Episode 22

full
Published on:

7th Jun 2023

Navigating the Turbulent Waters of Cybersecurity: Nationalism, Economics And AI

Welcome to the Razorwire podcast. In this episode, I delve into the turbulent waters of cyber security with Razorwire favourite, Oliver Rochford. We'll be discussing a range of topics that are currently shaping the industry, including economic challenges, nationalism and the continuing impact of the pandemic.

We'll also be exploring the use of acronyms, consolidation and rationalisation in the vendor space, and the development and potential dangers of AI. But that's not all! We'll also be taking a closer look at the weaponisation of security, the need for active security and moving target defence, and the potential for mergers and acquisitions in the industry.

So sit back, relax and get ready for some valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the cyber security industry. 

"Planning a security project over two years is far too long. It's ludicrous, you've missed the moving target by the time you're finished. What you've done - it’s outdated."

Oliver Rochford

 

Listen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listen


In this episode, we covered:


  • The economic challenges in the information security space, including the waves of layoffs and the continuing impact of the pandemic on the industry


  • The overhype of cloud usage and companies spending their entire security budget on cloud and data costs


  • The impact of new legislation on security costs and the potential consequences of not securing to the required level


  • The dangers of AI and the lack of global consensus on its development


  • The impact of nationalism on cyber security and the use of technology from certain countries


  • The potential weaponisation of security and the impact on cyber insurance


  • The economic challenges in the information security industry


  • The evolution of pen testing, combining automation and the need for continuous assurance



  • The need for better standards in the industry to enable easier mixing and matching of technologies


  • How the future of cyber operations would look if we have to go into a low power mode




GUEST BIOS


Oliver Rochford

Oliver has worked in cyber security as a penetration tester, consultant, researcher, and industry analyst for over 20 years. He has been interviewed, cited, and quoted by the media, think tanks, and academia. He has written for Securityweek, CSO Online, and Dark Reading. While working at Gartner, he co-named the Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) market, worked on the SIEM Magic Quadrant, and also covered the European MSSP market. Prior to joining Securonix, Oliver worked for Qualys, Verizon, Gartner,  Tenable, and Securonix. Oliver is the Chief Furitist at Tenzir, where he works on product strategy and marketing. 

 



Resources Mentioned


Tenzir

NSA Snowdon Files

Chat GPT

Tiktok

Razors Edge - Continuous Pen Testing

Vulcan Papers

Ray Kurzweil - Singularity Is Near (book)


Other episodes you'll enjoy


A Snapshot in Time: Why Penetration Testing Is Critical for Cyber Security

https://www.razorthorn.com/a-snapshot-in-time-why-penetration-testing-is-critical-for-cyber-security-razorwire-podcast/


The Cyber Security Skills Shortage

https://www.razorthorn.com/the-cyber-security-skills-shortage/


Connect with your host James Rees


Hello, I am James Rees, the host of the Razorwire podcast. This podcast brings you insights from leading cyber security professionals who dedicate their careers to making a hacker’s life that much more difficult.


Our guests bring you experience and expertise from a range of disciplines and from different career stages. We give you various viewpoints for improving your cyber security – from seasoned professionals with years of experience, triumphs and lessons learned under their belt, to those in relatively early stages of their careers offering fresh eyes and new insights.

With new episodes every other Wednesday, Razorwire is a podcast for cyber security enthusiasts and professionals providing insights, news and fresh ideas on protecting your organisation from hackers.

For more information about us or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss email podcast@razorthorn.com.

If you need consultation, visit www.razorthorn.com, We give our clients a personalised, integrated approach to information security, driven by our belief in quality and discretion.


Linkedin: Razorthorn Security

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Website: www.razorthorn.com


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About the Podcast

Razorwire Cyber Security
Real conversations helping cybersecurity professionals sharpen their insights, strategy & leadership skills.
🔒 Cybersecurity is evolving — and so should you. Razorwire brings the open conversations that give you the edge.

Welcome to the Razorwire podcast — your resource for practical advice, expert insights, and real-world conversations on cybersecurity, information security (InfoSec), risk management, governance, security leadership, human factors, and industry trends.

Our mission is to help you build a stronger cybersecurity career while supporting a dynamic, agile community of professionals committed to continuous improvement.

Each episode brings you actionable advice and real experiences from your host, James Rees — an information security specialist with over 25 years of experience — and from a range of respected guests across the cybersecurity industry. Together, we explore everything from technical strategies and compliance challenges to security culture, communication skills, and leadership development.

James Rees is the founder of Razorthorn Security, providing expert consultancy and testing services to a wide range of organisations, including many Fortune 500 companies. His practical, no-nonsense approach helps organisations manage cyber risks effectively while strengthening resilience.

The Razorwire podcast is designed for cybersecurity professionals who want to stay ahead, sharpen their skills, and confidently respond to the challenges of today's evolving threat landscape. We believe collaboration is key to stronger security — and Razorwire gives you the conversations that help you achieve it.

For more information about us, or if you have questions you'd like discussed on the show, email podcast@razorthorn.com or visit www.razorthorn.com.