Renowned cybersecurity expert, Sarah Armstrong-Smith, has shared her insights on the importance of data privacy and her reflections on working on the Millenium Bug. As a highly sought-after speaker at corporate conferences and a prominent figure during Cyber Security Awareness Month, Armstrong-Smith’s expertise in the field cannot be understated.
Armstrong-Smith’s career in cybersecurity began over two decades ago when she was working for a water utility company involved in the Millennium Bug or Year 2000 program. During that time, many companies were undergoing significant transformation projects to recode their computers and servers. The fear was that at the stroke of midnight, these systems would fail due to the incorrect coding related to the year 2000.
Driven by her curiosity and eagerness to understand the potential consequences of such a failure, Armstrong-Smith delved into the world of business continuity. She realized the importance of constantly asking “what if” questions and thinking about worst-case scenarios. This mindset laid the foundation for her career in cybersecurity.
Reflecting on her experience with the Millennium Bug, Armstrong-Smith emphasized the significance of thinking about the big picture and considering incidents that could affect not only one company but also entire sectors and even the world. She pointed to the 9/11 terrorist attacks as an example of a major incident that showcased the importance of business continuity on a global scale.
In terms of the biggest cyber threat faced by UK businesses, Armstrong-Smith highlighted the opportunistic nature of cybercriminals, particularly during times of crisis. She mentioned the significant increase in phishing attacks, where cybercriminals exploit people’s fears and emotions to trick them into sharing sensitive information. Furthermore, she noted the rise of ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure, including healthcare services.
Armstrong-Smith emphasized the psychology behind such cyber threats and the need for a holistic response. It is no longer sufficient to focus solely on cybersecurity. Businesses must also consider business continuity and address questions about potential system access, service disruptions, and data breaches.
This exclusive interview with Armstrong-Smith was conducted by Mark Matthews. As a Senior Content Executive at Champions Speakers, Megan Lupton manages the company’s internal content and is passionate about writing and conducting interviews. She has previously interviewed notable figures such as Dr. Alex George and Sir Mo Farah.
In addition to her role at Champions Speakers, Lupton is pursuing a PhD at De Montfort University, exploring the ethics of digital forms such as podcasts and conducting research on the creative process. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Film & Creative Writing from the University of Essex and a Masters of Arts in Creative Writing from Teesside University.
Lupton’s enthusiasm for LGBTQ+ pride, female empowerment, digital media, and journalism align with her work at Champions Speakers and her research for her PhD. Her commitment to producing engaging content and conducting insightful interviews makes her a valuable asset to the company.
Sarah Armstrong-Smith’s expertise and insights into cybersecurity offer valuable lessons for businesses and individuals alike. In an increasingly digital world where cyber threats are a constant concern, her emphasis on business continuity and a holistic approach to security is essential for protecting sensitive data and ensuring the smooth operations of critical infrastructure.