Security convergence has been a hot topic for years, yet it remains one of the most complex challenges facing organisations today.
In a recent podcast, Katie Barnett, Toro’s Director of Cyber Security, and Gavin Wilson, Toro’s Director of Physical Security and Risk, explored this in detail, offering a practical look at how organisations can bring cyber and physical security closer together without losing focus on their core expertise.
What made this conversation so compelling was having both experts in the same discussion. This wasn’t just convenient it demonstrated exactly what the hosts have been advocating for years: you don’t need to be an expert in another discipline to understand and work with it effectively.
Some of the topics covered in the discussion included:
The convergence paradox: Threats today rarely respect neat categories. A single incident can affect both digital systems and physical operations, yet many organisations still operate in silos with separate budgets and departments. Closing this gap requires practical strategies and good communication so teams can collaborate effectively.
The budget challenge: Physical security teams often struggle to secure investment in cyber initiatives. Many organisations still have budget lines for “physical security” or “IT security” but not for converged security. This reflects how organisations think about risk and where they allocate resources.
Translation, not transformation: Convergence does not mean turning every professional into a hybrid expert. The most effective approach is for specialists to stay in their domain while learning to translate risks, terminology, and solutions across disciplines. Understanding how vulnerabilities in one area affect the other is crucial.
Practical collaboration: Cross-functional education, scenario planning, and communication frameworks help teams work together and respond to incidents more efficiently.
Cultural considerations: Moving from siloed teams to a collaborative approach is as much about mindset as it is about process or tools. Trust and shared responsibility are essential for a resilient security posture.
Leadership in convergence: Modern security leaders are translators and integrators who balance expertise, resources, and organisational priorities to create smarter, more connected security strategies.
These are just some of the insights shared in the podcast. Katie and Gavin also explored other topics, including emerging trends in security, real-world examples, and strategies for organisations at different stages of convergence.
This podcast was a rare chance to hear two specialists from different areas working together in real time. Katie Barnett and Gavin Wilson showed that true convergence isn’t about making everyone a hybrid expert it’s about understanding, translating, and working together. Organisations that adopt this approach can expect stronger defences and more flexible, intelligent security strategies.
You can listen to the full episode here.
Podcast Note: This podcast, recorded by The Circuit Magazine, is written and produced by volunteers, most of whom are actively working full time in the security industry. The magazine is a product of their combined passion and desire to give back to the industry. By subscribing, you help ensure it can continue into the future.