Big Four firm assembles cyber security squad
ACCOUNTANCY firm KPMG has assembled a ‘crack squadron’ of former military intelligence and financial services experts for a new cyber security unit based in Chester.
The firm, which already has offices in Liverpool and Manchester, opened a business hub in the University of Chester’s Riverside Innovation Centre earlier this year.
Two of the three man team at Chester, Sion Lloyd-Jones and Paul Reilly have worked for the armed forces in security roles, while the third, , Mark Johnson, has worked in cyber security for 11 years, starting at IBM and then spending six years at MBNA in Chester.
The team is working with businesses of all sizes across Cheshire and North Wales understand and respond to cyber security threats and manage their security capabilities.
Chris Fry, office senior partner for KPMG in Liverpool and lead partner in Chester, said: “The digital environment presents enormous opportunities for businesses that want to seek out new markets and are prepared to invest in transformational change. The last 10 years have seen a rapid emergence of new technology, greater connectivity for organisations and individuals and a 24/7 approach to commerce. However, this has left many organisations struggling to achieve their business aspirations without feeling exposed to cyber security risk.”
Chris continued: “Our new team in Chester will help companies across the region gain perspective on the security threats facing their business.”
Sion Lloyd-Jones, senior manager, KPMG’s information protection team, added: “In our experience, successful organisations are those that understand that security threats can come from both inside and outside the organisation, and so manage these threats together, integrating cyber risk management into all their activities.”
Mr Lloyd-Jones recently left the Ministry of Defence after 20 years of operational service with the Royal Air Force. At the MOD, he was heavily involved in intelligence, security and threat analysis across a wide spectrum of UK government agencies and international partners.
