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Dr Victoria Wang

Senior Lecturer in Security and Cybercrime, University of Portsmouth

Victoria's current research ranges over cyber/information security, surveillance studies, social theory, technological developments and online research methods. Her latest research projects involve: (i) data release and its related issues of trust, privacy and security; (ii) techno-social theories as conceptual tools to understand cyberspace and its security issues; (iii) a general formal theory of digital identity and surveillance; (iv) formal methods for monitoring, data collection and interventions; (v) cyberbullying; and (vi) cyber security/crime in Nigeria, Vietnam and the Darknet, security threats and management measures in organisations, and possible roles that technologies can play in the governance of cybercrime (Five doctoral supervisions as the 1st supervisor).

More generally, for the past few years (since the completion of my doctorate), Victoria has been exploring (i) the roles played by technology in social theories about modernity and (ii) the sociological nature of the technical and social development of the Internet. These studies have inspired the formulation of a theory of Phatic Technology – defined as technologies that establish, develop and maintain human relationships. Of course, the Internet is not the first phatic technology, but without question the Internet has made phatic technology a central part of modern life. Her work has been directed towards a greater understanding of the sociological significance of phatic technology by establishing a relationship between phatic technology and contemporary social theories. The theory of phatic technology serves as a conceptual framework for investigating a range of the important questions that arise from current developments of social technologies in social life, especially in areas such as security and surveillance. 

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Graham Wakerley

CEO, Missing the Linq

Graham Wakerley is the founder of Missing the Linq, a technology firm which specialises in helping businesses connect strategy to delivery and people to technology.

Having spent the last 25 years working in the IT industry developing, deploying and supporting information management systems for large, medium and small organisations, Graham's skill set is varied and experience wide. 

Graham is a senior executive with a strong track record of delivering software and services across large scale projects in different sectors, leading technological change and driving innovation to facilitate business change and maximising growth.

Graham is a dynamic leader known for quickly identifying solutions to problems, resolving technical issues and creating marketing leading products and services. He now specialises in Corporate and IT Governance writing and consulting about Information Security, Data Protection, Business Continuity with an emphasis on making it simple.

Combining his knowledge of information management with security and protection gives Graham a unique insight into the demands placed on systems and organisations to protect data as well as share information in a structured and easily consumed manner. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Applied Chemistry and a master’s degree in Information Technology.

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Julian Pike

Partner, Farrer & Co

Julian heads Farrer & Co's Reputation Management practice.  He has more than 20 years' experience of advising high profile individuals, corporations and institutions who find themselves the subject of attention, whether from mainstream media, online attacks or campaigning/obsessed individuals.

Often Julian will work with public relations advisers, in-house and external, to achieve the best outcomes. This recognises that the law has its limitations, but also that there is a need to take account of the client's long term business and strategic interests, as well as dealing with immediate issue.  Having also represented major UK media organisations throughout his career, Julian knows the "art of the possible" and how best this is achieved.