CREST Security Operations Centre (SOC) Focus Group

A seasoned IT professional and business manager with broad technical skills in IT, programming and security.

As Co-Founder of NetWorks (UK) Limited in 1994, I oversaw the growth of the company’s technical and commercial operations including a revers acquisition to become ML Integration prior to its sale to C&W in 2000.

iSimile was developed in a similar way and was recognised as a leading supplier of Security Information Management solutions in the UK, helping organisations with their security architecture by providing best of breed security software.

Now based in the Czech Republic, I lead Security Operations for Accenture’s Prague Cyber Fusion Centre, delivering security services to clients across Europe.

My background includes a variety of business sectors and roles across both offensive and defensive security disciplines, which allows me to have a well-rounded view. During my career I have witnessed how different company’s view security and how their needs are ever evolving, yet the resources they have to tackle those issues are lacking. I have also helped people and companies plan their path in Cyber Security.

Aneesh Jayakumar is a seasoned professional with over 16 years of experience in the field of information technology and cyber security. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Cochin University of Science and Technology, in India. Aneesh is currently working as SOC Manager, India Operations in Cyberproof and has played a key role in several successful projects, contributing to the growth and success of the organization.

Jed spearheads the cyber practice at Claranet, with roots in penetration testing, red teaming, and offensive security management. Having worked at several CREST member companies, he has developed and implemented pentesting and red teaming programs for numerous global organisations. Jed is dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity strategies in collaboration with CREST and its members. He is deeply interested in the integration of generative AI and machine learning into existing processes, aiming to provide customers with a more enriched and insightful service. He is currently leading in-house projects that incorporate generative AI into the scoping process.

I have worked as a SOC analyst for both National Grid and Capgemini, I then spent time working in incident management for 02 Telefonica. Most recently until present I have been working as a senior analyst for Socura and am soon to be moving into the position of SOC manager.

Throughout these roles I have used a large number of security tools and been heavily involved in the creation of work processes and recently also automations to improve analyst efficiency.

Iraklis is currently the Chief of Service Delivery for Obrela Security Industries. He is responsible for supporting Obrela’s Resilience Operation Centers that provide Obrela’s MDR service to enterprise organizations across the globe. He has previously held Global Cyber roles in the UK and Greece and specialises in providing assurance across a diverse set of industries and geographies

Ramesh has more than 20 years’ experience in IT, managing large technology operations from endpoint management to distributed network. He has designed and built data centres and complex technology environments which include the management of Information Security and Cyber Security. Ramesh played a pivotal role in the setup of Vigilant Asia as an MDR player in Malaysia and was responsible for the end-to-end business and technical setup of the SOC operations.

As the Director of Managed Security at Bridewell Consulting, I have the role of developing the defensive and offensive teams. During my time at Bridewell I have focused on maturing security operations, achieving the CREST SOC accreditation and driving a culture of performance and continual learning whilst doubling the size of the SOC.

Prior to Bridewell I have bridged security and technology as CTO of UK Mid-market organisations, focusing on cloud and applications transformations.

Throughout my career I have been a leader of technology and security disciplines, building successful, large operational practices.