Speakers
Synopsis
In today’s landscape of increasing cyber breaches, business fraud, and nation-state interference, possessing the ability to think like an adversary, strategize, and perform under pressure is crucial. Several key capabilities contribute to this premise: cutting-edge technology, up-to-date threat intelligence, an effective incident response plan, and importantly the right human resources. However ultimately, all the technology and plans fall short if people are not motivated and organized effectively. Properly incentivizing employees, providing regular training, and ensuring a well-organized security structure are essential components of a holistic cybersecurity approach.
This talk will centre around a little-known event that occurred during the early days of World War II, one that would significantly impact Britain’s war effort. At that time, Britain heavily relied on supplies of food and raw materials shipped across the Atlantic. However, they hadn’t anticipated the devastating effectiveness of the Nazi submarines known as U-boats. These U-boats operated in ‘wolf’ packs, systematically targeting and sinking entire convoys of merchant ships. The resulting destruction severely strained British supply lines, leading to rationing and hindering the war effort.
In response, the British Navy devised an unconventional solution: they formed a tactical unit primarily composed of young women from the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS). These women, aged 17 to 21, were led by a retired naval commander. Their mission? To outwit the seemingly invincible U-boat threat.
The WRNS team embarked on a strategic journey, wargaming multiple scenarios based on gathered intelligence. Lacking actual combat experience, their arsenal included skills that the navy had previously underestimated: listening, mathematics, communicating, and lateral thinking. Through their ingenuity and determination, they successfully outmanoeuvred the supposedly undefeatable U-boats, ultimately turning the tide of the war. Their remarkable contribution serves as a testament to the power of diversity, resourcefulness, teamwork and strategizing in the face of adversity.
Having attended hundreds of cyber events and drawing extensively from McGrathNicol’s research, one critical theme emerges: the power of strategic thinking. Grounded in research published in the white paper titled ‘Crisis to Control: A Look Back at Cyber Incident Response Strategies in 2024,’ this talk delves into a remarkable historical account. By examining the past, we illuminate essential lessons for our future.
The narrative bridges eras, drawing parallels between wartime strategies of yesteryears and the contemporary challenges in cybersecurity. It underscores the absolute necessity of strategic planning, diverse perspectives, and experiential learning in effectively countering cyber threats. As we navigate the digital battlefield, these insights serve as our compass, guiding us toward a more secure and resilient future.
