Tony Anscombe

Tony Anscombe

Chief Security Evangelist


Education: Cobol and Fortran programming, it was a long time ago.

Highlights of your career: Appearing on the BBC News, the live appearance was regarding an article about a hacker that was 12 years old and stealing game data. The cool part was that it remained the number one article on the BBC News app for four days, it seemed that just about everyone I know saw it! The only thing that could top this is to be on Good Morning America or on the BBC Breakfast sofa.

What malware do you hate the most: Potentially unwanted applications, deceiving consumers and destroying their computer is wrong.

Favorite activities: Motorbikes, cycling, concerts and family (not in that order).

What is your golden rule for cyberspace: Don’t get sucked in and addicted to the world of social media, and never post pictures of food.

When did you get your first computer, favorite computer game/activity: My first computer was a Sinclair ZX81 Spectrum, back around 1983/4. It was my first introduction to programming and inspired me to go to college and learn how to code. As for a favorite game, my son and I play two games frequently, Driver (Xbox) and Fifa (PS4), it is a very competitive pastime and not good for my blood pressure.


118 articles by Tony Anscombe

Public health vs. personal privacy: Choose only one?

Public health vs. personal privacy: Choose only one?

Public health vs. personal privacy: Choose only one?

As the world turns to technology to track and contain the COVID-19 pandemic, could this spell the end of digital privacy rights?

Tony Anscombe • 25 Mar 2020 • 4 min. read


The good, the bad and the plain ugly

The good, the bad and the plain ugly

The good, the bad and the plain ugly

A prolific ransomware gang vows to dial back its campaigns and spare healthcare organizations altogether during the COVID-19 crisis. It’s no cause for celebration.

Tony Anscombe • 23 Mar 2020 • 2 min. read


Keep calm and carry on working (remotely)

Keep calm and carry on working (remotely)

Keep calm and carry on working (remotely)

How can employees stay motivated and productive while teleworking during the COVID-19 crisis?

Tony Anscombe • 20 Mar 2020 • 5 min. read


COVID-19 and the shift to remote work

COVID-19 and the shift to remote work

COVID-19 and the shift to remote work

As the pandemic forces many employees to work from home, can your organization stay productive – and safe?

Tony Anscombe • 16 Mar 2020 • 8 min. read


Beware scams exploiting coronavirus fears

Beware scams exploiting coronavirus fears

Beware scams exploiting coronavirus fears

From malware-laden emails to fake donations, these are some of the most common cons you should watch out for amid the public health crisis

Tony Anscombe • 13 Mar 2020 • 5 min. read


Did someone file your taxes before you?

Did someone file your taxes before you?

Did someone file your taxes before you?

With tax season – and tax scams – in full swing, here’s how fraudsters can steal your tax refund, and how you can avoid becoming a victim

Tony Anscombe • 27 Feb 2020 • 4 min. read


Simple steps to protect yourself against identity theft

Simple steps to protect yourself against identity theft

Simple steps to protect yourself against identity theft

As we enter the New Year, be sure to keep up, or adopt, these good data security habits to avoid identity theft

Tony Anscombe • 02 Jan 2020 • 1 min. read


How to secure your digital Christmas presents

How to secure your digital Christmas presents

How to secure your digital Christmas presents

What are some of the key things you should do with your shiny new device as soon as you unbox it?

Tony Anscombe • 23 Dec 2019 • 1 min. read


Face scanning – privacy concern or identity protection?

Face scanning – privacy concern or identity protection?

Face scanning – privacy concern or identity protection?

What issues would face scanning attached to a mobile device resolve and, if used correctly, would it make the incursion into my privacy acceptable?

Tony Anscombe • 05 Dec 2019 • 3 min. read