Founder
More than a decade of hands-on experience across offensive security, infrastructure engineering and security operations.
The motivation behind Tarian
Tarian Cyber Security was founded by Stephen following more than a decade working in offensive security, infrastructure engineering and security operations.
The motivation behind creating Tarian came from a genuine passion for understanding how technology works, how it can fail and how capable attackers can compromise complex environments. Throughout his career, Stephen has seen first-hand the consequences that can occur when security weaknesses are not identified, understood or addressed properly.
Over this time, Stephen has led hundreds of security engagements across the UK and internationally, working with organisations across public and private sectors, critical infrastructure, utilities, energy and other highly sensitive environments.
Career progression
Technical Support
The foundation — understanding how systems work from the ground up
Systems Administration
Administrating and managing complex infrastructure environments
Networking & Telecomms
Deep expertise in how networks and systems are designed and operated
Defensive Security
Understanding how environments are protected and monitored
Offensive Security
Moving into penetration testing — applying technical knowledge to find weaknesses
Principal Penetration Tester
Leading complex, high-assurance engagements at international security organisation level
Founder — Tarian Cyber Security
Providing independent, specialist offensive security assurance
Background and expertise
Beginning his career in technical support, Stephen progressed through infrastructure engineering, systems administration, networking, defensive security and eventually offensive security. This broad technical background has provided the foundation for understanding both how environments are built and how they can be attacked.
After progressing to a principal penetration testing level within an international security organisation, Stephen developed specialist expertise across infrastructure penetration testing, Operational Technology (OT/ICS) security, adversary simulation, purple teaming and physical security assessments.
Tarian was created to provide organisations with the level of technical depth, professionalism and quality that effective offensive security requires.
Professional qualifications
The following professional certifications represent the breadth of technical expertise brought to every Tarian engagement.
The UK’s chartered status for cyber security professionals — recognising technical competence, ethical practice and commitment to the profession.
One of the most globally recognised cyber security certifications, covering security and risk management, architecture, engineering and operations.
Specialist certification in industrial control systems and operational technology security — a rare qualification reflecting genuine OT expertise.
UK-recognised qualification for leading penetration testing teams and delivering complex security assessments.
“Tarian was created to provide organisations with the level of technical depth, professionalism and quality that effective offensive security requires.”
Start with a conversation
If your organisation needs independent technical assurance from consultants who will give you a straight answer, we would like to hear from you.