The Azure Outage - An Error of Code or an Act of Cyber Warfare?

03/11/25 06:00 Filed in: Technology | Business

Just hours before Microsoft's earnings call, a massive Azure outage took down services globally. Was it a sophisticated cyber-attack, or something far simpler?

In this episode of the Inspiring Tech Leaders podcast, I look at what caused the Azure Front Door problem.

Listen in to learn more about:

💡 The root cause of the Azure Outage.
💡 How Microsoft maintained its financial momentum and managed the narrative despite the massive disruption.
💡 The data that shows most major outages are internal technical failures, but also the critical, growing trend of disruption as a primary cyber-tactic.

For every IT and security leader, this incident is a powerful case study in modern digital resilience. When systems fail, we need to understand if it’s an error of code, or perhaps an act of cyber warfare.

What are your thoughts? Do you think the public and media are too quick to assume a cyber-attack? Let me know in the comments.

Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | All major podcast platforms

100th Episode Special - Sarah Armstrong-Smith, Chief Security Advisor at Microsoft, on Building a Strong Security Culture

01/10/25 06:00 Filed in: Technology | Business

We've hit 100 episodes! To celebrate this incredible achievement, the Inspiring Tech Leaders podcast is thrilled to bring you a truly special guest, the phenomenal Sarah Armstrong-Smith!

For the landmark 100th episode, I sit down with Sarah Armstrong-Smith, the Chief Security Advisor at Microsoft. Sarah is a true luminary in the cybersecurity world, renowned for her expertise in protecting digital landscapes, guiding organisations through complex cyber threats, and championing robust security cultures. This is an episode you absolutely cannot miss!

In this incredible discussion, Sarah shares unparalleled insights on:

💡 Her remarkable career journey and the spark that ignited her passion for cybersecurity.
💡 The critical challenges organisations face in today's rapidly evolving digital world.
💡 The indispensable human element in cybersecurity and actionable steps to cultivate a strong security culture.
💡 Strategies to mitigate the most significant cybersecurity risks businesses encounter.
💡 The dynamic evolution of AI and machine learning in both cyberattacks and defence.
💡 Crafting a robust business continuity plan for an interconnected world.
💡 Breaking down barriers to diversity and inclusion in tech, especially within cybersecurity.
💡 The single most crucial lesson learned throughout her illustrious career.

Sarah Armstrong-Smith is not only a Microsoft leader but also a prolific author of insightful books like 'Understand the Cyber Attacker Mindset' and 'Effective Crisis Management', a dynamic public speaker, and a passionate advocate for a more diverse and inclusive tech industry. Her profound knowledge in cybersecurity strategy, business continuity, and crisis management makes her an invaluable voice and this conversation an absolute must-listen for all tech professionals and aspiring leaders.

Tune into this monumental 100th episode and gain insights that will empower you to navigate and protect our digital future with confidence.

Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | All major podcast platforms