CyberVersed episode 34 is the final podcast of 2024, and fittingly, Mandy Haeburn-Little caught up with Nik Adams, Assistant Commissioner, City of London Police and Chair of the NCRCG National Ambassador Steering Group. Their conversation highlights the progress made during 2024 and, more importantly, outlines the opportunities and goals for NCRCG and the CRC network for 2025.
Nik and Mandy reflect on the range of National Ambassadors and why it’s essential to explore and understand the vulnerabilities sector-by-sector and work in partnership with the National Ambassadors in their respective sectors to encourage and support their supply chains to become more cyber resilient. Nik also touches on the fact that it’s not only about having the proper companies in each sector but also about tapping into the expertise and experience of the right people within their organisations.
During the engaging conversation, they also discuss the invaluable work being done in the nine regional centres and the commitment and passion shown by their teams to support SMEs in their communities. Nik highlights their vital role in collaborating with the National Ambassadors to deliver consistent messaging and guidance to their SME suppliers locally.
The two also discuss the critical part that the Cyber PATH programme plays for cyber students whereby they deliver assistance to SMEs and, at the same time, gain valuable real work experience that is encouraging more young people into cyber and developing a talent pipeline for policing and law enforcement. They also note how Cyber PATH is addressing diversity and identifying how the programme is attracting a range of people, particularly those who are neurodivergent.
Throughout the podcast, Mandy and Nik refer to the National Ambassadors and express gratitude for their support, the current National Ambassador portfolio includes:
AVIVA, CGI, Chainalysis, CompTIA, HP, ISC2, Logistics UK, Mastercard, Microsoft, Nationwide, NatWest Group, Resilience, SANS, SAS, Sir Robert McAlpine, The Very Group, and Trustify.
Finally, we wish all of our listeners a Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.