Show Notes for S2E7 Interview with Nick Denning, CEO, Diegesis on Cybersecurity Threats

by | Jun 2, 2024 | Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Tech, Trends

Summary

Nick Denning, Diegesis CEO, joins Brian for a second conversation on the current and emerging challenges in cybersecurity that every leader needs to know to protect their organization and the public should be aware of. Season 1, Episode 6 was the first conversation for those who want a refresher.

In this conversation, Brian and Nick discuss the increasing publicity of ransomware attacks and data breaches, as well as the challenges businesses face in protecting themselves from the growing threat. They explore the impact of cyber attacks on insurance programs and the difficulty in obtaining insurance coverage for ransomware. They also discuss the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity, the potential risks and benefits of generative AI, and the need for explain-ability in AI decision-making. The conversation touches on the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures, such as the United Kingdom’s Cyber Essentials framework, and the advantages of moving business data to “the cloud” for enhanced security.

As a reminder, Nick is the CEO of Diegesis, a UK-based tech consultancy supporting organizations looking to develop, integrate or migrate legacy systems to the latest, cutting-edge frameworks. His team also delivers a cyber security management platform called Cyber Security Policy Monitor (CSPM) to help small and medium sized businesses set up appropriate and cost effective security policies.

A mathematics graduate, Nick started his career serving as an Officer in the British Army leaving the Royal Signals as a Captain after 8 years’ of service, spend three years at Logica, then the UK’s leading system house before starting his first company Strategic Thought Group, in 1987. STG floated on AIM in 2005 to develop their risk management product Active Risk Manager, used by Lockheed Martin to manage risk on the Lockheed Martin F35 development.

As a company director with his broad background of software development, consultancy, entrepreneurship and business leadership, Nick is well qualified to discuss all aspects of modern cybersecurity risks. He guides organizations large and small on digital transformation, the management of associated risk and how to delivery great business outcomes while placing security by design at the heart of all projects. He is a strong supporter of the UK government Cyber Essentials scheme, for which certification is available for organizations worldwide, promoting CE through sales of CSPM.

Takeaways

  • Ransomware attacks and data breaches are becoming more frequent, with household name companies being targeted on a weekly basis.
  • Insurance companies are facing significant losses due to ransomware claims, leading to difficulties in obtaining insurance coverage for ransomware.
  • Artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI have the potential to both enhance cybersecurity defenses and aid cybercriminals in launching more sophisticated attacks.
  • The Cyber Essentials framework provides a starting point for businesses to implement fundamental cybersecurity protections.
  • Moving data to the cloud can offer enhanced security and scalability, with cloud providers offering robust security frameworks and templates. Cloud computing offers cost savings, improved security, and access to advanced capabilities.
  • Cloud providers invest heavily in security and offer protection measures that are often superior to what individual organizations can achieve.
  • Encrypted messaging apps can create vulnerabilities and compromise security if not used properly.
  • There is a need for a strategic approach to cybersecurity, focusing on identifying and addressing the weakest links.
  • Professional skills and education are crucial in the cybersecurity field, and there is a need for a comprehensive framework and accountability.
Key Segments include:
  • The Increasing Frequency of Ransomware Attacks and Data Breaches
  • The Impact of Ransomware on Insurance Companies
  • The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity
  • Enhancing Security through Cloud Migration
  • The Benefits and Challenges of Cloud Computing
  • The Importance of Trust and Security in the Cloud
  • Vulnerabilities of Encrypted Messaging Apps
  • Addressing the Weakest Links in Cybersecurity
  • The Need for Professional Skills and Education in Cybersecurity

To learn more about Nick Denning, his company and his work:

  • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nickdenning
  • Twitter: @NickHDenning
  • Websites: http://www.diegesis.co.uk and https://policymonitor.co.uk/

This interview is just a conversation starter, I invite you to join in and share this episode with your personal and professional network. Listen to the interview, then give me your perspective. You can also find the latest show preview clips on my YouTube Channel. I encourage you to subscribe to the channel, share the clips and leave your comments.

Question for Brian? Email: info@brianjmatos.com or DM on X @BrianJMatos or find Brian on your favorite social media platform.

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