Cybersecurity, Crises, and COVID-19 - The Zero Trust Solution
Zero Trust, as the name implies, is a security model where everything inside or outside an organization is initially treated as a threat. Nothing is granted access to organizational resources until it builds (and maintains) trust. The Zero Trust philosophy is attributed to John Kindervag, a former principal analyst at Forrester Research Inc., who coined the term in 2010.This framework solves the problem of securing every location and device used by remote employees by assuming they are untrusted by default.
Employees and new devices can connect to business infrastructure, but until they perform steps establishing their trustworthiness, their access is safely limited. Trust (and greater access) can be granted through a series of quick, non-intrusive measures commonly used today: two-factor authentication, security questions, etc. Once necessary access is granted, the user and connected device(s) are continuously monitored to ensure nothing suspicious occurs. The process sounds like it would be intrusive and resource-intensive, but AI makes achieving an almost frictionless Zero Trust security posture possible.
Ensuring that third-party apps and OEM software on BYOD devices is secure is another monumental task achievable through a Zero Trust framework. Work resources are relatively easy to monitor and protect within the business environment, but what happens when they are transferred to insecure BYOD devices? Implementing a secure gateway with IP layer security optimized for mobile and low power devices can protect employee browsing and internal communications. Devices using the gateway can be sheltered from malicious URLs, dangerous apps, and phishing campaigns.
Disasters, both natural and manmade, inevitably place a heavy burden upon organizations while creating opportunities for malicious actors. Businesses, however, do not have to operate at a perpetual disadvantage. Implementing a Zero Trust framework for remote workers and BYOD devices can eliminate or reduce many successful tactics threat actors deploy in times of crisis.
Jill Broom
Jill Broom
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.
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- [email protected]
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- www.techuk.org/
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- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-broom-19aa824
Annie Collings
Annie Collings
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/
Francesca Richiusa
Francesca Richiusa
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/
Tracy Modha
Tracy Modha
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!
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- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 02073312000
- Website:
- www.techuk.org
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracymodha83