The UK’s Nationwide Cyber Safety Centre (NCSC) has named former NCC Group chief know-how officer (CTO) Ollie Whitehouse as its CTO, in a newly created position that replaces partially that performed by the company’s nicely-regarded technical director Ian Levy, who left the organisation earlier this yr.
Whitehouse might be tasked with shaping and delivering the UK’s entire-of-society national cyber security mission, helping to fight the myriad threats dealing with the country at scale, and building collective resilience.
He may also play a key position in sustaining the NCSC’s position because the country’s Nationwide Technical Authority, assist ensure the organisation remains at the forefront of digital developments, anticipating new threats as they arise, and will also help transfer the needle on a few of the more pressing challenges dealing with the UK’s cyber safety workforce, comparable to variety and inclusion.
“We’re delighted that Ollie shall be joining the NCSC as our new chief know-how officer,” stated NCSC CEO Lindy Cameron. “He’ll deliver a wealth of data and experience to our mission to make the UK the safest place to reside and work online, at a time when the pace of technological change has never been extra evident.”
Whitehouse added: “I’m honoured to be beginning as chief know-how officer on the NCSC and sit up for supporting its world-class talent of their important work protecting the UK protected online.
“Having labored intently with the NCSC since its inception, I know how essential its mission is and I’m wanting to contribute to our national security by addressing the collective challenges we face in sustaining our edge in cyberspace.”
Whitehouse, who will formally take up the position in the direction of the top of October 2023, is a 27-yr veteran of the cyber security sector, and in addition to NCC, he has held senior roles in safety research at each BlackBerry and Symantec.
He has also been influential in advisory roles to government, including serving as chair of the Division for Science, Innovation and Know-how’s (DSIT’s) Cyber Know-how External Advisory Group.
He has also been a key player in the continued CyberUP campaign to reform the Pc Misuse Act (CMA) of 1990 to offer legal cover to cyber safety professionals who worry they could end up being prosecuted beneath the outdated laws simply for doing their jobs, often talking out on the need for the principles to vary.