Cyber security specialist Professor Buck Rogers has relied on coffee to get him through long night shifts over the years. Which is why the former Head of Cyber for the Bank of England is launching a coffee brand with the help of Norfolk-based Green Farm Coffee next month
Who are you and what do you do?
I am Professor Buck Rogers, although real name Cameron. I am a Cyber security specialist, mainly focused around providing cyber security and cyber security risk advice/guidance in support of Boards and to Senior Leaders in Cyber security teams. I have been doing this independently for two years. Previously I have Head of Cyber roles in large Institutions – to note, Head of Cyber for the Bank of England, and Global Head of Resilience Risk for HSBC. Currently I support a range of organisations both large and small, including as an expert to the International Monetary Fund and I also have a Professorship in Cyber Security and Digital Innovation.
Are you Norfolk born and raised?
We move to Norfolk when I was six months old, so consider it my home county and a place I love, grew up in Norwich and had the delights of the Hewett School! Left to join the Royal Navy at the tender age of 16, but Norwich is continually pulling me back, and I have lots of family and friends in Norwich so spend a large portion of my time in the county. This is why I keen to roast the coffee in Norwich and do anything I can to promote the county.
What can you tell us about your career as a cyber advisor?
It’s a great and at times strange profession to be part of, I try to help people and firms focus on what is important and relevant to the ever-changing cyber security world, whether it is new regulation, understanding new threats and attacks or how to raise awareness. Cyber Security is first and foremost a people issue, it should never always be about the technology, far too much fear mongering goes on, it is my role to simplify and support. The cyber landscape can be confusing and difficult to understand what to do, I bring clarity.
What has led you to launching Rohkeus Coffee and how is Green Farm Coffee involved?
The original journey was to empower cybersecurity professionals with a bold, ethically sourced brew, supporting those long nights remediating vulnerabilities, reacting to cyber incidents and attacks, a time that calls for a dark roast strong coffee (Rohkeus is Finnish for courage).
Cyber Security jobs are hard, and we have a massive burn out rate of professionals, we believe that even in the face of darkness there is always hope. So, to us Rohkeus Coffee became more than just a beverage; it’s a symbol of resilience and a commitment to a better inclusive world, where we empower individuals to face the darkness with courage and illuminate the world with their unique light, so decided to support charities and spread the coffee and our message beyond just cyber teams.
Green Farm have been our key partners from the beginning, we started this journey by doing barista training with them. Rohkeus Coffee has two founders, myself and Simon Linstead, who is also from Norfolk and currently based in Ranworth. As the roast idea grew, we had help and support from Ross at Green Farm in blending and roasting, again we are keen to use Norfolk based companies. Ross’s coffee knowledge is astounding, and he has been a great supporter.
How would you describe the coffee?
The first limited edition release is a dark roast with a blend of Papa New Guinea and Ethopian, directly sourced beans. It has a dark chocolate like flavour upfront with hints of brown sugar and spice and a taste of smoked almonds on the finish.
When does Rohkeus Coffee launch and how will each blend support the nominated charities?
Our launch date is 14 December and half of our bags will be given to Youth Concern to raise money in support of their mission. Every Blend we make will be a limited edition with a portion going to a nominated charity, the next charity will be a Norfolk based one, the current blend is called Courage the next one is going to be call Resilience.
Is coffee drinking a prerequisite of being a cybersecurity professional?!
Ha, it helps with the long nights and various different time zones you have to work across, most cyber security issues are global, and good coffee is a great talking point.
The Rohkeus Coffee website will be launched in December, and there is an early bird registration form hosted by Simon Linstead on LinkedIn. Any enquires can be addressed to coffee@rohkeuscoffee.com
Featured image of Professor Buck Rogers (left) and Simon Linstead, Co-founders of Rohkeus Coffee, at Green Farm Coffee – supplied
Amazing ! Looking forward to trying this ! Well done 🙂