The 20th century ushered in profound transformations in the way risk was understood, assessed, and managed. With advances in computing, mathematics, and statistics, risk management evolved into a distinct discipline, influencing fields ranging from finance and engineering to insurance and regulatory policy. This essay explores the major developments in 20th-century risk management, focusing on key […] The post The 20th Century: The Age of Modern Risk Management appeared first on Horkan ..read more

Conway Hall in London has been a cornerstone of humanist thought, secular ethics, and progressive culture since 1929. As the home of the world’s oldest surviving freethought organisation, it has hosted generations of thinkers, activists, and musicians, from George Orwell to modern-day philosophers. This article explores the rich history, architectural significance, cultural impact, and enduring […] The post Conway Hall: A Sanctuary for Free Thought, Humanism, and Intellectual Progress appeared first on Horkan ..read more

A first-hand reflection on the UK Cyber Security Council’s recent “The Journey to Professionalisation” event at Conway Hall, exploring the ongoing professionalisation of the cyber security sector. Highlights include the expansion of recognised specialisms, the development of the UK Cyber Skills Framework, and discussions on AI, early-career challenges, and the need for a more inclusive, […] The post Professionalising Cyber: Reflections from Conway Hall appeared first on Horkan ..read more

The Industrial Revolution, spanning the late 18th and 19th centuries, marked a seismic shift in human history. This period of rapid technological advancement, urbanization, and industrialization brought with it both opportunities and unprecedented challenges. As societies grappled with the complexity of large-scale infrastructure projects, mechanized production, and financial markets, the quantification of risk became an […] The post The Industrial Revolution: Quantification Meets Engineering appeared first on Horkan ..read more

Cloud computing has become the backbone of modern technology, powering everything from streaming services and apps to enterprise infrastructure. It promises flexibility, cost savings, and scalability that were unimaginable a decade ago. But like any hyped technology, cloud computing is surrounded by its fair share of misconceptions, overpromises, and, yes, bollocks. Welcome to the twentieth […] The post More Cloud Computing Bollocks: Myths, Missteps, and Overblown Claims appeared first on Horkan ..read more

The Enlightenment, spanning the 17th and 18th centuries, was a transformative period in intellectual and scientific history. During this era, humanity began to apply rational thought, empirical observation, and mathematical rigor to address questions of uncertainty and risk. The formalization of risk assessment emerged as a critical outcome of this intellectual revolution, driven by advancements […] The post The Enlightenment: Formalizing Risk Assessment appeared first on Horkan ..read more

St. Patrick’s Day has always been more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a time for gathering, for stories, for laughter, and for remembering. Over the years, I’ve celebrated many a St. Patrick’s Day. And many of those at the Village Maid pub in Handsworth, once a place filled with music, laughter, and […] The post Happy St. Patrick’s Day 2025 – Remembering Old Friends and Goodbye to Anne Marie Davies appeared first on Horkan ..read more

Throughout this series, we’ve explored every stage of the exit process, from understanding the basics of an exit strategy to maximizing value during negotiations. Each article has delved into the nuances of preparation, industry dynamics, and strategic decision-making, all aimed at empowering you to achieve a smooth and successful exit. This final article brings it […] The post Exit Strategy 12: Summary and Bringing It All Together: Your Roadmap to a Successful Exit appeared first on Horkan ..read more

This virtual book is a guide to the entrepreneurial journey, drawn from real-world experiences in cyber startups. It distils insights from my time on the NCSC for Startups accelerator (cohort 13, 2023), the DSIT Cyber Runway Scale programme (2024/2025), and my mentoring on DSIT’s Cyber ASAP programme. It’s a collection of lessons, reflections, and hard-earned […] The post Scaling Cyber: A Startup Founder’s Journey from Idea to Exit appeared first on Horkan ..read more

The Ides of March is a fitting time to reflect on betrayal, resilience, and the realities of UK cybersecurity. In the past two weeks, I’ve balanced DSIT’s Cyber Local funding process, chaired the West Midlands Cyber Working Group (WM CWG), led two funding bids, scaled one startup in a brutal funding climate, and booted up […] The post The Ides of March: Reflections on Cyber, Startups, and Scaling Innovation appeared first on Horkan ..read more