David Allan and Andrew Sheldon, Cyber Security Roundtable
Date: 05 Jan 2021
Undoubtedly, 2020 will always be remembered as a uniquely disruptive year — but not just for a global pandemic. As online life, both at home and at work, was digitally transformed, cybersecurity events exploded – with a 65% increase in cybercrime reported by the ONS (Office of National Statistics) since April.
As a result of this need for heightened awareness, and the ongoing use of online tools, Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership (MKBLP) invited two cybersecurity experts to its inaugural panel event last week.
Complementing MKBLP’s speak events, the panels provide members with an opportunity to hear the expertise from other members and associates, while sharing knowledge and best practice across a range of topics.
On the topic of cybersecurity, David Allan, Chief Technology Officer of CYSIAM Limited, and Andrew Sheldon, Director of Innovation, CCL Solutions Group led the discussion, highlighting their different disciplines, and addressing what members can do to safeguard their systems and adapt their behaviours - and also what to do should they be affected.
In Andrew’s specialism of digital forensics, which applies an investigatory role in the aftermath of a cyber incident, he provided real examples of where his expertise created solutions within hours of a company’s attack.
“We use digital forensics to preserve as much data as possible, enabling the company to recover from an attack.”
Stressing that companies are facing increasingly sophisticated levels of attacks, Andrew also discussed the need for companies to have a greater risk awareness during the process of a merger or acquisition as they will be exposed to a heightened risk for security breaches. Particularly if the acquired companies have less stringent cyber security measures in place, making them an ideal gateway for hackers.
With over 20 years of military and government experience in technical security, David is a world-leading security expert with a deep technical background focused on Cyber Resilience at a national level. Focusing on the prevention and detection of attacks, David discussed the need for companies to design secure systems, and have due diligence across all business areas.
“Companies need the right level of education, so they know how to recognise a cyber-attack.”
Through penetration testing, threat intelligence, incident response and technical training David helps companies increasing their resilience to cyber-attacks and data breaches – enabling them to confidently prosper in the digital age.
The next MKBLP panel event, which will have a topic of mental health, will take place on Tuesday 2nd February.