In this episode of Future Secured, hosts Tom Finnigan and Jason Murrell are joined by Kylie Watson, Head of Security – APJ MEA (Asia Pacific, Japan, Middle East and Africa) DXC Technology's, to explore the human side of cyber security and incident response. With over 30 years of experience spanning military service and consulting, Kylie shares her unique perspective on managing high-pressure incidents, addressing biases in decision-making, and fortifying critical infrastructure in the face of cyber warfare. From the challenges faced by SMEs to the pressing need for diversity in cybersecurity, this episode offers actionable insights for navigating the ever-changing digital landscape.

Takeaways:
Kylie Watson’s journey: Military background and decades of cyber security expertise.
Human factors: Understanding biases and their impact on decision-making in cyber incidents.
Foundations of cyber security: Basic practices are still under-implemented across industries.
Critical threats: Cybercrime and warfare demand protection of critical infrastructure.
SME focus: Practical guidance for small and medium businesses to build resilience.
VUCA model: Leveraging frameworks for decision-making under pressure.
Diversity matters: Female representation enriches cyber security perspectives.
Awareness is key: Training and preparation are essential to prevent and respond effectively.

Sound Bites:
"Cyber is a war game."
"Human biases play a huge role in how we handle cyber incidents."
"Small businesses often underestimate the real impact of cyber threats."

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Cyber Security and Kylie's Journey
09:24 - High-Pressure Incident Response in Cyber Security
14:30 - Foundational Cybersecurity Practices
18:04 - The Fifth Frontier of War: Cybersecurity and National Security
23:32 - Human Biases in Cyber Incident Management
23:59 - Understanding Cybersecurity Threats for SMEs
24:56 - Decision-Making Under Pressure: The VUCA Model
30:25 - Increasing Female Representation in Cybersecurity
39:49 - Practical Cyber Security Tips for Small Businesses