After 25 years in banking and cyber security services, I have learned one fundamental truth: cyber security is not just about technology – it’s about people, trust, and the responsibility we bear to protect what matters most.
Throughout my career, I have defended organisations of all sizes, from enterprises with expansive security budgets to smaller teams stretching every pound to safeguard their assets. I understand the weight that CISOs carry, and the challenges faced by IT teams who manage security alongside countless other priorities. That pressure to defend an entire business never lightens – it only evolves.
From customer to champion
At Places for People, the UK’s leading social enterprise, we built robust defences thanks to a board that truly grasped the value of proactive security. Our partnership with Quorum Cyber was instrumental in that success. Day and night, throughout the year, their team stood watch over our organisation. They were always available, always planning, always strengthening their capabilities.
What impressed me most wasn’t just their technical excellence – it was their vision. As I watched them attract top talent and develop innovative services, I saw an opportunity to amplify my impact. This year, I made the decision to cross over from customer to CISO, joining the team that had protected us so well.
Making a broader difference
My move to Quorum Cyber was driven by a simple conviction: I could help protect more organisations by strengthening the team that defends them all. Here, I’m not just elevating one company’s security posture – I’m helping to safeguard hundreds of public, private, and not-for-profit organisations across the UK, regardless of where they are in their cyber security journey, their budget constraints, or their IT complexity.
At Quorum Cyber, we mean it when we say we are determined to fight bullies and help good people win.
The reality of today’s threat landscape
No organisation deserves to be a victim of cybercrime. Yet financially motivated criminals continue their relentless attacks, seeking easy profits from any vulnerability they can exploit. The good news? There’s always more we can do – from establishing security fundamentals and fostering a culture of awareness, to preparing for what I believe will be a surge in AI-powered attacks throughout 2026.
The threats are evolving, but so are we.
A stronger defence for the future
Quorum Cyber has transformed significantly over the past year. Following two strategic acquisitions in 2024, we have built a comprehensive, threat-led cyber security operation delivering end-to-end protection – from phishing simulation and managed services to incident response and ransom negotiation. In the six months since I joined, we have accelerated that momentum, positioning ourselves as one of the UK’s most capable defenders.
Having held senior leadership roles at IBM, Lloyds Banking Group, and Royal Bank of Scotland, I know what world-class cyber security requires. It demands technical expertise, certainly, but also deep operational experience, strategic vision, and an unwavering commitment to our clients’ success.
The mission continues
Nearly a decade after CEO Federico Charosky founded Quorum Cyber, our 400-strong team remains as committed as ever to defending UK businesses, councils, and charities. The difference now? We’re exponentially better equipped to fulfil that promise.
If you are navigating the complexities of cyber security – whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to strengthen existing defences – I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can help. The responsibility of protection is one I have shouldered throughout my career, and it’s a responsibility I am proud to share with the exceptional team at Quorum Cyber.
If you would like to discuss any of these points, please feel free to contact me directly via my LinkedIn page.
Contact us if you’re interested in finding out more about our services and how we can help you.
