What is Defence Cyber Certification (DCC), and what does it mean for organisations working in the UK defence supply chain?In this episode of The Briefing Room, we explain Defence Cyber Certification, the four DCC levels (0–3), how it compares with Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus, and what defence suppliers should know before applying.Host Karl Rees is joined by Colin Cusack, a DCC assessor at CDS Defence & Security, to break down the Ministry of Defence's cyber certification scheme into simple, understandable terms.Designed to strengthen cyber resilience across the UK defence supply chain, DCC provides organisations with a way to independently demonstrate that they meet the appropriate cyber security requirements for their work.We explore why the scheme was introduced, how assessments work, what evidence organisations need to provide, and why preparing early can make the certification process much easier.CDS Defence & Security is an approved DCC Level 1 Certification Body, authorised to assess and certify organisations at Levels 0 and 1.FIND OUT MORECDS Defence & Security – Defence Cyber Certification:https://www.cdsds.uk/news/cds-ds-becomes-a-defence-cyber-certification-dcc-level-1-certificate-bodyIASME – Defence Cyber Certification:https://iasme.co.uk/defence-cyber-certification/Official MOD Cyber Security Model guidance:https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cyber-security-modelCertification requirements and MOD expectations may change over time. Always check the latest official guidance and your contractual requirements.ABOUT THE BRIEFING ROOMThe Briefing Room is a podcast from CDS Defence & Security, where we break down complex topics across defence, cyber, engineering, training and security into simple, understandable conversations.Subscribe for more discussions with industry experts, practical insights and real-world experiences.#DefenceCyberCertification #CyberSecurity #DefenceSupplyChain #TheBriefingRoom #CDSDefenceSecurity

Uncover the truth behind the rapidly evolving world of cybersecurity!Join host Karl Rees as he dives deep into the dynamic landscape of cyber threats and opportunities with industry leaders Helen Pierce and Channelle Smyth. If you've ever wondered how to break into this exciting field or why it’s essential for everyone, not just IT professionals, to understand cybersecurity, this episode is a must-listen. In this episode, Helen and Chanelle share their unique journeys into cybersecurity, debunking the myth that it's solely a technical domain. With backgrounds in operations and management, they highlight the diverse roles available in the industry and the critical need for a broad range of skills. You’ll discover the importance of continuous learning in cybersecurity, the evolving nature of threats, and how anyone can find a place in this vital sector. We break down the various pathways into cybersecurity, emphasizing that there’s no single route to success. From apprenticeships to unconventional career shifts, Helen and Channelle discuss how diverse experiences enrich the cybersecurity landscape. They also touch on the pressing issue of underrepresentation in the field, particularly for women, and the initiatives being undertaken to create a more inclusive environment. Why does this matter? As cyberattacks become increasingly sophisticated and pervasive, understanding cybersecurity is no longer optional, it's essential for everyone. Helen and Chanelle illustrate how organizations are beginning to recognize that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, extending beyond IT departments into every facet of business. Perfect for aspiring cybersecurity professionals or anyone curious about the industry’s inner workings, this episode provides invaluable insights and inspiration. Tune in and equip yourself with the knowledge that could shape your career in one of the most critical fields of our time.Visit us at https://www.cdsds.uk/

In a world where human error is often blamed for failures, what if the real issue lies in the design itself? In this eye-opening episode of The Briefing Room, host Karl sits down with seasoned human factors expert Liz Hecht to explore the critical intersection of human behaviour and system design. Discover why integrating human factors from the outset is not just beneficial but essential for preventing costly mistakes and enhancing decision-making in high-stakes environments.

Liz brings over 20 years of experience in human factors design, sharing her insights on how thoughtful design can shield users from errors and improve operational efficiency. From evaluating the usability of medical devices to understanding the implications of design choices in military equipment, Liz reveals the intricate layers of human factors that can make or break a system. You’ll learn how seemingly minor design oversights can lead to catastrophic outcomes, and why organizations often overlook the value of human factors until it’s too late.

Perfect for engineers, designers, project managers, and anyone interested in improving systems for human use, this conversation is essential listening for those who want to create safer, more efficient environments. Tune in and learn how to transform your approach to design by putting people first, because when we understand human behaviour, we can create systems that truly work.

Visit us at https://www.cdsds.uk/

Become Cyber Essentials Certified today Cyber Essentials is often talked about in cyber security, defence, and supply chain conversations, but what does it actually mean?

In this episode of The Briefing Room, Karl Rees is joined by Michael Daly, Head of Technical Assurance at CDS Defence & Security and Cyber Essentials Plus Lead Assessor, to explain Cyber Essentials in simple, practical terms.

The conversation covers what Cyber Essentials is, why the scheme was created, the five core controls, the difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus, and why the certification matters for organisations of all sizes.

They also discuss why Cyber Essentials is particularly relevant across defence supply chains, where it can support contractual requirements while helping organisations build stronger cyber resilience.

This is The Briefing Room, a podcast where we break down complex topics across defence, cyber, and security into simple, understandable conversations.

Play our Stop & Search demo here - https://demo.cdsds.uk/police_stopandsearch_demo/story.html

Transform your view of e-learning from boring tick-box exercises to immersive, engaging experiences. In this episode of The Briefing Room, Karl Rees is joined by Austen from CDS Defence & Security’s Digital Learning Design team to explore gamified learning, serious games, and the creation of Ethical Edge, a safe-to-fail decision-making game developed with the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. The project went on to win Gold at the I/ITSEC Serious Games Showcase & Challenge Government Audience Award, recognising its approach to immersive, scenario-based learning.

This conversation is not just about making training more enjoyable. It’s about creating learning experiences that help people think, reflect, and respond better when it matters.

Watch more episodes of The Briefing Room for simple, understandable conversations across defence, cyber, security, engineering, and training.

This episode explores the complex world of insider threats and risks in cybersecurity, covering definitions, real-world scenarios, and mitigation strategies. Hosted by Karl, with expert Martin Nash, it provides insights into how organizations of all sizes can understand and manage insider risks effectively.

Key topics Covered in this episode:

• Definition of insider threats and risks
• Malicious vs accidental insider incidents
• Impact of insider threats in defence and government sectors
• Strategies for insider threat detection and mitigation
• Building a security-aware organizational culture

Learn more about our Cyber services here - Cyber Security & Information Assurance#cybersecurity #insiderthreat #insiderrisk #riskmanagement #securityculture #insiderthreats #bestpractice

This conversation delves into the intricacies of security clearances, exploring their importance, the processes involved in obtaining them, and the various types available. The discussion also addresses common myths surrounding clearances, the implications for family and friends, travel restrictions for clearance holders, and the future of security clearances in an evolving technological landscape. *Any information provided is available on public domains.*

Whether you’re new to defence, considering a role that requires clearance, or simply curious about how sensitive work is protected, this episode offers a rare and honest look at a process most people experience, but few truly understand.

*Any discussions around personal clearances are purely examples for the purpose of educating a wider audience and providing enhanced insight. CDS DS does not promote individuals' clearance levels.*

If you work in defence support, you’ve probably heard the term LSAR, but what actually is it?

In this episode of The Briefing Room, host Karl sits down with Graham Hill to demystify the Logistic Support Analysis Record: the data backbone that helps predict failures, plan maintenance, build technical publications, and even power digital twins.

From LCN structures to ARM data, from provisioning to modelling and simulation, this episode takes you through the entire journey of an LSAR and shows how it keeps complex platforms safe, supported and sustainable.

If you’ve ever wanted a clear, human explanation of LSARs… this is the one to watch.Visit us at www.cdsds.uk/solutions/capability-sustainment