Ahead of the UKsec: Cyber Security Summit, we met with Theo Botha, CISO at Dr Martens, for a quick discussion on the state of cyber security in the UK today.
Read on below for the full interview!
Please introduce yourself and tell us a little about your background….
I have worked in technology for more than 20 years of which 15 years covered information security. I specialise in implementing Security Strategies which includes establishing new security services, partnerships and teams from the ground up to ensure organisation achieve their compliance and external regulatory requirements. Having experience in working with most Information Security Frameworks, I use these to drive security maturity and report results to Boards and External Auditors driving security change
What do you think are the biggest cyber security risks affecting the UK’s businesses today?
1) Number one is always Ransomware, however depending on the reports you read Business email compromise takes the top spot as well.
2) Fragmented Perimeter: The increase is remote and hybrid working means organisations are forced to think end user security first.
3) Cloud & Multi Cloud Strategies: Everyone is talking about being cloud first organisations, but we aren’t really cloud ready.
4) Supply chain cyber-attacks: Challenge with measuring third party supplier security and ensuring they maintain it under contract.
5) Political unrest: Cost of living and international unrest could make some brands more of a target.
What do the next 5 years hold for your industry?
In retail the focus will be how we manage the ease of the customer journey between the various channels (face-to-face v ECom) experience. Therefore, interconnection of channels and social media supporting the customer shopping experience. There is also a big focus on sustainability and therefore how we automate product and materials to support this.
Can you give me a taster of the main point you are going to make onstage?
The focus is how to implement a security mind-set change withing an organisation that never thought of cyber security before. Ensuring it becomes one of the prime risks with effective Board support.
What is your top advice for other cyber security professionals?
Do not be afraid to fail lean on your peers. You will have incidents, and therefore get your business to focus on delivering the right security processes to manage yourself out of an incident successfully.
What are you most interested in exploring and learning about this year, cyber security wise?
Securing and implementing a multi-cloud strategy.
Catch Theo at UKsec: Cyber Security Summit on 22nd – 23rd November as he participates in the panel discussion: ‘Driving Change Within an Organisation: What to Do When You Feel You’re Going Nowhere?’! Join us for her session and enjoy live Q&As throughout the summit by registering for FREE online with code: CYBER-VIP at uk.cyberseries.io/register/.
