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Watson Hall provides security analysis services using staff with a commercial mindset. They are highly qualified, experienced and have flexible people skills. We approach each enquiry in confidence and with integrity, examining the available and suitable options for each client on an individual basis. Even if the initial remit is to examine one specific area, giving consideration to other wider aspects can sometimes improve security at lower cost.

Technical know-how, people focused

Watson Hall's principals have extended experience with web application development and web application security risk management. A solid background in network, hardware and software technologies is required to be able to understand and assess security. But, a thorough understanding of the technical aspects of web application security is not sufficient without the ability to transfer knowledge, understanding and skills to the people involved. Watson Hall has the skills to discuss and communicate security issues with all staff and stakeholders working on web application projects. Watson Hall can provide a bridge between departments such as Information Systems and Marketing where the drivers and motivation for implementing a web application can be very different. Understanding and explanation will facilitate projects and assist with successful completion.

Colin Watson

Colin Watson is Watson Hall's Technical Director and principal consultant. With an engineering background, he has worked in the information technology field for thirteen years, concentrating exclusively on web application development, security and compliance.

Professional qualifications and certifications

Eur Ing Colin Watson BSc MSc MIChemE CEng MBCS CITP CISSP CISA

• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Information Systems Audit And Control Association (ISACA)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2)
• Chartered IT Professional (CITP) and member (MBCS), British Computer Society (BCS)
• European Engineer (Eur Ing), European Federation of National Engineering Associations (FEANI)
• Chartered Engineer (CEng), The UK Engineering Council
• Professional Member (MIChemE), Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE)

Academic qualifications

Educated in Edinburgh and Oxford:

• MSc Computation, Keble College, University of Oxford
• Batchelor Science (1st class honours) Chemical Engineering, Heriot Watt University

Other affiliations

Colin participates in the following information technology and web application security groups:

• British Computer Society Information Security Specialist Group: member
• British Computer Society Information Risk Management and Audit Group: member
• Cyber Security KTN Metrics Special Interest Group: participant during 2008
• Information Systems Security Association (ISSA): member
• Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP): member and appointed to the OWASP Global Industry Committee

Blog

Colin writes a security blog under the alias Clerkendweller:

Web security services from Watson Hall

Information security policies, standards and procedures, web site and web application security assessments and audit and web security design and review.

Act now

Contact Watson Hall to discuss assistance with assessing and minimising your web application security risks.