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

Black Hat Europe 2024: Can AI systems be socially engineered?

Black Hat Europe 2024: Can AI systems be socially engineered?

Black Hat Europe 2024: Can AI systems be socially engineered?

Could attackers use seemingly innocuous prompts to manipulate an AI system and even make it their unwitting ally?

Tony Anscombe12 Dec 20243 min. read


Cyber insurance, human risk, and the potential for cyber-ratings

Cyber insurance, human risk, and the potential for cyber-ratings

Cyber insurance, human risk, and the potential for cyber-ratings

Could human risk in cybersecurity be managed with a cyber-rating, much like credit scores help assess people’s financial responsibility?

Tony Anscombe08 Oct 20245 min. read


Why system resilience should mainly be the job of the OS, not just third-party applications

Why system resilience should mainly be the job of the OS, not just third-party applications

Why system resilience should mainly be the job of the OS, not just third-party applications

Building efficient recovery options will drive ecosystem resilience

Tony Anscombe01 Oct 20244 min. read


Cybersecurity Awareness Month needs a radical overhaul – it needs legislation

Cybersecurity Awareness Month needs a radical overhaul – it needs legislation

Cybersecurity Awareness Month needs a radical overhaul – it needs legislation

Despite their benefits, awareness campaigns alone are not enough to encourage widespread adoption of cybersecurity best practices

Tony Anscombe01 Oct 20243 min. read


Understanding cyber-incident disclosure

Understanding cyber-incident disclosure

Understanding cyber-incident disclosure

Proper disclosure of a cyber-incident can help shield your business from further financial and reputational damage, and cyber-insurers can step in to help

Tony Anscombe18 Sep 20244 min. read


The key considerations for cyber insurance: A pragmatic approach

The key considerations for cyber insurance: A pragmatic approach

The key considerations for cyber insurance: A pragmatic approach

Would a more robust cybersecurity posture impact premium costs? Does the policy offer legal cover? These are some of the questions organizations should consider when reviewing their cyber insurance options

Tony Anscombe04 Sep 20243 min. read


How regulatory standards and cyber insurance inform each other

How regulatory standards and cyber insurance inform each other

How regulatory standards and cyber insurance inform each other

Should the payment of a ransomware demand be illegal? Should it be regulated in some way? These questions are some examples of the legal minefield that cybersecurity teams must deal with

Tony Anscombe21 Aug 20243 min. read


The great location leak: Privacy risks in dating apps

The great location leak: Privacy risks in dating apps

The great location leak: Privacy risks in dating apps

What if your favorite dating, social media or gaming app revealed your exact coordinates to someone you’d rather keep at a distance?

Tony Anscombe12 Aug 20243 min. read


Black Hat USA 2024: All eyes on election security

Black Hat USA 2024: All eyes on election security

Black Hat USA 2024: All eyes on election security

In this high-stakes year for democracy, the importance of robust election safeguards and national cybersecurity strategies cannot be understated

Tony Anscombe09 Aug 20243 min. read