Expert in national security and cyber intelligence returns for alumni talk

King’s pupils had the opportunity to listen to the fascinating and daring exploits of Kevin Jones (OKS 1985), former Chief of Security at the Ministry of Defence and an expert in cyber security, when he visited this week. 

Having spent 30 years in the army defending his country, with deployments to the Gulf, Sarajevo, Bosnia Kosovo/Macedonia and Afghanistan, Kevin now defends the networks, data and devices of world renowned bank J.P. Morgan.

Deployed first as an operator and then team leader, he conducted covert counter-terrorist operations (intelligence and security) in some of the most politically sensitive and hostile environments in the world. Kevin rose within the Ministry of Defence to the position of Chief of Security and latterly Senior Cyber Intelligence Executive at Government Communication Headquarters, better known as GCHQ.

Through his current role at J.P. Morgan, Kevin was able to tell pupils about the sophisticated techniques used by the ‘bad guys’, as he put it, to steal the bank’s assets or destabilise their operations. Pupils were gripped by his first-hand accounts and incredible experiences. 

When one pupil asked, “What is the most scared you have ever been?”, he replied, “Right now talking to you!”, which seems remarkable considering his distinguished and, at times, perilous career.

Kevin reflected that he thoroughly enjoyed his time at King’s. After leaving, he didn’t take the traditional route to university, but instead joining the army to complete his qualifications. He encouraged all pupils interested in the armed forces, or in pursuing a technology career, to aim as high as possible but always have an escape route – perhaps a nod to his years as a soldier.

Hosted by Ash Rahman, Head of Computing and Information Technology and the Alumni Team, we hope to be able to welcome Kevin back to the school again in the future.

If you are a former pupil and have the time to share your experiences, we would love to hear from you please contact Liz Gwyther on 01244 689492 or email eeg@kingschester.co.uk