Meet the Team: New member Cameron Sullivan

We are continuing our Meet the Team series from earlier in the year and this edition we’d like to introduce our new team member, Cameron Sullivan! Alongside his full-time job as an NHS systems accountant, Cameron volunteers as a special police constable with South Wales. He’s working on the ground alongside Paul Hall, the WCRC’s head of cyber and innovation, to help small business owners across Wales gain a better understanding of cyber risks and how to protect against the dangers.

What inspired you to pursue a career with the police?

I have always wanted a career in the police, mainly to help others. Unfortunately, as my career outside policing progressed it became harder and harder to make the switch so being a special constable is the best of both worlds.

Please can you tell us about your career in policing to date?

To date I have worked as part of a local neighbourhood policing team and a response team, I have done this for over three years. As a special I am also fortunate enough to help police some of the country’s biggest events.

Do you have a professional accomplishment you’re most proud of?

Yes, policing the Six Nations Rugby games for the first time only having been in the job for several months was a fantastic experience, one which has stayed with me.

What motivates you the most in your work and why?

I genuinely enjoy helping others, it motivates me to get the best result whether that is attending a welfare visit or providing advice to the public all the way through to being there when terrible things happen at a scene knowing that I can make things a little better is a real motivation.

What is your role with the WCRC? And what was it that made you want to join the team?

I have always been interested in this area of work, in my day job I work as a systems accountant so see a lot of areas that could be improved in relation to cyber security which has made me want to join the team.

What do you hope to achieve in your new role with the WCRC?

I would like to develop my skills in this area and to help in providing support to local organisations throughout South Wales.

What advice would you give to small business owners that are unconcerned about being cyber safe?

To be concerned and interested, cybercrime affects us all to varying degrees and being that little bit more aware or concerned can make all the difference to losing fortunes.

Is there a go-to cyber security tip which you like to share with businesses?

As simple as it sounds, passwords. Don’t write them down, use a combination of letters and numbers and where possible symbols to make them as difficult as possible to hack. Alongside this using a two-factor authenticator, if a person cannot access your device or software, it will make it much harder for them to steal from you.

How do you like to unwind after a busy day at work?

I like to read, hike or train. If it is a very nice day, then you can’t beat a cold beer in the garden.

Where is your favourite place to visit in Wales?

I love being outside so this would have to be Brecon.

Describe your ideal (work-free) day in three words.

Relaxed, sunny and outdoors.