The IFSEC Insider Podcast: Security in Focus

IFSECInsider-PodcastLogo-FullWidthBanner-23

The IFSEC Insider Security in Focus Podcast dovetails with IFSEC Insider to meet all the content needs of security professionals. Kicking off with the Security in Focus podcast, we’ll bring you exclusive insight into perspectives on key trends, best practice and topical talking points in the form of interviews and discussions from leading figures within the profession.

From risk management, trends in security technologies such as video surveillance and access control, and market opportunities, to creating a holistic security culture and diversifying the industry, tune in for an easy way to remain up to date on the issues affecting your role.


Listen on


Episode 19: Lithium-ion battery fire risks – what you need to know (part one)

In the first of a three-part mini podcast series with both SHP and IFSEC Insider, Senior Technical Consultant at Firechief Global, Matt Humby talks about the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries with SHP Editor, Mark Glover.

Matt has over 22 years experience in the fire safety industry, and now provides advice and solutions to help mitigate the fire risk with fire safety products for both commercial and residential building projects.

The first episode discusses the dangers of lithium-ion batteries, while the next will cover regulation and standards, and in the final episode we’ll cover action plans organisations can take to reduce, prevent and mitigate the fire risk.

Simply click the ‘play’ button on the player below to listen to the episode!


Episode 18: Transforming security: The role of secure IoT connectivity within fire and security applications

Episode 18 of the Security in Focus podcast explores the role of secure Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity in fire and security applications, and an overview of the security and access control sector in 2024.

This sponsored podcast aims to balance informative content about CSL’s expertise within the IoT connectivity space while showcasing real-world applications like CCTV and Access Control with expert John Coleman, who is Head of Sales UK & Ireland at CSL.

We cover why connectivity is a key aspect within the security sector, current challenges and opportunities, including the advancement of cyber attacks and why cyber solutions will be the next big focus for them.


Episode 17: Securing critical national infrastructure sites: The road to digitalisation

Episode 17 of the Security in Focus podcast explores the challenging environment of securing critical national infrastructure (CNI), and the major trends ahead for the sector.

As a drive to a more connected security ecosystem develops, just what are the key requirements and obstacles security teams must consider? How do digital devices enable greater efficiencies and more secure sites? And how does a CNI operation achieve true integration and embrace convergence of technology?

All this, and more, is covered by Stephen Horner, a Security Advisor for Northern Gas Network, and Steve Wintle, Head of Critical Infrastructure at Abloy UK.


Episode 16: Life as a security professional in Ukraine with Risto Haataja

Episode 16 of the Security in Focus podcast features a conversation with Risto Haataja, CEO of risk and security consultancy, Centry Global Group.

Based in Odessa, Ukraine, Risto is also a founding member of the ASIS Ukraine Chapter.

Our discussion took place in late September 2023, the night after the city of Odessa was hit by several missile strikes, as Risto shares his experiences of what it’s been like to continue working in his role during an ongoing and active war.


Episode 15: Why physical security is integral to the smart building ecosystem

How do we define the term, smart building? What does it truly mean and how does one function? Crucially, what is security’s role in the development and functionality of smart buildings?

Episode 15 of the IFSEC Insider Security in Focus podcast looks to answer exactly these questions. Well, specifically, Kevin Brownell and Darren Chalmers Stevens from smart consultancy firm, Nuxform, do. We also hear from Mike Brooman, CEO at master systems integrator, Vanti, on his perspective of the benefits of a more connection building ecosystem.


Episode 14: Eye on AI – Ethics, human intervention and its impact on security

Episode 14 of the Security in Focus podcast welcomes Rajat Kotra, Group Director for Analytics and AI at Informa, as we discuss all things Artificial Intelligence.

Beginning with an introduction to the definition and history of AI, Rajat explains how the technology has developed in the last 15 years and why its usage and applications have exploded in 2023. We also touch upon ethical AI and its potential impact for the security industry.


Mini-series: The future of fire and security engineers

This mini-series, brought to you by the IFSEC Insider podcast, asks what the future looks like for the fire and security engineering sector. The well publicised skills gap, alongside ever-advancing technology and questions over competency are all discussed. We hear from David Scott, Simon Banks, Kevin Faulkner, Andy Reakes, Tom Brookes and Trevor Jenks across three episodes, all of who provide unique insight into this ongoing debate.


Episode 13: Professor Martin Gill and security’s influence over the budget – Is it enough?

Episode 13 of the IFSEC Insider podcast features an interview with well known influencer and researcher in the security industry, Professor Martin Gill. We discuss his work with the sector, police and criminals themselves, and focus on research which explored how much influence security has over the budget, and why this is such a key factor in delivering ‘good security’.


Episode 12: Figen Murray & Martyn’s Law, IFSEC and mental health in security

Hear from Figen Murray on the journey to get to Martyn’s Law – otherwise known as the Protect Duty, as well as Sarah Meek discussing mental health in the security sector and why it’s so important for colleagues and employers to open up the conversation and talk. Plus, there’s a sneak preview of everything IFSEC 2023!


Episode 11: What’s next for access control? Lee Odess on the impact of Big Tech

What is the future of physical access control? Why is the market moving from security hardware-driven to convenience software-driven solutions? How is the emergence of Big Tech impacting traditional industry expectations?

All of this is on the agenda on episode 11 of the Security in Focus podcast, as access control expert Lee Odess provides us with his view.


Episode 10: Security as a community & responding to crises with Bonnie Michelman

Join host James Moore for a fascinating discussion with Bonnie Michelman, IFSEC Insider Security Influencer of the Year in 2022, for episode 10 of the Security in Focus podcast.

We discuss everything from Bonnie’s current role for managing the security processes and team of the largest healthcare provider in the state of Massachusetts, to her time as president for three major security associations. We also cover how the sector responded to the 9/11 terror attacks in 2001 and the importance of associations and mentoring programmes.


Episode 9: Working towards gender equality in security, fire and safety

Join us for episode 9 of the IFSEC Insider Security in Focus podcast, centring on a discussion we recently hosted about gender equality in the security, fire and safety sectors.

It’s a fascinating and extremely eye-opening chat between representatives from women’s networks across the professions, to understand how gender bias and discrimination exists, the challenges faced and what organisations, managers and individuals can do to better support gender equality.


Episode 8: Securing healthcare facilities during a pandemic and beyond

Join us for episode 8 of the IFSEC Insider Security in Focus Podcast, as we discuss the challenges of securing the healthcare sector. Across the world, hospitals, care homes, mental health facilities and their staff have been under intense pressure over the past few years with the COVID pandemic bringing new threats and complications into an already stretched environment.

Just how did the sector go about protecting staff, patients and the facilities they work and recover in, during this period? And what security challenges does healthcare face now? We hear from Roger Ringham and Darren Chalmers Stevens to find out the answers to those questions.


Episode 7: Analysing school shootings, violence & threat prevention through behavioural psychology

In episode 7 of the IFSEC Insider Security in Focus podcast, listen to insight from Dr Marisa Randazzo, as we discuss her experiences in the US Secret Service and how it led to a focus on behavioural psychology and violence prevention, specifically related to educational institutions. We explore the research Marisa has carried out on the threat of school shootings in particular, and try to understand whether such incidents can be predicted – and therefore prevented.

What Marisa and her team’s research has found, through a mixture of investigate evidence and direct interviews with 10 offenders, makes for fascinating listening.


Episode 6: Improving decision making in high-risk scenarios and the concept of ‘Presilience’

In episode 6 of the IFSEC Insider Security in Focus podcast, hear from Dr Gavriel Schneider, CEO of Risk 2 Solution, as he explains ‘Presilience’ and how security professionals can improve their decision making in high-risk scenarios. Dr Gav provides listeners with a grounding in the difference between resilience and Presilience, a concept he has developed over many years of frontline experience and academic research in the security sector.

Why do humans make bad decisions? And, how can security teams integrate risk and resilience to put the emphasis on the individuals managing it themselves? Have a listen to this episode to find out!


Episode 5: ONVIF and the benefits of open standards in physical security

In episode 5 of the IFSEC Insider Security in Focus podcast, we hear from Leo Levit, Chair of the ONVIF Steering Committee, as he provides an overview of the general trend towards open, common and interoperable standards in physical security. As an open industry forum that provides and promotes standardised interfaces for effective interoperability of IP-based physical security products, ONVIF’s profiles cover everything from access control and door control management, to edge storage, video and analytics applications. So in other words, Leo is the perfect guest to discuss this all with!

We also touch upon how the security industry has evolved from proprietary-based tech to open standards over the years. And, in the final few minutes, Leo offers his thoughts on the key trends ahead for security professionals.


Episode 4: Converged security and the evolving role and risks of IoT

In Episode 4, James Willison & Sarb Sembhi discuss the concept of converged security and why uniting physical and cyber operations is more important than ever. Both are consultants to the IFSEC International Converged Security Centre, and the discussion touches upon a clarification of what we mean by ‘converged security’, how an operation works in practice, and the benefits of a more collaborative approach.

We also explore the duo’s involvement in the IoT Security Foundation. CCTV, access control and alarm devices are increasingly connected to the internet and third party applications and software, so Sarb and James explain where physical security professionals can start understanding IoT risks and how to mitigate them.


Episode 3: Social media and the insider threat: Presenting new challenges to security teams

In our third episode, we zero in on new challenges facing modern security professionals, as Mike Gips, Principal at Global Insights in Professional Security and IFSEC Insider influencer, expands on his predictions for the trends ahead in physical security.

We chat about how the pandemic has changed the face of the sector, and why it has helped professionals get a ‘seat at the C-suite table’, as organisations recognise the value security personnel and technology can bring. The second half of the episode explores the new challenges physical security professionals face from the growing divisive societal ‘factions’ that social media has helped to cement, to blockchain, to the development of the insider threat as a major disrupter and risk factor in businesses of all sizes. We finish on a fascinating story regarding an ex-US intelligence agent, so keep listening to find out more!


Episode 2: Attracting the next generation of security professionals – Secure Futures

In the second episode of the IFSEC Insider Security in Focus podcast, we hear from Paul Barnard, Director and Vice Chair at the Security Institute, as we find out all about a fresh approach to bringing through the next generation of talent in the security sector. The Secure Futures programme, lead by Paul and in collaboration with the EY Foundation, has seen widespread support from the industry since its launch in 2020. It’s an initiative designed to introduce 16-18 year-olds from low income backgrounds to the wide array of opportunities and roles within the physical, personnel and cyber security sectors. We also hear from two graduates who were on the programme, to understand what their experiences were and why they’d encourage others to get involved. Throughout the discussion, we examine the importance of developing the next generation of security leaders, and in particular engaging those from diverse backgrounds that haven’t traditionally entered the sector.

Paul Barnard CSyP MSyl is the director overseeing the Next Generation strategic pillar of the Security Institute, alongside Angie Clarke CSyP FSyl. Paul is also a member of the senior leadership team as Vice Chair. Paul is Managing Director at Solace Security Consultancy, has a significant background in counter terrorism from a career in the police, delivering risk mitigation against threats and is an adept speaker, presenter and panellist.


Episode 1: Diversifying security and developing a professional network

We hear from Letitia Emeana about the importance of a diverse industry, and why building a network of security professionals is so important to developing your own skillset. We discuss how ASIS International has been so integral to Letitia’s own pathway, as well as the growing requirement for collaboration between physical, cyber and IT security experts.

Letitia has been active in security since 2001 and is the Chair of the ASIS UK Chapter. She qualified with her ASIS PSP in December 2007, IT Governance CISMP 2014 and ASIS CPP in 2017. Letitia is a multi-disciplinary security professional and leader with significant experience in Security Design, Security Technology and Security Implementation. She is currently the Global Security Capability Manager at Unilever and held previous Leadership positions at Tesla, Amazon and Lloyds Banking Group. She is a passionate advocate for Diversity in its broadest sense and was core to the establishment of Women’s Security groups in Amazon, Tesla and Unilever.