About Us | Cyber London

Innovation through Collaboration

Our Strategy

To achieve our vision, we have developed a 2030 strategy that is aligned with the National Cyber Strategy and the strategic objectives of UKC3. Under each pillar are a set of activities which inform our business plan.

Innovation

Skills

Community

We will support London's cyber security eco-system to become a world-leader in innovation and sustainability.

We will develop strategic partnerships to deliver growth and attract inward investment.

We will create a knowledge hub for international collaboration, learning and information sharing.

We will support Londoners to develop the skills for tomorrow.

We will promote initiatives aimed at addressing the cybersecurity skills gap.

We will ensure London has the best talent available to tackle current and future cyber threats.

We will build a strong and forward-thinking community that is passionate about innovation.

We will connect organisations across London to develop and maintain a healthy ecosystem.

We will host regular events, seminars and forums to provide the community with the knowledge and skills they need to grow.

Our Strategic Outcomes

London recognised as a global leader in cyber security innovation.

Increased foreign investment in London's cyber ecosystem.

Skills gap reduced.

Londoners have the skills needed to embrace new technology.

London is less vulnerable to cyber-attacks.

London has a vibrant, connected and healthy cyber ecosystem with strategic partnerships across the globe.

Meet the Team

Co-Founder

Professor Raj Muttukrishnan

Professor Rajarajan (Raj) is the founding Director of the Centre for Cyber Security for Society at City University of London.

Raj’s expertise is in the areas of identity management, Cloud Security, network security, privacy enhancing technologies and IoT security. Raj has led several cyber security and privacy related research and commercialisation projects in the UK and internationally.

He has published more than 350 conference and journal papers, four books and hold four international patents in the area of data privacy, continuous authentication, IoT security and cloud security. He continues to work closely with many deep tech start-ups by translating his fundamental research into commercial security products.

He is a Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), advisory board member of the Chartered Institute of Information Security and also a Visiting Scientist at the British Telecommunications Cyber Security labs, Ipswich, UK

Co-Founder

Izak Oosthuizen

Izak Oosthuizen is a London IT thought leader, entrepreneur, and cybersecurity specialist. He is a member of the Entrepreneur's Organisation London and was nominated for the prestigious UKTech50 award in 2022.

Izak holds several IT qualifications – including various Microsoft, Checkpoint and VMware certifications. Combined with his 20-plus years of experience in IT, and management qualifications from the London School of Business & Finance and Cranfield School of Management, he appreciates that IT drives growth but also comes with associated security risks.

In 2006, Izak founded Zhero, a London-headquartered end-to-end business cybersecurity and IT support company for SMEs. Zhero is a Microsoft Gold partner providing tailored risk mitigation, cybersecurity, cloud, IT support, consultancy, and professional services to many industry sectors. Zhero has worked with a diverse range of brilliant minds and institutions such as WeWork, Giorgio Armani, Energy UK, Edmond De Rothschild, the Federation of Master Builders, City, University of London and Dimension Data.

In November 2023, Izak published his latest Amazon best-seller, You Don’t Need a £1 Million Cybersecurity Budget. The book, which focuses on how SMEs can affordably enhance their cybersecurity resilience and cyber hygiene, peaked at number one in the United Kingdom and the United States, making Izak an international best-selling author. Izak has also previously co-authored two best-selling IT books, ‘Adapt and Overcome’ and ‘Cybersecurity NOW’, also available on Amazon. These are essential reads for navigating the ever-changing worlds of cybersecurity, remote working, and the digitised workplace. His insights have also been featured in The Economist, UK Computer Weekly and other prominent publications.

Co-Founder

Mark Child

Mark is an experienced CEO founding and launching several successful Business Consultancies comprising of national and international customers with complex global environments and cultural nuances.

Mark has a passion for technology and security safeguarding and delivers first-class Information and Cybersecurity solutions. With a proven record of defining effective strategy, implementing risk and control frameworks and methodologies, and leading teams to successful delivery, Mark’s roots lie in Information Security, Technology Risk Management, Data Privacy and Legal and Regulatory Compliance.

Mark has supported leading academic institutions with research into emerging cyber threats and
contributed towards the development of internationally recognised Cybersecurity Standards. A noted subject matter expert, he is an experienced conference speaker and guest lecturer.

Mark is a strong and inspirational leader who influences internal and external stakeholders, motivates staff, and fosters a positive working environment. He believes in equality and diversity and is passionate about coaching and upskilling. He also guides and advises customers and partners on risk and compliance to allow them to safeguard their organisations.

Co-Founder

Simon Newman

Simon is currently the CEO of the Cyber Resilience Centre for London – a not-for-profit organisation that helps businesses and charities reduce their vulnerability to common cyber threats.

He has previously held a number of senior management roles across the public sector in the both the UK and abroad including at the Home Office where he was Programme Director for the National Police Air Service and as a Strategic Advisor to Abu Dhabi Police in the United Arab Emirates.

Simon also works as an Associate for Total Politics (formerly Dods Training) specialising in policy and strategy.

Outside of work, Simon is the Chair of Governors for two schools in Cambridgeshire and a link Governor for online safety.

He was recently appointed an Honorary Visiting Fellow at City, University of London

Co-Founder

Paresh Deshmukh

Paresh is a visionary Leader with a proven track record in driving organisational growth, fostering innovation, and delivering exceptional results across diverse industries.

Paresh started Baseel Group in 2012, focusing on all cybersecurity and data protection areas. The Group is helping customers across 100-plus countries and has group entities in 8 countries. Baseel Group has also recently expanded rapidly in the Middle East.

As a passionate serial entrepreneur with significant experience in launching and scaling successful ventures across diverse industries, with a relentless drive for innovation and a keen eye for market opportunities, he brings disruptive ideas to life. He builds high-growth businesses from the ground up. He fosters collaborative teams, forges strategic partnerships, and delivers exceptional value to customers and stakeholders.

Paresh is a motivated philanthropist dedicated to making a positive difference in the world. With a solid commitment to social impact and community empowerment, he leverages resources, expertise, and network to support initiatives that drive meaningful change and address pressing societal challenges. He believes in the power of collaboration and innovation to create a more equitable and sustainable future for all. His current focus includes:

Founder and Director of Global CISO Society, aiming to bring Cyber professionals and organisations together.

Founder and chairperson of Maulee Foundation, a charity working on Social causes across ASIA, Africa, and Europe.