On October 19th, 2025, four men dressed as construction workers stole €102 million in French crown jewels from the Louvre Museum in just seven minutes. The heist was poorly executed—thieves dropped items and failed to target the most valuable pieces—yet they succeeded spectacularly. Why? Because the world's most visited museum had been ignoring basic cybersecurity warnings for over a decade. In this hot take, Noel Bradford examines the shocking details that emerged after the heist: the password to the Louvre's video surveillance system was "LOUVRE." Security software was protected by "THALES" (the vendor's name). Windows 2000 and Server 2003 systems were still in operation years after support ended. And a 2015 security audit with 40 pages of recommendations won't be fully implemented until 2032. This episode examines the consequences of institutions ignoring expert warnings, the importance of accountability, and what UK small businesses can learn from a €102 million failure. Spoiler: if your security is better than the Louvre's, you're doing something right. Key Message: Security failures often begin long before the day of the breach. They start years earlier when warnings go unaddressed. Key Takeaways The Louvre's password was "LOUVRE." If one of the world's most prestigious institutions used the building's name as its surveillance system password, your organisation probably has similar problems. Ten years of warnings, zero action - ANSSI identified critical vulnerabilities in 2014. Security upgrades recommended in 2015 won't be completed until 2032. Ignoring expert advice is organisational negligence. Resources aren't the problem - The Louvre had budget, expertise, and free government audits. They chose to prioritise palace restoration (€60M) over security infrastructure. It's about priorities, not resources. Hardware authentication solves password problems - FIDO2 security keys can't be guessed, phished, or compromised through weak passwords. At £30-50 per key, they're cheaper than one day of operational disruption. The accountability gap enables negligence - Government institutions face no consequences for catastrophic security failures, while UK SMBs receive ICO fines and potential closure for less. This double standard undermines security culture. Your security might be better than that of the Louvre. If you've enabled MFA, run supported operating systems, and have basic password policies, you're already ahead of a museum protecting the Mona Lisa. That's encouraging and concerning. Security failures often begin years before a breach - The October 2025 heist was made possible by decisions (or non-decisions) that stretched back to 2014. Prevention requires consistent action, not crisis response. Case Studies Referenced The Louvre Heist (October 2025) Incident: €102 million in French crown jewels stolen in 7 minutes Root causes: Password "LOUVRE" for surveillance, outdated systems (Windows 2000/Server 2003), unmonitored access points Audit history: 2014 ANSSI audit identified vulnerabilities, 2015 audit provided 40-page recommendations Accountability: Director retained position, no terminations, Culture Minister initially denied security failure Timeline: Security upgrades recommended in 2015 won't complete until 2032 KNP Logistics (Referenced) Industry: East Yorkshire haulage firm Incident: Ransomware attack, £850,000 ransom demand Outcome: Couldn't pay, business entered administration, 70 jobs lost Contrast: Small business faces closure; national institution faces no consequences Electoral Commission (Referenced) Incident: Data breach affecting 40 million UK voters Outcome: No job losses, no significant consequences Relevance: Government accountability gap vs private sector enforcement Case Studies Referenced The Louvre Heist (October 2025) Incident: €102 million in French crown jewels stolen in 7 minutes Root causes: Password "LOUVRE" for surveillance, outdated systems (Windows 2000

In this episode Graham and Mauven break down a major overhaul to Cyber Essentials coming into force from April 2026. The hosts explain the headline change — mandatory multi-factor authentication (MFA) for every cloud service with no loopholes — and how the scheme has tightened scoping so any internet-connected service or system that processes company data is now in scope. Topics covered include the new emphasis on passwordless authentication (passkeys, FIDO2 hardware keys, and biometrics), why the NCSC is pushing these technologies, and the practical security benefits and limits of passwordless solutions. They also discuss the real-world impact on small businesses: thousands currently relying on weak passwords or shadow IT will face failed assessments, unsupported software will trigger instant fails, and many firms will need to budget for MFA where it’s not free. Graham and Mauven share concrete, actionable advice for listeners: inventory every cloud service (including forgotten Dropbox or personal Gmail accounts used for work), involve the whole team, enable MFA everywhere possible (and budget for paid options), collect and document evidence (screenshots, logs), map networks and implement segmentation where needed, and plan early to avoid rush and audit pain. Key takeaways: the bar is being raised to reduce simple attacks, passwordless is being validated as a practical option, expect a drop in pass rates at renewal time, and businesses should start preparing now or face chaotic assessment outcomes. Hosts: Graham Falkner and Mauven MacLeod.

What if I told you there’s a laboratory in Switzerland where scientists are building computers from living human neurons?   Sounds like science fiction, right? But it’s happening right now, and the energy crisis driving this research is about to affect every small business owner’s cloud computing bills.   In this episode, Noel, Graham, and Mauven explore FinalSpark’s revolutionary biocomputing platform. This Swiss company has created the Neuroplatform, a system using approximately 160,000 living human neurons to perform computational tasks. Their goal?   Solving the massive energy consumption problem created by artificial intelligence and modern data centres.   Your brain runs on 20 watts of power. Current AI data centres consume megawatts.   FinalSpark claims their biological processors could use a million times less energy than traditional computing. That’s not incremental improvement – that’s fundamental transformation.   But here’s the catch: this technology is still early, really early. So why should small business owners care about laboratory experiments with brain cells?   Because the energy costs driving this research are already affecting your Azure bills, your SaaS subscriptions, and your cloud hosting fees. And understanding where technology is heading helps you make better decisions about where to invest your limited resources.   What You’ll Learn Why energy consumption in computing matters to small businesses right now How FinalSpark’s biocomputing platform actually works (in terms that won’t require a neuroscience degree) The realistic timeline for when this technology might affect your business What small businesses should actually do about emerging technologies The security implications nobody’s talking about yet The uncomfortable ethical questions around growing human neurons for computation   Key Quotes   Noel Bradford:“Training a single large AI model produces the same carbon emissions as five cars create during their entire lifetime. And that statistic is from 2019. Modern models like GPT-4 produce 50 to 100 times more emissions than that.”   Graham Falkner:“So naturally they thought, you know what, let’s just use actual neurons instead. Because that’s a perfectly reasonable next step when your silicon experiments don’t work.”   Mauven MacLeod:“Bloody hell. Today’s topic just got properly mental.”   Noel Bradford on timeline:“In the next 12 months, nothing. Ignore biocomputing entirely. Focus on the security basics most businesses are probably still getting wrong.”   On security implications:“How do you secure a computer made from living cells? Do you need to understand neuroscience to exploit vulnerabilities in bioprocessors? If someone breaches a living computer system, is it a cyber attack or biological warfare?”   About FinalSpark Founded by: Dr. Martin Kutter and Dr. Fred Jordan Location: Vevey, Switzerland Previous company: Alpvision (anti-counterfeiting specialists) Current project: The Neuroplatform   Research credentials: Published peer-reviewed research that reached the top 1% of most-read articles in Frontiers journal Providing free access to 10 universities worldwide (36 applications received) Created APIs and documentation for remote access Built Discord community with 1,200+ members discussing biocomputing Participating universities: University of Michigan Free University of Berlin University of Exeter Lancaster University Leipzig University University of York Oxford Brookes University University of Bath University of Bristol Université Côte d’Azur (France) University of Tokyo Key Facts from the Episode   Energy consumption statistics: Data centres consumed 1.5% of global electricity as of 2024 Projected to reach 3% by 2030 AI is accelerating growth exponentially Meta, Google, and OpenAI are talking about building nuclear power stations   The biocomputing advantage: Human brain runs on 20 watts Modern AI data centres use megawatts (millions of watts) FinalSpark claims mill

This Halloween special of the Small Business Cyber Security Guy peels back the curtain on the scariest place hackers hide: the tools and toolchains you trust. Hosts Graeme Falkner, Noel Bradford and Mauven MacLeod go ghost hunting inside compilers, build systems and update pipelines to show how supply‑chain attacks can insert backdoors that you’ll never spot by reading source code alone. The episode revisits Ken Thompson’s classic compiler backdoor thought experiment and explains, in plain language, how a compromised compiler can propagate secrets invisibly. The hosts walk through real incidents — XcodeGhost, SolarWinds, EventStream, and Log4j — to demonstrate how attackers target development tools and upstream suppliers to compromise software at scale. Expect practical, small-business-focused anecdotes (including a midnight accounting patch that wreaked havoc) and clear explanations of why technical debt, single-developer codebases, and blind trust in update pop-ups are dangerous. The conversation highlights how even open-source software can be compromised if maintainers or dependencies are compromised. The episode also covers defences and takeaways: demand provenance and supply-chain transparency from vendors, insist on reproducible builds where possible, use two-person reviews and well-maintained dependencies, and protect access with strong authentication. The hosts debate how to distribute trust, verify your verifiers, and reduce single points of failure so one compromised supplier or contractor can’t haunt your whole business. There’s a sponsor segment from Authentrend about passwordless biometric sign-ins as a way to block credential-based intrusions, along with links to resources and a trial, in the show notes. Throughout, the hosts balance technical history and horror stories with concrete steps small businesses can take now to keep their compilers and supply chains clean. Listen for clear, actionable advice for small businesses, including how to ask vendors the right questions, when to bring in trusted IT partners, and simple measures to keep the lights on and the doors locked against the ghosts in your code. Sláinte — and may your backups never rise from the grave.

The £18,000 Saving That Cost £200,000 in Revenue Ever cut a cost that seemed obviously wasteful, only to discover you'd destroyed something far more valuable? Welcome to the Doorman Fallacy —it's probably happening in your business right now. In this episode, Noel Bradford introduces a concept from marketing expert Rory Sutherland's book "Alchemy" that explains precisely why "sensible" security cost-cutting so often leads to catastrophic consequences. Through five devastating real-world case studies, we explore how businesses optimise themselves into oblivion by defining roles too narrowly and measuring only what's easy to count. Spoiler alert: The doorman does far more than open doors. And your security measures do far more than their obvious functions. What You'll Learn The Core Concept What the Doorman Fallacy is and why it matters for cybersecurity The difference between nominal functions (what something obviously does) and actual functions (what it really does) Why efficiency optimisation without a complete understanding is just expensive destruction The five-question framework for avoiding Doorman Fallacy mistakes Five Catastrophic Case Studies 1. The Security Training Fallacy (Chapter 2) How cutting £12,000 in training led to a £70,000 Business Email Compromise attack Why training isn't about delivering information—it's about building culture The invisible value: shared language, verification frameworks, psychological safety What to measure instead of cost-per-employee-hour 2. The Cyber Insurance Fallacy (Chapter 3) The software company that saved £18,000 and lost £200,000 in client contracts Why insurance isn't just financial protection—it's a market signal Hidden benefits: third-party validation, incident response capability, customer confidence How cancelling coverage destroyed vendor relationships and sales opportunities 3. The Dave Automation Fallacy (Chapter 4) Insurance broker spent £100,000+ replacing a £50,000 IT person The £15,000 server upgrade that Dave would have known was unnecessary Institutional knowledge you can't document: vendor relationships, crisis judgment, organisational politics Why ticketing systems can't replace anthropological understanding 4. The MFA Friction Fallacy (Chapter 5) Fifteen seconds of "friction" versus three weeks of crisis response The retail client who removed MFA and suffered £65,000 in direct incident costs Why attackers specifically target businesses without MFA The reputational damage you can't quantify until it's too late 5. The Vendor Relationship Fallacy (Chapter 6) Solicitors saved £4,800 annually, lost a £150,000 client Why "identical services" aren't actually identical The difference between contractual obligations and genuine partnerships What happens when you need flexibility and you've burned your bridges Key Statistics & Case Studies 42% of business applications are unauthorised Shadow IT (relevant context) £47,000 BEC loss vs £12,000 annual training savings £200,000 lost revenue vs £18,000 insurance savings £100,000+ replacement costs vs £50,000 salary £65,000 incident costs vs marginal productivity gains £150,000 lost client vs £4,800 vendor savings Common pattern: Small measurable savings, catastrophic unmeasurable consequences. The Five-Question Framework Before cutting any security costs, ask yourself: What's the nominal function versus the actual function? What does it obviously do vs what does it really do? What invisible benefits will disappear? Be specific: not "provides value" but "provides priority incident response during emergencies" How would we replace those invisible benefits? If you can't answer this, you're making a Doorman Fallacy mistake What's the actual cost-benefit analysis, including invisible factors? Not just "save £8,000" but "save £8,000, lose security culture, increase incident risk" What's the cost of being wrong? In cybersecurity, the cost of being wrong almost always exceeds the cost of

Hosts Mauven MacLeod and Graham Falkner deliver a fiery rant about the recent AWS US East 1 DNS outage and what it reveals about our dependence on cloud services. In this episode, they unpack the outage's real-world impact — from Snapchat and Venmo outages to Philips Hue bulbs and automated litter boxes going dark — and share colourful personal anecdotes, including a navigation fail on a Loch Lomond walk and a high‑tech mattress that turns into an expensive paperweight when the cloud hiccups. The pair dig into the technical and cultural roots of the problem: DNS as an ageing single point of failure, the dangers of concentrating critical infrastructure in one region, cost‑cutting that sacrifices resilience, and the worrying effects of automation and staff churn. They discuss how small businesses, banks, gaming platforms, and everyday consumers all found themselves unable to process payments, take bookings, or even turn on a light due to a single regional fault. Mauven and Graham also examine the human side of outages — exhausted sysadmins, online threads that read like group therapy, and the blurred line between human operators and automated systems shipping production code. They mock the absurdity of smart devices that need the internet to perform basic functions, and contrast that with the resilience of simple, offline tech (their beloved vinyl collections make a cameo). Finally, the episode offers a clear call to action: rethink resilience. Topics covered include multi‑cloud and hybrid strategies, decentralisation, offline fallback modes or “stupid mode” for essential devices, and the need to prioritise technical debt and redundancy over short‑term savings. Expect sharp humour, practical frustrations, and a promise of tangible fixes and advice in the next episode — plus plenty of memes and sympathy for the folks keeping the lights on.

Vendors love throwing around "InfoSec," "CyberSec," and "IT Security" like they're selling completely different solutions. Half the time it's the same thing with three different price tags. The other half? You're buying protection that doesn't address your actual risks. With 50% of UK small businesses hit by cyber incidents in 2025 and 60% closing within six months of severe data loss, getting this wrong isn't just expensive—it's potentially fatal to your business. Noel Bradford (40+ years wrangling enterprise security at Intel, Disney, and BBC) and Mauven MacLeod (ex-Government Cyber analyst who's seen threats at the national security level) cut through the marketing rubbish to explain what each approach actually does, what they really cost, and which one your business needs right now. No vendor pitch. No corporate speak. Just the brutal truth about what works for UK SMBs. This Episode is Sponsored by Authentrend Special Listener Offer: £40 per FIDO2 security key (regular £45) - Valid until December 22nd, 2025 We only accept sponsorships from companies whose products we already recommend to clients. Authentrend's ATKey series provides FIDO Alliance Level 2 certified, phishing-resistant authentication at competitive pricing. Same cryptographic protection as premium brands, without the premium price tag. Why we're comfortable with this sponsorship: We've been specifying Authentrend keys for UK SMB clients for months because the math works. FIDO2 hardware security keys stop the credential phishing attacks that cause 85% of cyber incidents. At £40-45 per key (two per employee for backup), you're looking at £80-90 per person for protection that actually works. Learn more: authentrend.com What You'll Learn Understanding the Differences What Information Security actually covers (hint: it's not just digital) Why Cybersecurity isn't the same as IT Security (despite what vendors claim) The CIA triad explained without the jargon Real-world examples showing when each approach matters UK Business Reality Current threat landscape: 43% of UK businesses breached in 2025 Why small businesses (10-49 employees) face 50% breach rates Average incident costs: £3,400 (but the real number is much higher) UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, and what actually applies to you What It Actually Costs Starting from scratch: £5,000-£15,000 annually for 10-20 employees Phishing-resistant MFA: £80-90 per employee (one-time, includes backup keys) Cyber Essentials: £300-£500 (your best bang for buck) Managed security services: £300-£450/month realistic pricing When £2,000-£3,500/month managed detection makes sense Free government resources you're probably ignoring Authentication Security Reality Why SMS codes and app-based MFA still get phished How FIDO2 hardware security keys cryptographically prevent credential theft Real cost comparison: £80-90 per employee one-time vs subscription services costing hundreds annually Special offer mentioned in episode: Authentrend keys at £40 until December 22nd Implementation Without the Bullshit Why IT Security basics beat fancy cybersecurity tools every time The five controls that address 90% of UK SMB threats Common mistakes that waste your security budget How to prioritise when you can't afford everything Vendor red flags and what to actually look for Regulatory Requirements Decoded ICO data protection fees: £40-£60/year (mandatory) What "appropriate technical and organisational measures" really means Why recent enforcement shows reprimands over fines for SMBs Insurance requirements and how to reduce premiums How phishing-resistant authentication affects cyber insurance premiums Key Statistics Mentioned 50% of UK small businesses (10-49 employees) experienced cyber incidents in 2025 £3,400 average cost per cyber incident (excluding business impact) 60% of small businesses close within 6 months of serious data loss 85% of cyber incidents involve phishing attacks 43% of all UK businesses experienc

Noel and Mauven unpack Discord’s third-party breach that exposed government-ID checks from age-appeal cases, then weigh it against Westminster’s push for a nationwide digital ID. It’s a frank look at how outsourcing, age-verification mandates and data-hungry processes collide with real-world security on the ground. Expect straight talk and practical fixes for UK SMBs. What we cover What actually happened at Discord: a contractor compromise affecting support/Trust & Safety workflows, not Discord’s core systems; notifications issued; vendor relationship severed; law-enforcement engaged. Why age-verification data is dynamite: passports and licences used for “prove your age” are a high-value, high-liability dataset for any platform or vendor. The UK digital ID plan, clarified: free digital ID, phased rollout this Parliament, and mandatory for Right to Work checks rather than everyone by default. What that means for employers, suppliers and software choices. Public sentiment vs promised safety: Britons broadly back “age checks” in principle but expect more data compromise and censorship risk, and doubt effectiveness. Why it matters to UK SMBs You can’t outsource accountability. If a payroll, KYC, helpdesk or verification vendor mishandles data, your customers still see your name on the breach notice. Age and identity checks creep into ordinary business flows. HR onboarding, ticketing, and customer support can accumulate sensitive documents if you let them. Centralising identity increases the jackpot for attackers. Your job is to minimise what you collect and partition what you must keep. Key takeaways Do not collect what you can’t protect. Prefer attribute proofs over document uploads. Limit blast radius. Separate systems, short retention, hard deletion, and vendor access that is time-boxed and device-checked. Contract like you mean it. Specify MFA, device compliance, immutable logging, breach SLAs, and verifiable deletion in vendor agreements. Prepare your Right-to-Work path now. Choose flows that avoid copying and storing underlying documents. Action checklist for SMB owners Map every place you’re collecting ID or age proof today. Kill non-essential collection. Where age is required, adopt attribute-based verification that proves “over 18” without revealing full identity. Move any remaining uploads behind automatic redaction, strict retention, and encryption with keys you control. Enforce vendor MFA via your IdP, require compliant devices, and review access logs weekly. Run DPIAs for onboarding, support and HR flows that touch identity documents. Rehearse your breach comms. Aim to say: “only an age token was exposed, not source documents.” Chapter outline Setting the scene: a breach born in the support queue Why ID uploads are a liability multiplier The UK’s digital ID plan, without the spin Vendor risk is your risk Practical fixes you can implement before lunch Q&A and what to do if you uploaded ID to Discord If you think you’re affected Treat notices as real; monitor credit; be alert to targeted phishing; don’t re-upload documents to unsolicited “verification” links. Support the show Subscribe, rate and review. Share this episode with a business owner who still stores passport scans in their helpdesk. Send questions or topic requests for future episodes.

Microsoft has released the October 2025 Patch Tuesday update, and the numbers tell a serious story: 172 security flaws patched, six of them zero-day exploits already in the wild. For UK small businesses, this is more than routine maintenance; these updates protect against vulnerabilities that attackers are actively exploiting to break into systems like yours. Graham Falkner cuts through the technical jargon to explain what these updates actually mean for your business, shares a real-world story of a local bakery that nearly lost everything, and walks through the practical steps you need to take today. Key Topics Covered The Scale of the Problem 172 total vulnerabilities patched across Microsoft's ecosystem Six zero-day flaws (actively exploited or publicly known before patches released) Eight critical vulnerabilities that could allow unauthorised code execution Elevation of privilege, remote code execution, and information disclosure threats Windows 10: End of an Era 15 October 2025 marks the final day of free security updates for Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) now required for continued protection Time to seriously plan your Windows 11 migration or budget for ESU costs Real-World Impact Linda's Bakery nearly lost a week's worth of turnover after ransomware exploited an unpatched zero-day vulnerability. The attack was fast, the data was locked, and only a quick backup restoration saved her business. Graham uses this story to demonstrate why these updates have tangible consequences for small businesses across the UK. Windows 11 October 2025 Features Beyond patching vulnerabilities, the October update brings nine useful new features for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2: Improved Phishing ProtectionEnhanced defences that make it genuinely harder for dodgy links to trick your staff. Think of it as a digital bouncer for your inbox. Enhanced Device Control SettingsBrilliant if you operate in an environment where staff might plug in random gadgets. (Yes, coffee shop owners with drawers full of mystery USB sticks, we're looking at you.) Wi-Fi Security DashboardNo IT degree required. Plain-language summary of your network's safety status that anyone can understand. Built-in Password Manager ImprovementsNow flags when you've reused weak passwords. No more scribbling your favourite biscuit on a Post-it and hoping for the best. AI Actions in File ExplorerSmarter file organisation and quick task shortcuts Notification Centre on Secondary MonitorsFinally works properly where you click it Moveable System IndicatorsCustomise where volume and brightness indicators appear Administrator ProtectionAdditional security layer for privileged accounts Passkey Support for Third-Party ProvidersMore flexibility in authentication methods Practical Action Steps Immediate Tasks (This Week) Schedule Your UpdatesBlock out an hour when losing a computer for a reboot won't derail your entire operation. Updates can be inconvenient, but getting compromised because you delayed them is far worse. Verify Installation SuccessDon't assume updates installed correctly. Open Windows Update settings and check for failed installations. Graham shares a personal story about his jukebox PC that reinforces this point. Back Up Before UpdatingProtect your important data before applying updates. If something breaks, you'll need that backup to restore operations quickly. Recovery Planning Know Your Rollback OptionsWindows lets you roll back recent updates through the Advanced Recovery menu. Don't wait until disaster strikes to learn how this works. Document Your ProcessHave a written plan for what to do if an update causes problems. Graham learned this the hard way when his vinyl room jukebox went silent for days. Long-Term Security Habits Regular Review ScheduleTreat security reviews like your car's MOT. Schedule them in your diary and actually do them. Ask yourself: "Are my defences still relevant to the threats out there?" Consider AutomationIntru

Ministers have sent an urgent letter to UK business leaders after the NCSC handled 204 nationally significant cyber incidents in the past year, with 18 "highly significant" incidents – a 50% increase for the third consecutive year. Join Mauven MacLeod and Graham Falkner as they unpack the government's wake-up call and translate ministerial warnings into concrete actions every business leader can take today. What You'll Learn Why the Chancellor and three Cabinet Ministers personally co-signed an urgent letter to UK business leaders -  Ministerial letter on cyber security The shocking NCSC statistics: nearly half of all incidents were nationally significant, with highly significant incidents up 50% Real-world impact: empty supermarket shelves, healthcare disruption causing deaths, and £300m+ losses for single organisations The three specific government requests that will have an immediate impact on your cyber resilience  - Ministerial letter on cyber security Practical first steps you can take this week (most are free) Key Quotes "Any leader who fails to prepare for that scenario is jeopardising their business's future... It is time to act." - Richard Horne, CEO of NCSC "Hostile cyber activity in the UK is growing more intense, frequent and sophisticated. There is a direct and active threat to our economic and national security." - Ministerial Letter, 13 October 2025 - Ministerial letter on cyber security "While you can plan meticulously, nothing truly prepares you for the moment a real cyber event unfolds. The intensity, urgency and unpredictability of a live attack is unlike anything you can rehearse." - Shirine Khoury-Haq, CEO of The Co-op Group Resources Mentioned Ministerial Letter (13 Oct 2025) NCSC Annual Review 2025 Free Cyber Governance Training for Boards Early Warning Service (Free) - 13,000+ organisations already signed up Cyber Essentials - 92% reduction in insurance claims Cyber Action Toolkit - Free for small businesses Take Action This Week Sign up for NCSC Early Warning (free) Read the ministerial letter Add cyber security to your next Board agenda Check if MFA is enabled on critical systems About the Hosts Mauven MacLeod - Ex-NCSC cyber security expert with Glasgow roots who translates government-level threat intelligence into practical advice for small businesses. Graham Falkner - The unmistakable voice from UK cinema trailers, now bringing his theatrical gravitas and storytelling skills to demystify cybersecurity for business leaders. Connect Visit our blog: thesmallbusinesscybersecurityguy.co.uk Like the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with colleagues. Episode Length: ~8 minutes Bottom line: Nearly half of NCSC incidents are now nationally significant. It's time to act.

We were wrapping up our interview with Tammy Buchanan about the Kido nursery breach when she said: "Actually, there were some really important points I forgot to make." So we grabbed another cup of tea, broke out the custard creams, and kept recording. Then, during the tea break, Graham discovered something on Twitter: VX-Underground, a credible malware research collective, had posted a screenshot of what appears to be a Kido GitHub repository containing API code. Files that typically contain system credentials. A potential smoking gun. In Part 2, Tammy reveals what was missed in Part 1, including the game-changing fact that cybersecurity is now officially linked to safeguarding in the 2025 Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. We examine the repository screenshot and discuss what it suggests about how breaches like this happen. This isn't theory. This appears to be a real-world example of the vulnerability that could lead to children's data being stolen. And your child's school might have the same exposure. Recorded in the same session as Part 1. This is what happens when cybersecurity news moves faster than podcast recording sessions. Currently ranked in the Top 100 Apple Business Podcasts (US) This episode is sponsored by Authentrend Biomentric Hardware  Why Listen to Part 2? If you listened to Part 1 and thought "that's bad but it won't happen to us," Part 2 will change your mind. The game-changer: Cybersecurity is now safeguarding, not just IT. Schools can't ignore it anymore. The smoking gun: A screenshot showing what appears to be exposed code—the exact type of vulnerability experts warn about. The corrections: What we got wrong in Part 1, and why the reality is even more serious. What You'll Learn The Major Revelations Cyber Security = Safeguarding (2025 Guidance) First time explicitly linked in statutory guidance Changes everything about how schools must respond Makes Kido a safeguarding failure, not just IT breach Gives cyber the legal teeth it's never had The Repository Screenshot VX-Underground documented what appears to be Kido's code Files that typically contain credentials visible Repository has since been removed Suggests how breach may have occurred Partial MFA = No MFA Schools enable MFA for head teachers but not everyone Like "locking doors but leaving windows open" Must be ALL staff with system access or it's useless The Third Party Illusion Schools think IT providers handle compliance DfE Standards explicitly say schools must verify Cannot outsource responsibility Practical Takeaways Why phone-based MFA conflicts with safeguarding policies (and what to do) The NCSC Cyber Assessment Framework for schools Questions to ask developers about code repositories How to audit custom software What "Time Off In Lieu" means for training   The VX-Underground Discovery (Important Context) What We Can Confirm On 28 September 2025, VX-Underground (a credible malware research collective) posted a screenshot showing what appears to be a GitHub repository: Repository name: kido-fullstack/mykido-api Files visible: Including mail.py (typically contains email credentials in Python apps) Repository stats: 2 contributors, 0 issues, 0 stars, 0 forks Current status: Repository has been removed VX-Underground's assessment: Called it "f**king slop piece of s**t" See: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPUjd9mj2tG/ What We Cannot Independently Verify The actual contents of the files (repository is down) Whether repository was public or had limited visibility That this definitively caused the breach What specific credentials may have been present Why It Matters This screenshot shows the exact type of vulnerability cybersecurity experts warn about: Custom code pushed to repositories without proper security review Files that typically contain credentials visible in structure Pattern common in education sector (confirmed by Tammy) Explains how Famly data could be accessed without Famly infrastructure

Episode Description Following the Kido nursery breach where 8,000 children's photos were stolen and posted online, we sit down with education sector expert Tammy Buchanan. With 15 years working in UK schools and now consulting on data protection compliance, Tammy reveals the shocking reality of cybersecurity in British education. From nurseries using platforms like Famly and Tapestry to primary schools struggling with basic MFA implementation, this conversation exposes systematic failures that put every child's data at risk. If you're a parent, school governor, or education professional, this episode will change how you think about school security. Currently ranked in the Top 100 Apple Business Podcasts (US) What You'll Learn Why only 50% of schools have multi-factor authentication enabled The difference between early years providers and mainstream schools How photo-rich platforms create unique vulnerabilities for nurseries Why DFE digital standards remain unknown to most schools The governance problem: volunteers without power Who actually gets things done when head teachers won't prioritise security Why schools keep breaches quiet and what that means for parents Practical steps parents can demand from their child's school today The Cyber Essentials challenge for small schools with limited budgets How COVID pushed schools years ahead without proper security foundations Guest Contact Details Tammy BuchananSenior Data Protection ConsultantData Protection Education Email: info@dataprotection.educationLinkedIn: Search for Tammy Buchanan or visit the Data Protection Education company pageWebsite: Data Protection Education Tammy and her team (including a solicitor) work with schools across the UK on data protection compliance, information security, and cyber resilience. They provide free resources and news updates for schools on their LinkedIn page.   Resources Mentioned Government and Regulatory: DFE Digital Standards (Department for Education) NCSC (National Cyber Security Centre) staff training resources ICO (Information Commissioner's Office) breach log and guidance Ofsted inspection framework Safeguarding regulations Platforms Discussed: Famly (early years learning journey platform) Tapestry (early years learning journey platform) Arbor (school management information system) Bromcom (school management information system) Security Standards: Cyber Essentials certification Multi-factor authentication (MFA) implementation Incident response planning Additional Resources: The Small Business Cyber Security Guy blog: thesmallbusinesscybersecurityguy.co.uk Data Protection Education news page (free resources for schools) Key Statistics from This Episode 50% or less of schools have MFA enabled 8,000 children's photos stolen in the Kido breach 12 years Tammy worked directly in schools before consulting 15 years Tammy has been in the education sector overall 2030 target date for schools to meet six DFE digital standards Questions Parents Should Ask Their School Do you have multi-factor authentication enabled on all systems? How often do staff receive cybersecurity training? Where is your incident response plan and when was it last tested? Who on the governing body is responsible for data protection and cyber resilience? Are you working towards the DFE digital standards? Which third-party platforms hold my child's data and photos? How do you monitor and configure security settings on these platforms? Key Takeaways For Parents: Schools are having breaches regularly but keeping them quiet Most schools lack basic security like MFA Your child's photos on learning journey apps create unique risks You have the right to ask questions about data protection Schools respond to parental pressure For School Leaders: Documentation matters for ICO compliance Training needs updating regularly, not the same video for three years Incident response plans are useless if nobody knows where they are School business managers n

Host Graham Faulkner dives into Windows 11 25H2 in this solo episode, explaining why this understated update matters for security, stability, and small-business productivity. He breaks down how 25H2 arrives as an Enablement Package (EKB), what that means if you’re already on 24H2, and why the streamlined rollout keeps disruptions to a minimum. The episode covers key technical and practical changes: removal of legacy components like PowerShell 2.0 and WMIC, continued performance improvements (CPU scheduling, memory management, faster startups), and expanded Wi‑Fi 7 support. Graham highlights Microsoft’s shift toward continuous monthly innovation and why that helps maintain a more secure, reliable environment without waiting for big yearly releases. Security is a major focus: Graham explains Microsoft’s Secure Future initiative, which brings AI-assisted secure coding and enhanced vulnerability detection into the development and post-release lifecycle. He frames these advances for small business owners, showing how better detection and automated security practices reduce risk and downtime. Practical deployment and lifecycle details are explained clearly: support-cycle resets (24 months for Home/Pro, 36 months for Enterprise/Education), how to get 25H2 via the “Get the Latest Updates” toggle, controlled rollouts and device holds, and enterprise deployment options like Windows AutoPatch and the Microsoft 365 Admin Center. He also covers admin-friendly improvements such as removing preinstalled Microsoft Store apps with Intune or Group Policy. The episode closes with hands-on advice: check the Windows Release Health Hub for known issues, back up critical machines before upgrading, verify driver and app compatibility, and prepare rollback plans for important systems. Graham adds a personal anecdote about preparing his vinyl-catalog PC for the update and stresses that 25H2 is about steady, practical improvements—safer, faster, and less disruptive for both single machines and fleets.

In 40 years of Information Technology work, Noel Bradford has never been this angry. On September 25th, 2025, the Radiant ransomware gang stole personal data from 8,000 children at Kido International nurseries, posted their photos and medical records online, and then started calling parents at home to demand ransom payments. This isn't just another data breach. This is the moment cybercrime lost whatever soul it had left. In this raw, unfiltered episode, Noel breaks down exactly what happened, why the security failures that enabled this attack exist in thousands of UK small businesses right now, and what you need to do immediately to protect your organisation from becoming the NEXT headline. WARNING: This episode contains strong language and discusses disturbing tactics used by cybercriminals. Parental guidance advised. What You'll Learn The complete timeline of the Kido ransomware attack and how it unfolded Why hackers spent weeks inside the network before striking The new escalation tactic of directly contacting victims' families Five critical security failures that allowed 8,000 children's records to be stolen Why "we're too small to be targeted" is the most dangerous lie in business The regulatory consequences Kido faces under UK GDPR Immediate action steps every small business must take NOW Why does this attack signal a fundamental shift in cybercrime tactics   Key Takeaways The Five Critical Failures Initial Access Was Preventable - Likely phishing, weak passwords, or unpatched vulnerabilities No Monitoring - Weeks of dwell time with zero detection No Network Segmentation - Hackers accessed everything once inside No Data Loss Prevention - 8,000 records exfiltrated without triggering alarms Inadequate Backups - No mention of restoration from clean backups New Threat Landscape Reality Ransomware gangs now directly contact victims' families Children's data is being weaponised for psychological pressure Moral boundaries in cybercrime have completely dissolved Attack tactics proven successful will be replicated by other groups Business Impact Statistics 43% of UK businesses suffered a breach in the past year Nearly 50% of primary schools reported cyber incidents 60% of secondary schools experienced attacks The education sector is particularly vulnerable Featured Experts & Sources Government & Law Enforcement: Metropolitan Police Cyber Crime Unit Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) Jonathon Ellison, Director for National Resilience, National Cyber Security Centre Cybersecurity Experts: Rebecca Moody, Head of Data Research, Comparitech Anne Cutler, Cybersecurity Expert, Keeper Security Mantas Sabeckis, Infosecurity Researcher, Cybernews Direct Victims: Stephen Gilbert, Parent with two children at Kido nursery Threat Actors: Radiant Ransomware Gang (claims to be Russia-based) Immediate Action Checklist Do These TODAY: Enable multi-factor authentication on ALL business accounts Check that all software is updated to the latest versions Review who has access to sensitive data Verify backups exist and are stored offline Schedule staff phishing awareness training Do These This Week: Audit your network segmentation Implement monitoring and alerting systems Review password policies across the organisation Create an incident response plan Assess cyber insurance coverage Do These This Month: Conduct a full security audit Test backup restoration procedures Implement data loss prevention tools Review vendor and third-party security Schedule penetration testing Resources Mentioned Government Resources National Cyber Security Centre: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/ Information Commissioner's Office: https://ico.org.uk/ Met Police Cyber Crime Unit: https://www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/fa/fraud/online-fraud/cyber-crime/ UK Cyber Security Breaches Survey: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/cyber-security-breaches-survey Cybersecurity Companies Comparitech: h

Join hosts Noel Bradford and Mauven McLeod in this Back-to-School special of the Small Business Cybersecurity Guy podcast as they trace a line from 1980s schoolroom mischief to modern, large-scale breaches that put millions of students and small organisations at risk. Through recollections of early BBC Model B and Novell-era antics, the episode uses real recent incidents to expose how weak passwords, written credentials and opportunistic insiders create systemic security failures. The episode unpacks headline-making investigations and statistics — including the ICO analysis showing that students are behind a majority of school data breaches, the PowerSchool compromise that affected tens of millions of records and led to extortion demands, and targeted campaigns such as Vice Society and the evolving Kiddo International incident. The hosts explain the motivations behind student-led breaches (curiosity, dares, financial gain, and revenge) and how those same drivers also appear within small businesses. Noel and Mauven explain why insider threats matter, even when they aren’t sophisticated: most breaches exploit simple weaknesses, such as reused or guessable passwords, written notes, shared admin accounts, and a lack of access controls. Producer Graham contributes a live update on ongoing incidents, and the episode highlights how these events translate into operational disruptions — including school closures, days of downtime, and long-term reputational and legal fallout. Practical defence is the episode’s focus: clear, actionable guidance covers immediate steps (audit access, enable multi-factor authentication, remove unnecessary privileges), short-term actions (implement logging and monitoring, deploy password managers, set up incident response procedures) and longer-term resilience measures (regular access reviews, backups, staff training and cultural change). The hosts emphasise designing security around human behaviour so staff follow safe practices instead of working around them. Listeners will get a concise checklist of recommended technical controls — MFA, role-based access, privileged account separation, activity logging and reliable backups — alongside cultural advice: leadership buy-in, recognisable rewards for good security behaviour, and channels for curious employees to learn responsibly. The episode also highlights regulatory shifts, such as the introduction of mandatory Cyber Essentials for certain educational institutions, and links these requirements to small business risk management. Expect vivid anecdotes, practical takeaways and a clear call-to-action: if a curious teenager can bypass your systems, it’s time to harden them. Whether you run a two-person firm or a growing small business, this episode provides the context, evidence, and step-by-step priorities to reduce insider risk, detect misuse quickly, and recover from incidents without compromising your customers’ trust.

Co-op's CEO has just confirmed that their cybersecurity disaster cost £80 million. The attackers? Teenagers are using basic social engineering. In this Hot Takes episode, we break down how "We've contained the incident" turned into an £80 million earnings wipeout, and why the final bill could reach £400-500 million once legal claims are settled. This isn't just another breach story - it's a wake-up call for every UK business owner who thinks "it won't happen to us." Key Topics Covered The Attack Breakdown [0:30] April 2024 attack by the Scattered Spider group Social engineering, not sophisticated exploits 6.5 million members affected (100% of Co-op members) 2,300 stores disrupted, 800 funeral homes on paper systems The Real Cost [1:45] £80 million confirmed earnings impact £206 million total sales impact £20 million in direct incident costs Zero cyber insurance coverage Why It Could Get Much Worse [2:30] Pending ICO fine: £15-20 million likely Individual GDPR compensation claims: £25-£150 per person Potential £325 million member compensation exposure Final bill estimate: £400-500 million Lessons for UK Small Businesses [3:15] Social engineering beats technical defences Cyber insurance is essential, not optional Business continuity failures amplify costs Training matters more than firewalls Key Statistics £80 million - Confirmed earnings impact 6.5 million - Customers affected (every single member) £12 - Cost per affected customer (low by UK standards) £325 million - Potential member compensation exposure 17-20 years old - Age of arrested suspects 2,300+ - Stores affected by operational disruption Resources & Links Full Analysis:Read the complete breakdown: Link  Key Sources Cited: ICO Statement on Retail Cyber Incidents Computer Weekly: Co-op breach coverage Insurance Insider: Co-op's lack of cyber coverage UK Government Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025 Action Items for Listeners Check your cyber insurance policy - Do you have coverage? Is it adequate? Review employee training - When was the last time your team received social engineering awareness training? Test business continuity - Can your operations survive 2 weeks offline? Read the full blog post - Get all the details and cost breakdowns Quote of the Episode "Co-op's disaster isn't a cybersecurity failure. It's a business leadership failure. And if you're listening to this thinking your business is different, you're next."  

Date: 23 September 2025 — Host Mauven McLeod delivers a furious, fast-paced analysis of two seismic cyber incidents and what they mean for UK and global businesses. This episode examines the Jaguar Land Rover and Collins Aerospace ransomware attacks, the human-driven methods that enabled them, and why they represent the first significant test of the EU's Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA). Topics covered include the scale of the damage (JLR reportedly losing up to £5 million per day and sector-wide losses potentially exceeding £1 billion), the criminal methodology (simple social engineering and help-desk manipulation by groups linked to Lapsus-style actors), and the cascading supply-chain impacts across automotive and aviation sectors. The episode references confirmations from Anissa about Collins’ ransomware compromise and notes reactions from industry figures such as Chris MacDonald at the Department for Business and Trade, as well as large providers like Tata Consultancy Services, Microsoft and RTX/Collins Aerospace. Key points you’ll take away: these attacks were largely preventable with basic controls — MFA (hardware keys), formal helpdesk identity verification, callback confirmation, network segmentation and focused security training — yet failures persist even at well-resourced organisations. Crucially, the episode explains DORA’s cross-border reach (applicable since 17 January 2025), how EU authorities can designate critical ICT third-party providers (including non-EU firms), the reporting and continuity obligations this triggers for financial entities, and the potential penalties (including fines up to around 1% of global turnover) and oversight mechanisms now coming into play. Practical guidance for listeners covers immediate steps: map vendor dependencies and identify any providers serving EU financial entities; review and update contracts for DORA alignment; update incident response and continuity plans to reflect DORA reporting requirements; and deploy low-cost, high-impact controls like hardware MFA, strict helpdesk processes and segmentation. The episode also critiques the UK government’s reactive crisis management during these incidents and warns of an accelerating enforcement wave: designations, cross-border scrutiny and contractual overhauls are expected to intensify through 2025. Ultimately, Moven argues this is the start of a new era — one where regulatory exposure flows through vendor dependencies and where organisational will, not technical capability, is the biggest barrier to resilience. Listeners will finish with a clear sense of urgency, the regulatory risks to assess, and concrete next steps to reduce operational and regulatory fallout from future incidents.

Your standalone IT Manager is drowning, and it’s putting your entire business at risk. From the zoo day network upgrade disaster to the final straw resignation, discover the warning signs of IT Manager burnout and learn how to build proper support systems that protect both your business and your Dave.

Most small business owners think CIO stands for ”Chief I-Fix-Everything Officer” and CISO means ”Chief I-Worry-About-Security Officer.” In this episode, Noel Bradford (actual CIO/CISO) breaks down what these executive roles actually do and why your business desperately needs this strategic thinking - without the six-figure salary. Discover how fractional CIO/CISO services let 20-100 employee businesses access Fortune 500 expertise for £15,000-35,000 annually instead of £120,000+ for full-time hiring. What You’ll Learn The Real Difference Between CIO and CISO: Technology strategy vs security strategy (and why one person can do both). Why Dave from IT Needs Help: The unfair burden of strategic decisions on operational staff. Fractional Services Explained: How to get executive-level guidance for 8-12 hours per month. ROI Reality Check: Technology inefficiencies probably cost you more than £15k annually Finding Quality Providers: Red flags vs genuine executive experience. Integration Strategy: Treating fractional executives like Non-Executive Directors. Key Takeaways Strategic technology and security leadership isn’t just for large corporations. Fractional services cost £15,000-35,000 annually vs £120,000+ for full-time hiring Sound fractional executives enhance internal capabilities rather than replacing them. Treat fractional CIO/CISO like Non-Executive Directors - invite them to board meetings. Start with a current state assessment (£3,000-6,000) before ongoing engagement. Diagnostic Questions You probably need fractional CIO/CISO services if you answer ”yes” to several of these: Technology decisions are made reactively rather than strategically Increasing tech spending without clear ROI visibility Security/compliance concerns are constantly pushed down the priority list Internal IT person making strategic decisions while handling operations Current systems won’t scale with business growth plans Regulatory compliance anxiety about technology approaches Episode Highlights Real-World Example: A 15-person marketing agency saved £300/month and improved security by consolidating from multiple cloud storage solutions to a single strategic platform. Cost Comparison: Fractional services at £150-350/hour for 8 hours monthly vs full-time CIO/CISO at £100,000-180,000 annually plus benefits and normal staffing costs. Next Steps Honest self-assessment of current technology/security decision-making Calculate the annual cost of technology inefficiencies and security risks Research fractional providers with genuine senior executive experience Consider starting with the current state assessment project Connect With Us Hit subscribe, leave a review mentioning whether you’re considering fractional services, and share with business owners making technology decisions without strategic guidance. Remember: You don’t need enterprise budgets to get enterprise thinking. And be kind to Dave - he’s doing his best.

September 2025 Patch Tuesday Show NotesSeptember 2025 Patch Tuesday: Critical Business Update<p><strong>Special Edition with Graham Falkner</strong></p><p>Microsoft’s September Patch Tuesday brings 81 security fixes, including 9 critical vulnerabilities already being exploited by attackers. This episode provides essential business guidance for small business owners navigating these updates safely and efficiently.</p>Key Topics Covered:<ul><li>Business impact of 81 security vulnerabilities</li><li>Four critical threats affecting small businesses</li><li>SharePoint Server active exploitation campaigns</li><li>Network authentication bypass vulnerabilities</li><li>7-day practical deployment strategy</li><li>Windows 10 end-of-life planning (October 14th deadline)</li><li>Cyber Essentials compliance requirements</li></ul>Critical Action Items:<ul><li><strong>Days 1-2:</strong> Assess SharePoint installations and document processing systems</li><li><strong>Days 3-7:</strong> Deploy controlled testing and priority system updates</li><li><strong>Days 8-14:</strong> Complete production environment deployment</li><li><strong>Immediate:</strong> Audit all Windows 10 devices and plan migration</li></ul>Windows 10 Urgent Notice:<p>Support ends October 14th, 2025. This may be the final security update for Windows 10 systems. Extended Security Updates available at significant cost. Migration planning required immediately.</p>Compliance Requirements:<p>Cyber Essentials certified organisations must deploy updates by September 23rd, 2025. Earlier deployment recommended for business risk management.</p>Vulnerable Systems Requiring Priority Attention:<ul><li>SharePoint Server installations (under active attack)</li><li>Systems processing external documents and email attachments</li><li>Network authentication infrastructure</li><li>Customer data handling environments</li></ul>Known Compatibility Issues:<ul><li>PowerShell Direct connection failures in virtualised environments</li><li>SMB signing requirements affecting older network storage</li><li>MSI installer UAC prompt changes</li></ul>Sources:<ul><li>Microsoft Security Response Center - September 2025 Security Updates</li><li>Verizon 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report</li><li>UK GDPR Article 32 - Security of Processing Requirements</li><li>Cyber Essentials Certification Guidelines</li></ul>Resources:<p>Comprehensive deployment guides, compatibility checklists, and Windows 11 migration planning available at: <strong>thesmallbusinesscybersecurityguy.co.uk</strong></p><p>Technical support documentation: Microsoft KB5065426, KB5065431, KB5065429</p>Next Steps:<p>Subscribe for regular cybersecurity updates. Share with business owners who need this information. Visit our website for detailed implementation guidance.</p><p><em>This episode provides educational information only. Always implement cybersecurity measures appropriate to your specific business needs and risk profile.</em></p>Hashtags:<p>#CyberSecurity #SmallBusiness #Windows10 #PatchTuesday #Microsoft #BusinessSecurity #ITSecurity #CyberEssentials #Windows11 #SecurityUpdates #BusinessContinuity #UKBusiness #Compliance #GDPR #CyberInsurance #NetworkSecurity #SharePoint #BusinessTech #InfoSec #DigitalSecurity</p>