After 20+ years in Silicon Valley, where I led global teams at Lucent, Altera, and LSI and ran a $400 million sales and marketing organisation, I went on to grow a Silicon Valley startup to over $100 million in global revenue.I founded Primotech, a London-based advisory and growth partner, to bridge a clear gap in how cutting-edge technology companies enter and expand in the UK and European markets.Primotech helps high-potential cybersecurity, fintech, AI, and quantum firms win major enterprise projects, secure flagship logos, and build long-term relationships across financial services, telco, and data-centre sectors.We’ve achieved major wins with leading organisations including JP Morgan Chase, Barclays, Bloomberg, NYSE/ICE, LSEG, Vodafone, BT, Morgan Stanley, and BAE Systems, helping over 20 emerging vendors establish reference customers, channel partnerships, and seven-figure pipelines.Since 2023, I also run Cyber &amp; Beats, an invite-only roundtable series in London for CISOs and CTOs. The format provides early access to game-changing technologies, credible peer insights, and meaningful conversations under Chatham House rules. Senior leaders explore topics such as AI in security, regulatory change, human risk, and real-world enterprise strategy.For CISOs and CTOs:I offer early access to emerging technologies before mainstream adoption. Whether you want to benchmark, explore new ideas, or stay ahead of the curve, I connect you with credible insights and trusted peers — without sales pressure.For Founders and Growth Teams:I help you break into complex enterprise environments, secure strategic pilots, navigate long sales cycles, and close high-value deals with the right senior sponsors.With deep networks across the UK, Europe, the US, and China, I bring together the right leaders, ideas, and opportunities — enabling innovation to scale faster and more effectively.

Steve Dodsworth

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) reports that the UK faces a severe cyber attack problem since they now track four major incidents weekly, which represents a 129% increase from last year.

The increase in cyber attacks stems from nation-state actors and criminal groups who use advanced persistent threat tactics, which makes cybersecurity a critical survival factor for businesses.

The NCSC demands that organisations enhance their security systems by implementing basic protection measures because they must take immediate action to defend against the growing cyber threats.

Read more in this article: https://heyor.ca/yffbQt

#CyberSecurity #NCSC #CyberAttack #UKCyberThreats

Advisor and Business Partner — Driving Innovation & Growth | Silicon Valley Veteran | Helping CEOs, CISOs & CTOs in Fintech, Cyber, AI, Quantum | Co-founder Cyber&Beats Roundtable | * Award-Winning Film Producer

Open article: UK cyber attacks surge 129%: 4 major incidents weekly by heyor.ca

UK cyber attacks surge 129%: 4 major incidents weekly

The countdown to Black Hat Europe 2025 is officially on — and it’s great to have it right here in London, 8–11 December.

I’ll be there all week, and I’d love to catch up with the many CISOs, cyber leaders, founders, and sponsors who joined our Cyber & Beats roundtables throughout 2025.
If you’re attending, let’s grab a coffee, reconnect, and swap notes on what’s coming next in AI, security, and the changing risk landscape.

You can easily book a time with me here:
👉 https://lnkd.in/enQ2PZaH  

Looking forward to seeing familiar faces — and meeting new ones — at #BHEU.
#cybersecurity #CyberAndBeats  #LondonTec

In​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ the recent Annual Meetings of the Global Future Councils in Dubai, a panel of top cybersecurity experts met to discuss the evolving threats resulting from AI-driven cybercrime.

The talks were focused on the immediate requirement of worldwide collaboration and fresh tactics, and the experts were of the opinion that the saving of the digital world will be made of resistance, trust, and flexible administration.

Since AI is making cyber attacks more advanced and more frequent, it is evident that focusing on strengthening cybersecurity should remain as a priority for both governments and businesses.

For more information, click here: https://heyor.ca/no9Yax 

#Cybersecurity #AIDrivenThreats #GlobalFutureCouncils #DigitalWorld

Open article: Building cyber resilience in the AI era - and other cybersecurity news by heyor.ca

Building cyber resilience in the AI era - and other cybersecurity news

Big​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Sleep, a cybersecurity AI from Google, has figured out that there are 5 very serious security holes in Apple's Safari browser's WebKit component.

As a result, Apple has made quick changes to fix those security holes. Those security holes could become causes of browser crashes or memory corruptions if hackers take advantage of them, so the need for secure software development is even more evident.

Device owners should be really keen on making sure that their devices are running the newest software versions so as to be safe from such eventualities.

Find out more in this article: https://heyor.ca/yOkyQ6

#BigSleepAI #Cybersecurity #GoogleAI #AppleSecurity

Open article: Google's AI 'Big Sleep' Finds 5 New Vulnerabilities in Apple's Safari WebKit by thehackernews.com

Google's AI 'Big Sleep' Finds 5 New Vulnerabilities in Apple's Safari WebKit

As the end of 2025 draws near, UK small firms will be faced with a stark choice: concentrate on survival, or growth.

Cost pressures and the rising expenses of doing business have caused almost 60% of small business owners to focus on managing costs, but there are opportunities to scale, for example in technology and online retailing.

Digital transformation and sustainability will be key for those who want to go forward, as companies respond to evolving consumer expectations and work to create a resilient platform for growth.

Learn more here: https://heyor.ca/M4gAU1

#UKSmallFirms #BusinessGrowth #CostManagement #DigitalTransformation

Open article: Small Business Trends in the UK: Survival or Scale in 2025? - The UK Times by theuktimes.co.uk

Small Business Trends in the UK: Survival or Scale in 2025? - The UK Times

Transhumanism is being increasingly referred to as the country seeks to assert its leadership in AI and other frontier technologies.

It advocates for using tech to fundamentally change human abilities and is laying out the blueprints for research and government initiatives, but isn't getting much traction from the general public.

Transparency and accountability in the public eye are necessary to make sure the moral implications of these high-stakes technologies are considered.

For more information, click here: https://heyor.ca/GGTGIe 

#Transhumanism #AILeadership #FrontierTechnologies #HumanEnhancement

Open article: Transhumanism is quietly influencing UK tech policy by heyor.ca

Transhumanism is quietly influencing UK tech policy

According to reports, the UK’s critical systems have been compromised in what is being called the world’s first AI-driven cyberattack.

This incident has the potential to shatter the trust in the sectors that provide necessary services to the people and, therefore, it has been a call for all public and private entities to implement strong security measures in their infrastructures.

To be on the safe side, these organisations have to implement a defence strategy that comprises of several layers of security, each digging deep into the next one, so that they are able to resist cyber incidents of this nature in the future.

Learn more here: https://heyor.ca/Mk2q5f

#AIDrivenCyberattack #CyberSecurity #UKCriticalSystems #InfrastructureSecurity

Open article: UK’s infrastructure cyber resilience questioned after first AI-orchestrated attack confirmed | New Civil Engineer by newcivilengineer.com

UK’s infrastructure cyber resilience questioned after first AI-orchestrated attack confirmed | New Civil Engineer

AI adoption is accelerating — but only organisations with the right guardrails can deploy GenAI safely and at speed. I’m working across the UK with CISOs, CTOs and AI-first teams to help them do exactly that. Scott Petty’s approach captures the shift perfectly.

This week, I had the privilege of speaking at the Microsoft CIO Summit in San Francisco, themed “Becoming Frontier.” Together with 250 industry leading CIOs, we explored best practices and discussed how AI is reshaping our industry, including transforming the security landscape and introducing both new opportunities and risks. I was proud to share Vodafone’s AI adoption journey of connecting everyone and driving real transformation through innovation.
 
Vodafone’s AI journey began with clear business objectives: simplify work, enhance customer experience, and unlock innovation at scale. When AI is used in the correct way within a robust framework and clear policies, it becomes a true game changer. Generative AI is now embedded in Vodafone’s core operations, from customer care to network management and software development, delivering measurable improvements in efficiency, satisfaction, and productivity.
 
By building on a strong foundation of architecture, platforms, governance, partnerships, and people, we’re accelerating innovation and unlocking new products and revenue streams. Our approach delivers operational excellence and better service, fundamentally transforming how we work and serve our customers.
 
When my colleague Silvia Neumann, Digital Experience Design & Engagement Manager, presented our real-life examples of Copilot deployment, she emphasised that success depends on staying curious and creative. It also requires matching business challenges with outcomes that create real value for customers, removing barriers, tracking and sharing experiences, and making AI part of our daily conversation. I echo these transformational steps. 
 
As we continue our journey, I’m excited to keep learning, experimenting, and sharing best practices with my peers so together we can shape technology that benefits society.
 
#GenAI #DigitalTransformation #Vodafone

2025 has experienced an unprecedented increase in cybercrime, with small businesses being easy targets.

Notable trends include shrinking cybersecurity budgets in the face of growing attack counts, greater AI use for defenders and attackers, and some surprising tactics like deepfakes being used in scams.

Challenging organisations is a complex threat landscape, amplified by a growing skills gap, and driven by an environment requiring increased global collaboration. Stronger public-private partnerships are needed to address these challenges and build resilience. 

Find out more in this article: https://heyor.ca/gL7Ml8

#Cybercrime2025 #SmallBusinessSecurity #CybersecurityTrends #AIInCybersecurity

Open article: Cybersecurity awareness: AI threats and cybercrime in 2025 by heyor.ca

Cybersecurity awareness: AI threats and cybercrime in 2025

TechUK is hosting an event for members to discover how local government technology will look in the coming years, especially with a transformative 2026 ahead.

The 60-minute webinar aims to showcase the digital milestones of the past year and discuss how the Local Government Reorganisation will affect the area, including a keynote from Tiffany St James, the first Chief AI Officer.

So, be sure to attend this event, where you can have a great time with other members, anticipate upcoming trends, and plan the councils of tomorrow!

Read more in this article: https://heyor.ca/DHY1yC

#TechUKEvent #LocalGovernmentTech #DigitalMilestones #AIInnovation

Open article: Future gazing: where next for local gov tech in 2026? webinar by techuk.org

Future gazing: where next for local gov tech in 2026? webinar

According​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ to the latest report from Gartner, major developments in AI innovation, security issues, and operational changes will be very tightly interwoven in 2026, requiring enterprises to change swiftly.

Among the essential trends are AI supercomputing platforms, multi-agent systems, and domain-specific language models, which not only foresee a substantial impact on the organisation's function but also the facilitation of efficiency and compliance.

While firms transition through these evolutions, attention to governance, workforce collaboration, and security engagement will be vital for endurance and prosperity.

See more here: https://heyor.ca/7EjKfE

#AIInnovation #SecurityIssues #OperationalChanges #AISupercomputing

Open article: Gartner's 2026 tech trends show reshaping of enterprise strategy - TechHQ by heyor.ca

Gartner's 2026 tech trends show reshaping of enterprise strategy - TechHQ

Matt Dangerfield

Experienced C-Suite Executive and Technology Leader.
International track record in strategy, transformation, and innovation across Financial Services, FinTech, Capital Markets, Real Estate, Telecoms, Internet, Technology Services and E-Business.

Governance & Strategy Expertise
Over thirty years’ experience leading organisations through the full business lifecycle — from start-up and scale-up, through transformation and hyper-growth, to merger and acquisition. Operated as consultant and in-house  CISO, CTO, COO and Director, delivering measurable business value and sustainable technology advantage.

Recognised Innovator
Proven history of originating and delivering breakthrough solutions — from nanosecond trading platforms and FPGA-based innovations to decentralised finance ecosystems, digital identity architectures, and next-generation observability. Frequent speaker and thought leader across industry forums.

Core Skills & Expertise

Technology Vision & Strategy
Information Security, IS Governance & Risk Management
Enterprise & Solution Architecture
Business Process Re-engineering & Multi-year Roadmaps
Organisation Design, Alignment & Change Management
Global IT Service & Delivery (Hybrid / On-Prem / Cloud)
Datacentre & High-Performance Computing (HPC) Planning
Cybersecurity, Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity
Outsourcing, Vendor & Compliance Management
Budgeting, Planning & Negotiation at Board Level
Open Source Solutions
TradFi, CeFi & DeFi Architecture and Integration
Project & Programme Management (Agile / Hybrid)
Software & Infrastructure Innovation

CTO & CISO 

Developing and implementing security policies and procedures: As a CISO, I am responsible for creating and implementing security policies and procedures that help protect our organisation from cyber threats. This includes creating guidelines for access control, data protection, and incident response.

As a CTO (Chief Technology Officer), My role is a crucial one that involves overseeing all the technological aspects of EXMO. I am responsible for developing and implementing the technology strategy in line with the company's overall vision and goals.

What follows is my personal account of a call that strongly appeared to be a scam. If the real “Adnan Ilyas” or the real company “Block8” ever reads this, please be aware that someone may be impersonating you. I may be wrong, but as the saying goes

“If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck… it’s probably a duck.”

“Meeting With a Scammer” – Minutes & Highlights

Just has this call with "Adnan Llyas" CTO @ Block8 | Director or Engineering - If the real "Adnan" reads this or if there is a company called "block8" then you are being used in a scam. 

Comedy Summary of What Just Happened


You hop on a call expecting professionalism, and instead you’re greeted by

 “Hello? Can you hear me? Hell—lo? LO? HE—”
 …and then nothing but static, lag, and broken English held together with duct tape.

This guy’s WiFi is powered by the wind.

He keeps insisting your internet is the problem — even though he’s buffering like a 2002 YouTube video.

Then he hits you with

 “Give GitHub name. I invite you. Share screen. DOWNLOAD MY CODE NOW.”

 Like some sort of bargain-bin Bond villain.
He won’t show his face.
He can’t hold a connection.
He wants you to run mysterious crypto code from a stranger on your actual machine.

And the “project explanation” is something like

“This is our very epic product of staking rivers flow and token utility that validates tough ecosystem logic.”

Mate… that isn’t a sentence. That’s AI-generated garbage.

You calmly reply with the voice of someone who has seen scams before breakfast:

“Err… no. I’m not running random code from a guy who sounds like he’s calling from a submarine.”

He tries again
“We go through project together. We have technical meeting. Then financial meeting.”

 Financial meeting?

Bro, your internet can’t survive 10 seconds… what financial meeting are you hosting?

Finally you hit him with the truth

 “This feels dodgy as hell, mate.”

he hangs up..

Fractional Group CTO & CISO | Capital Markets, FinTech & RegTech | Board-Level Technology, Cyber Risk & Infrastructure Strategy | AI, DLT, Low-Latency Systems

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