ACDS was founded in the belief that cyber security can be done better.

We’re combining emerging technologies and proven methods to bring a new approach to tackling the growing and persistent threat landscape.

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Who is ACDS

Our experience goes back to the early days of the internet. Our founders are Jonathan Smith, whose 40 years of experience in technology companies has seen him successfully grow many startup FTSE businesses, and Elliott Wilkes, a cyber security authority, who has worked for the White House and Pentagon, shaping and implementing government policies and advising some of the most senior government leaders in the world.

ACDS was founded in the belief that cyber security can be done better. We’re combining emerging technologies and proven methods to bring a new approach to tackling the growing and persistent threat landscape.

Executive Management Team

Jonathan Smith - Chief Executive Officer
Elliott Wilkes - Chief Technical Officer
Emma Thompson - Chief Finance Officer
Joanne Nelson - Chief Marketing Officer
Amy Smith - Chief of Staff
Simon Ainslie - Head of backend engineering
Alex Corrie - Head of Infrastructure Engineering
Paige Mullen - Criminologist
Andrea Gladwin - Sales Associate
Dylan Augustus - Sales Associate

Our Values*

*=inspired and derived from some of our former organisations

1. Hire and empower great people*

This one is a no-brainer and the secret to our success. We find the brightest minds and bring them into a space where they can contribute meaningfully and have the chance to work on something powerful and awesome.

2. Build diverse teams and cultivate inclusivity

We are big believers in the need for diversity. in terms of perspective and background and identity and beyond. Building an environment that fosters inclusivity is hard work that requires intention and constant attention, and it is something we are committed to doing. We pride ourselves on our neurodiversity, our age and gender diversity. And as we grow, we’re committed to ensuring we continue to become more diverse, not less.

It’s a fact: more diverse teams produce better results.

3. Deliver exceptional products that help people

ACDS is a team of engineers and scientists and cyber security experts, all committed to the idea of bringing to life truly exceptional products that help people manage their cyber security risk. And fundamentally, we’re do-gooders with a passion for improving the world around us. We think we can help make a difference in the world of cyber security.

4. Craft products with users, not for them*

Inclusive design is in our DNA. Users aren’t numbers in a research session, but people with complex attitudes and competencies and needs. And the best people to advocate for those needs are the users themselves. Security shouldn’t come at the expense of usability. Too often, this is the case. It is much harder to sacrifice usability when users are involved in the design process, believe us!

5. Ship it*

At the end of the day, the strategy is delivery. We deliver great products that are changing and evolving on a daily basis, to help mitigate risks known and unknown. Deploy, iterate, improve. That’s our business.