services on a day to day basis to some of the largest and most influential organisations in the world, including many in the Fortune 500. The Razorwire podcast is for cyber security professionals looking for new ideas and the drive to improve their response to cyber security events. Through collaboration, we can strengthen our defences. For more information about us or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss on the podcast email podcast@razorthorn.com or head to www.razorthorn.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Information

  • Creator
    Razorthorn Security
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2024
  • Episodes
    62
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 Razorthorn Security
  • Show Website
    Razorwire Cyber Security

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