AI Security: Why Community Matters More than Ever
Guest blog by John Sotiropoulos, AI Head of Security, Kainos I Board Director, OWASP GenAI Security Project
John Sotiropoulos
AI Head of Security, Kainos | Board Director, OWASP GenAI Security Project
In AI security, the pace of change is relentless. New capabilities and threats, multiple guidelines, LinkedIn Posts, and bold vendor claims land in our feeds daily. For busy cyber teams, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
The answer isn’t to chase a single perfect standard. When DSIT launched the UK’s AI Cyber Security Code of Practice (now adopted as an ETSI standard), it aimed to cut through complexity. I had the privilege of authoring the Implementation Guide, designed to help organisations apply the CoP in practical, real-world settings — drawing on the great work of OWASP, NIST, MITRE, NCSC and others, offering a navigational compass based on lifecycle.
But that's not enough. What really moves the dial is conversations and networks of trust and shared experiences. Practical experiences in real settings, beyond thought leadership pieces or myriad posts on AI threats and exploits. In this avalanche of posts and information we need to connect, collaborate, and share what works in today’s realities, and act as sensible real-world sandboards.
That’s why I believe so strongly in the power of trusted communities. Open dialogue builds clarity and trust. It helps teams cut through noise, spot the 10% of threats that matter most, and get the most from tools they already have. Without this, even the best controls can create blind spots or a false sense of security.
OWASP continues to demonstrate the value peer review and openness. techUK the leading UK trading association has also stepped up — convening voices from across sectors to align efforts, share knowledge, and guide policy with real-world insights in Cyber and AI. The CyberExhange ( https://cyberexchange.uk.net/ ) and AI Hub (https://www.techuk.org/accelerating-innovation/ai-hub.html) and their forthcoming Sept event on AI & Cyber, are a good place to start. https://www.techuk.org/what-we-deliver/events/cyber-for-ai-ai-for-cyber.html
And if you’re in London on 25 June, come join the conversation in person. We’re bringing together leaders from DSIT, the FCA, DWP and Kaizen for an hour of practical insight and open discussion, aiming to be the first step towards a UK AI Cyber network of practice that a
👉 Securing AI in Action: Bridging Policy, Innovation & Implementation
Let’s keep learning from each other. Uplifting Cyber for the AI era is a team sport.
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Meet the team
Jill Broom
Head of Cyber Resilience, techUK
Jill leads the techUK Cyber Resilience programme, having originally joined techUK in October 2020 as a Programme Manager for the Cyber and Central Government programmes. She is responsible for managing techUK's work across the cyber security ecosystem, bringing industry together with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors. Jill also provides the industry secretariat for the Cyber Growth Partnership, the industry and government conduit for supporting the growth of the sector. A key focus of her work is to strengthen the public–private partnership across cyber to support further development of UK cyber security and resilience policy.
Before joining techUK, Jill worked as a Senior Caseworker for an MP, advocating for local communities, businesses and individuals, so she is particularly committed to techUK’s vision of harnessing the power of technology to improve people’s lives. Jill is also an experienced editorial professional and has delivered copyediting and writing services for public-body and SME clients as well as publishers.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- www.techuk.org/
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-broom-19aa824
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Annie Collings
Programme Manager, Cyber Resilience, techUK
Annie is the Programme Manager for Cyber Resilience at techUK. She first joined as the Programme Manager for Cyber Security and Central Government in September 2023.
In her role, Annie supports the Cyber Security SME Forum, engaging regularly with key government and industry stakeholders to advance the growth and development of SMEs in the cyber sector. Annie also coordinates events, engages with policy makers and represents techUK at a number of cyber security events.
Before joining techUK, Annie was an Account Manager at a specialist healthcare agency, where she provided public affairs support to a wide range of medical technology clients. She also gained experience as an intern in both an MP’s constituency office and with the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed. Annie holds a degree in International Relations from Nottingham Trent University.
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- [email protected]
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- anniecollings24
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- https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-collings-270150158/
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Francesca Richiusa
Programme Team Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK
Fran serves as the Programme Team Assistant within techUK’s Public Sector Market Programmes, where she is responsible for delivering comprehensive team support, managing administrative functions, and fostering strong relationships with members.
Prior to joining techUK in May 2025, Fran built a meaningful career in the charitable and local government sectors. She worked extensively with both victims and perpetrators of crime, and notably led the coordination of Domestic Homicide Reviews across Surrey—an initiative aimed at identifying lessons and preventing future incidents of domestic abuse.
Outside of work, Fran is an avid traveller and a proud cat mum who enjoys unwinding with her feline companions.
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- [email protected]
- Website:
- www.techuk.org/
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesca-richiusa/
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Olivia Staples
Junior Programme Manager - Cyber Resilience, techUK
Olivia Staples joined techUK in May 2025 as a Junior Programme Manager in the Cyber Resilience team.
She supports the programs mission to promote cyber resilience by engaging key commercial and government stakeholders to shape the cyber resilience policy towards increased security and industry growth. Olivia assists in member engagement, event facilitation and communications support.
Before joining techUK, Olivia gained experience in research, advocacy, and strategic communications across several international organisations. At the Munich Security Conference, she supported stakeholder engagement and contributed to strategic communications. She also worked closely with local and national government stakeholders in Spain and Italy, where she was involved in policy monitoring and advocacy for both public and private sector clients.
Olivia holds an MSc in Political Science (Comparative Politics and Conflict Studies) from the London School of Economics (LSE) and a BA in Spanish and Latin American Studies from University College London (UCL).
Outside of tech, Olivia enjoys volunteering with local charities and learning Norwegian.
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- [email protected]
- Website:
- www.techuk.org/
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-staples-85119117a/
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Tracy Modha
Programme Marketing Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK
Tracy supports the marketing of several areas at techUK, including Cyber Exchange, Central Government, Cyber Resilience, Defence, Education, Health and Social Care, Justice and Emergency Services, Local Public Services, Nations and Regions and National Security.
Tracy joined techUK in March 2022, having worked in the education sector for 19 years, covering administration, research project support, IT support and event/training support. My most outstanding achievement has been running three very successful international conferences and over 300 training courses booked all over the globe!
Tracy has a great interest in tech. Gaming and computing have been a big part of her life, and now electric cars are an exciting look at the future. She has warmed to Alexa, even though it can sometimes be sassy!
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 02073312000
- Website:
- www.techuk.org
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracymodha83
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