Staying ahead of threats to our national and personal security has never been so complex. As new technologies such as artificial intelligence develop exponentially, everyone from nation states to disgruntled teenagers are finding ways to take advantage of our vulnerabilities. While the threat from global powers such as Russia and China grab the headlines, we explore why security is no longer about pure military might.

While the UK’s exit from the EU and the threat from global powers such as Russia and China grab the headlines, security is no longer about pure military might. The weapons of today are data, cultural influence and public perception. Recently we’ve seen cybercrime and espionage groups, such as the Russian ‘Fancy Bear’ group, becoming increasingly sophisticated in exploiting security, and they are often linked to government intelligence. At the same time, social media platforms have shown their power in galvanising large social movements, such as Black Lives Matter and Extinction Rebellion, even taking some of the blame for facilitating President Trump’s incitement of discord and giving rise to riots at the US Capitol.

We talk to Major General Jonathan Shaw, army veteran and the UK’s first Head of Cybersecurity. He separates threats from hype and explores the part cyber plays in geopolitics while describing a model of leadership that’s far more progressive than many imagine.