CybaVerse Success Stories – James Disley

Our next Success Story focuses on our Senior SOC and IR Analyst, James Disley. At CybaVerse, we believe in celebrating our team's achievements, and this month, we sat down with James to share his journey and the impact he’s made on the team since joining in 2024.

Could you tell us about your professional journey and experiences that led you to join CybaVerse? What drew you to working with us?

I started my career in IT, and on a whim, decided to apply to university where I undertook a forensic science degree. After leaving university, I secured an internship at a corporate digital forensics company in London, which then became a paid full-time role. After around 18 months, I had the opportunity to work for Kent and Essex Police as a Digital Forensic Analyst, which I accepted. 

After almost four years in the police, I decided to return to the private sector, joining another London-based company as a Digital Forensic Examiner. I travelled globally, working onsite with clients to acquire evidence and analyse it according to their needs. 

Then the COVID-19 pandemic struck, halting onsite client visits for a prolonged period. During this time, I worked remotely and explored my interest in Incident Response (IR). I decided to focus on this side of the industry, securing a remote role within an IR team, and have continued to grow within this space through various roles to this day. 

I wanted to join a place where I could grow and genuinely impact both the company and its clients. I had several offers, but ultimately chose CybaVerse because their values and passion aligned with mine, and I felt I could truly thrive here. I believe I made the right decision.

How has your educational and professional background contributed to your success in your current role at CybaVerse? 

Coming from a digital forensics and incident response background has clear advantages in this role. However, CybaVerse is a growing company where it’s all hands on deck, so I have expanded beyond a pure DFIR/senior SOC analyst role. I have been involved in various projects, including creating live-play and tabletop exercises, and even developing a game to engage clients.

What unique skills, experiences, or perspectives do you bring to your role at CybaVerse?

Having worked across both public services and private companies, I bring a wide range of experiences and fresh perspectives. I aim to contribute new ideas to help CybaVerse continually improve and deliver high-quality services to our clients.

What sort of activities and involvement in projects have you had? Are there any standout moments you’ve found particularly memorable?

During my time here, I have been part of several projects and incidents that stand out. Notably, I helped build a game for a show we attended and worked on numerous incidents that required hard work and dedication from the entire team.

In your opinion, what sets CybaVerse apart as a workplace? How does the company foster a positive and inclusive culture? 

I feel it’s an incredibly open company where everyone's voice is heard, no matter their career stage. In many of my previous roles, it often felt like you were just a number and your ideas were dismissed. At CybaVerse, you are valued as an individual.

Have you undertaken or plan to undertake any training or development that will assist with your role at CybaVerse? 

I am always open to training opportunities. While I do not currently have a specific course in mind, I would like to continue progressing with our Hack The Box activities when time allows.

What are your hobbies or passions outside of work? What do you like to do in your free time?

I have a Corgi called Monte, who many in the office have met either in person or virtually. He takes up a lot of my free time. I love finding new walks and exploring the countryside, and I also enjoy the occasional board game.

If you could give one piece of advice to new employees joining CybaVerse, what would it be?

Come onboard with an open mind. Don’t be afraid to speak up — you won’t find a more open-minded and inclusive company.

If you're inspired by James' journey and interested in joining our team, check out our available roles to see if there's a perfect fit for you.