Episode 20

full
Published on:

10th May 2023

Trust & Culture as Cornerstones of Cyber Security with Paul Dwyer

Welcome to Razorwire, where I have the pleasure of interviewing cyber security legend Paul Dwyer, president of the International Cyber Threat Task Force and CEO of Cyber Risk International. 

In this episode, we delve into a variety of topics within cyber security. Paul shares his extensive background and experience in the industry, highlighting the need for a cultural shift towards cyber security. 

We discuss the challenges of regulating and controlling the metaverse, as well as the devastating effects of cybercrime on individuals and organisations. Throughout the interview, Paul emphasises the importance of trust in organisations and people, as well as the significance of education and policy in combating cyber threats. 

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out in the industry, this episode provides valuable insights into the latest trends and developments in the world of cyber security.

We need to get back to the basics. We need to make sure all our people understand the risks around security and cyber security so they can have that cyber savviness, that security savviness, to know what's dangerous what's not dangerous.

Paul Dwyer

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

In this episode, we covered the following topics:


  • The importance of having a generalist vs specific skill set


  • The need for ethics and morality to be built into AI development as well as the importance of quality code in preventing cyber attacks


  • The vulnerabilities of IoT devices and the lack of security standards and regulations


  • The need for updated and practical cyber security education and training, and the lack of background checks for cyber security professionals


  • The importance of policy in shaping the culture of cyber security, and the need for faster dissemination of information to governments


  • The potential security threats that may arise in the metaverse and the lack of regulation and control over it


  • Exploration of the criminal ecosystem that supports cybercrime and the lack of accountability for social networking sites and other businesses that enable it


  • Concerns over the threat of disinformation and deep fakes, and the potential consequences of eroding trust in information sources


  • The control of information by companies like Facebook and the consequences of providing false information to people


  • Predictions for the future of cyber security and the need for real leadership and trust in organisations


  • The psychological impact of cybercrime on victims, especially in romance scams, and the importance of working together to defeat evil.



GUEST BIOS


Paul Dwyer

Paul C Dwyer stands among the world’s leading cybersecurity, risk, and compliance authorities. As CEO of Cyber Risk International, he excels in corporate and enterprise security, crafting cyber defence programs, and safeguarding business operations for clients. He also serves as the founder and President of the ICTTF International Cyber Threat Task Force, leading a community of over 30,000 professionals in their mission to combat cyber threats and promote industry diversity.


Boasting over 30 years of experience, Paul has worked extensively with military, law enforcement, and commercial sectors across the globe. His impressive credentials include certifications from the International Information Security Certification Consortium (ISC2) and the Information System Audit and Control Association (ISACA), as well as approvals from the National Crime Faculty and the HTCN High Tech Crime Network.


Throughout his illustrious career, Paul has taken on diverse roles, such as President of the ICTTF International Cyber Threat Task Force, Co-Chairman of the UK NCA National Crime Agency Industry Group, Advisor to NATO on Countering Hybrid Cyber Threats, and Interim Global CISO for multiple multinational organisations. Additionally, he has advised various governments and intelligence agencies.



Resources Mentioned


MS-DOS

Novel Network

Norton Utilities

McAfee

Conti Files

Dmitry Golubov “Script”

Vulcan Files

Tim Berners-Lee

EU regulations DORA and Digital Operational Resilience Act


Other episodes you'll enjoy


Ransomware Sanctions: Exploring the Fallout

https://www.razorthorn.com/ransomware-sanctions/


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.


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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.