Building Cybersecurity Resilience: A Conversation with Shane Bell from NSB Cyber
Cybersecurity resilience is more than just a buzzword; it’s a critical component of modern business strategy. But what does it really mean, and how can businesses truly achieve it? Shane Bell, a cybersecurity expert and one of the Founders and driving forces behind NSB Cyber, shared his insights during a recent interview, offering a deeper understanding of what it takes to build a resilient organisation in the face of evolving threats.
From Military Roots to Cyber Resilience
Shane’s journey into cybersecurity began in the military, where he was accustomed to handling high-stakes crisis situations. This experience naturally led him into the world of digital forensics and incident response (DFIR), where he has spent nearly two decades helping organisations navigate the aftermath of cyber incidents.
“When you’re in the middle of a crisis, the stakes couldn’t be higher. That’s where I honed my skills, dealing with real-time threats and understanding how critical resilience is,” Shane told us during the interview. His hands-on experience in cyber response and recovery has shaped his approach to cybersecurity, shifting from reactive firefighting to building proactive managed cybersecurity strategies.
Overcoming ‘Paralysis by Analysis’
One of the most common pitfalls Shane sees in the field is what he calls ‘paralysis by analysis’. He explained, “Organisations can get so bogged down in evaluating every possible threat and security measure that they end up taking no action at all. This kind of indecision is just as dangerous as not having a strategy in the first place.”
This issue is particularly challenging for smaller businesses with limited resources. Shane emphasises that strong leadership is crucial: “Boards and executives need to drive a clear message that cybersecurity is non-negotiable and ensure that decisions are being made promptly.”
The Role of Proactive Planning
When asked about the key components of a robust cybersecurity strategy, Shane was quick to emphasise the importance of clarity and continuous improvement. “A strategy needs to be more than just a document sitting on a shelf. It should be a living, breathing roadmap that’s continuously refined and adjusted to meet the organisation’s evolving risk landscape.”
He added that while advanced technologies play a role in execution, they’re not a silver bullet. “You can have all the cutting-edge tools in the world, but without proper planning and a solid foundation, they won’t be effective.”
Training: The Human Element in Cyber Defence
“Humans are the front line of defence,” Shane pointed out, highlighting the critical role of employee training. He stressed the need for building a cyber-aware culture where every employee understands the importance of cybersecurity and knows how to act when faced with potential threats.
“This isn’t something you can just tick off with a one-time training session. It requires ongoing education and a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility,” Shane noted.
NSB Cyber’s Approach: Simplicity and Action
At NSB Cyber, Shane and his team focus on making cybersecurity straightforward and actionable. “In my 18 years of consulting, I’ve seen many firms claim to have the best experience, but when you dig deeper, their expertise often lacks depth,” Shane said.
He explained that NSB Cyber avoids overcomplicating things and instead focuses on core specialist services where they have deep expertise. “Our goal is to build long-term partnerships with our clients, providing them with outcome-focused services that don’t get bogged down in unnecessary complexity. This is what managed cyber resilience at NSB Cyber means: delivering clear, straightforward solutions that help businesses thrive in the face of cyber threats.”
Preparing for Future Cyber Threats
Looking ahead, Shane identifies three emerging trends that businesses must prepare for: digital supply chain risks, modern detection and monitoring approaches, and the weaponisation of AI by next-generation threat actors. “These challenges are going to require a new level of preparedness and adaptability,” he warned.
With their proactive managed cybersecurity approach, NSB Cyber ensures that organisations are forward-thinking in their cybersecurity measures, helping them to refine their defences, stay ahead of emerging threats, and adapt to the evolving digital landscape.
Final Thoughts: Simple Plans for Tough Days
As our conversation wrapped up, Shane left us with a final piece of advice: “True resilience isn’t about having a plan for the good days; it’s about being ready for when things go wrong. Keep your cybersecurity strategy simple, focus on execution, and always be prepared to adapt.”
Whether through proactive managed cybersecurity, rigorous training, or strategic planning, NSB Cyber is there to help businesses navigate the complex world of cyber threats. As Shane Bell aptly put it, “Cybersecurity is serious. But it doesn’t have to be scary.”
Cybersecurity resilience isn’t just a buzzword; it’s your organisation’s most vital asset. NSB Cyber’s hands-on expertise ensures your business is prepared for whatever comes next. Don’t wait for a crisis; book an introductory meeting and start building your resilience today.
