Patrick Wake

Patrick has been the Global Head of Information Security at FDM Group for the last 5 years, having previously worked for the Ministry of Defence. 

With over a decade of experience in Information Security having worked in offensive security, governance and leadership, Patrick is currently responsible for the security strategy and posture at FDM Group, enabling a FTSE 250 company to respond efficiently to COVID-19 and securely move to remote working overnight.  

Patrick believes that the best way to protect an organisation is by focusing on its people, driving a positive culture and training staff as well as helping the next generation find their feet in the industry.

Patrick holds an MSc in Applied Computer Science amongst multiple Information Security accolades.

Patrick's current research is investigating the efficiency of common defensive controls and frameworks and comparing them to hackers' tactics, tools and procedures.  To better understand the weaknesses and strengths of well documented controls and international frameworks.

This research will highlight where time and energy are best spent and advise which proposed controls, standards, frameworks and policies to follow. 

This research has been recreating common attacks seen across various industry's and how recommended controls mitigate them.  The outcome of the study will provide data and recommendations that can be used across various industries.  

By investigate what attacks are most effective and what controls a business should focus on will uncover what value the organisation is seeing from current controls in place. 

It will also allow the reader to understand the value of common standards that “seem” to be required to prove a gold standard in Cyber Security, such as ISO:27001, NIST 800 and Cyber Essentials. 

The research aims to protect smaller businesses from identifying and mitigating security risks and helping the industry grow by saving time and money and providing more value from their IT and security functions.

Other Research Interests 

• Automated Penetration Testing
• Web Application Security
• Security Operations 
• Advanced Persistent Threats