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Decrypt is a regular publication by Vertical Structure. In this series, we decrypt and distil cyber security news, events, insights and updates from Vertical Structure into a short (but perfectly formed) educational digest.

How I Rob Banks with FC (aka Freaky Clown)

In this episode, we were privileged to have been joined by the truly fascinating, FC aka Freakyclown Also known as Freaky Clown, FC is an author, keynote speaker, the Co-Founder of Cygenta and former Head of Offensive Cyber Research at Raytheon. We chatted to FC about his journey into cyber, his social engineering prowess and how he robs banks (legally!).

If you're new to the podcast, check out all of our episodes on our YouTube channel.

CyberUK | The Most Anticipated Security Conference Returns

CyberUK is undoubtedly the most prestigious and anticipated Cyber Security conference. Following on from a succesful event in Belfast during 2023, the event returned in May, hosted at the ICC in Birmingham. Our CEO Simon was fortunate to have been invited along. We asked him him to share his experience of the event:

The #CyberUK24 event itself was held in the ICC in Birmingham which was brilliantly decked out and lovely to see some of the usual names but also some up and coming names in this fascinating industry.

First up was the plenary session during which we were able to hear from Director General of GCHQ Anne Keast-Butler and CEO of NCSC Felicity Oswald, both of whom shared some fantastic insights into what they are seeing in their positions defending the UK.

Some of the quotes from the plenary speeches that I felt were incredibly relevant to the work that we're all doing:

• Ransomware continues to be the most acute and pervasive cyber threat for UK businesses and organisations
• Cyber must be a CEO and a boardroom priority
• It reminds us that all businesses must look at cyber security as an integral part of their organisational risk management

They also reflected on how Cyber continues to be a collaborative effort between business and government and how real life impacts on people and businesses are happening and need to be prevented. Overall the conversations were clear and open and honest, a great thing to see from the UK Government.

Some reflections

It was awesome to catch up with teams from some of the biggest companies around to let them know about our progress and plan how we can work together more in the future. CyberUK?gives companies like ourselves the chance to make people aware and ensure that the Northern Ireland Cyber Security scene continues to be held in the highest esteem.

Becoming an NCSC Assured Service Provider for CHECK

CHECK is described by the NCSC as "the scheme under which NCSC approved companies can conduct authorised penetration tests of public sector and CNI systems and networks".

Vertical Structure is delighted to announce that it now joins the coveted ranks of the 46 other Assured Service Providers across the UK and one of only two who are based in Northern Ireland.

Becoming a CHECK pen testing organisation has been a long running ambition for our team. And, given the incredibly small pool of providers, it demonstrates the bar in which must be met before an organisation can be approved to deliver penetration testing under the scheme.

For us, timing is everything, and with a growing team with the relevant experience, qualifications, and our track record of delivering pen testing services globally at every level, CHECK was finally within reaching distance.

Our team worked relentlessly for many months on the application, ensuring that we meet the NCSCs guidance and methodology to deliver testing services at the highest of levels. It was therefore a huge reward when we were notified of our successful application.

Well done to our team, who are very much looking forward to delivering their very first projects under the CHECK scheme.

Vertical Structure takes on the Belfast Marathon

Just over a month ago, the Vertical Structure team took to the streets of Belfast to tackle the 2024 Belfast Marathon!

Running in two teams (and not competing whatsoever!), the team unlocked their inner athletes and completed the relay in stellar time. Some personal bests were set and overall, we had an absolute blast.

Such a great team to spend time away from office with!

Training starts now for next year, right?!

That's all for now, catch you next month!