The Small Business

Cyber Security Guy

Welcome to my blog and podcast, where I share brutally honest views, sharp opinions, and lived experience from four decades in the technology trenches. Whether you're here to read or tune in, expect no corporate fluff and no pulled punches.

Everything here is personal. These are my thoughts, not those of my employer, clients, or any poor soul professionally tied to me. If you’re offended, take it up with me, not them.

What you’ll get here (and on the podcast):

  • Straight-talking advice for small businesses that want to stay secure

  • Honest takes on cybersecurity trends, IT malpractice, and vendor nonsense

  • The occasional rant — and yes, the occasional expletive

  • War stories from the frontlines (names changed to protect the spectacularly guilty)

I've been doing this for over 40 years. I’ve seen genius, idiocy, and everything in between. Some of it makes headlines, and most of it should.

This blog and the podcast is where I unpack it all. Pull up a chair.

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Co-op's £80 Million Cybersecurity Bill: The True Cost of "Just" a Data Breach
Cyber Security for Small Businesses, Breach Reports Noel Bradford Cyber Security for Small Businesses, Breach Reports Noel Bradford

Co-op's £80 Million Cybersecurity Bill: The True Cost of "Just" a Data Breach

Co-op's CEO has officially confirmed their April 2024 cyberattack cost £80 million in earnings impact. The perpetrators? Teenagers using basic social engineering to steal personal data from all 6.5 million members. No sophisticated nation-state attack, just "Can you reset my password, mate?" targeting the right employee. With zero cyber insurance coverage, Co-op absorbed every penny while 2,300 stores suffered empty shelves and 800 funeral homes reverted to paper-based systems. But £80 million might just be the opening act here. Pending ICO fines, potential individual member compensation claims, and mounting legal costs could easily push the final bill past £400 million total.


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⚠️ Full Disclaimer

This is my personal blog. The views, opinions, and content shared here are mine and mine alone. They do not reflect or represent the views, beliefs, or policies of:

  • My employer

  • Any current or past clients, suppliers, or partners

  • Any other organisation I’m affiliated with in any capacity

Nothing here should be taken as formal advice — legal, technical, financial, or otherwise. If you’re making decisions for your business, always seek professional advice tailored to your situation.

Where I mention products, services, or companies, that’s based purely on my own experience and opinions — I’m not being paid to promote anything. If that ever changes, I’ll make it clear.

In short: This is my personal space to share my personal views. No one else is responsible for what’s written here — so if you have a problem with something, take it up with me, not my employer.