Mike Cobb, MCDBA, CISSP-ISSAP, is the founder and Managing Director of Cobweb Applications Limited. He has over 10 years experience in the IT industry, and a further 16 years of working in the financial markets, mainly at a senior level. He has an established track record of delivering results that make a difference, ensuring that an organisation’s IT systems and capabilities are appropriate for implementing their chosen strategies. Mike prides himself on being able to deliver complex projects within budget and on time.

"I think my ability to communicate effectively with all levels of management and staff, clients and third parties helps ensure that I not only listen and appreciate the task at hand but my input is understood and acted upon. I enjoy sharing my experience and knowledge, which is one reason why I find running IT security courses is so rewarding."

• Advised the UK Post Office on data control and protection prior to the launch of their new e-portal website. Developed the identification and authorisation process for their online services. Enabled them to revise their privacy policies and data processing procedures to ensure full compliance with the Data Protection Act.
• Worked with Securicor eSolutions Limited to set up a PKI based web service using USB-based two-factor authentication tokens and SSL accelerator cards.
• Designed and delivered a Web-based data warehouse protected by PKI using digital certificates and tokens. The system issues and manages digital certificates stored on USB-based tokens, which provide easy-to-use two-factor authentication. The implementation of security at the database layer controls access to individual records and fields allowing the easy segregation of client data.
• Developed a CRM database for charities based in the South London Boroughs.
• Developed and created several sophisticated online trading systems to provide trading and asset allocation models.

• Co-author of IIS Security
  Covering all basic security tools that come with IIS -- and explaining their weaknesses -- this complete guide shows you how to utilize encryption, authorization, filtering, and other restrictive techniques to protect your IIS server against attacks and other security violations.

• Resident Expert for TechTarget and SearchSecurity.com
  Mike regular answers questions on application and platform security for SearchSecurity.com, as well as recording webcasts and podcasts. Four tips from his Nmap Technical Guide appeared in SearchSecurity's top five most popular tips of 2006. "Answering security professionals' questions is a great way to keep abreast of what's causing problems to system administrators and developers. I always learn something new too."

• Contributing Editor for Advisor Publications
  Starting in 1996, Mike has written nearly 100 articles for various Advisor Magazine Publications, including Database Advisor, Internet Security Advisor, and Compliance Solutions Advisor. Together with a monthly Questions and Answers column Mike covered topics ranging from data analysis, protection and security through to ISO17799 and regulatory compliance.

• WebSec 2007, London
  • Secure Coding for Web Applications
• Information Security Decisions 2006, Chicago
  • Making the Business Case for Strong Authentication
  • Application Fortification
• WebSec 2004, London
  • The role of IT in protecting reputation
• Remote Access Security Conference 2001, Brussels
  • Making a weak link stronger

• Information Systems Security Architecture Professional (ISSAP)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA)
• Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)