The former boss of GCHQ who resigned suddenly from the British spy agency earlier this year has resurfaced in the insurance sector with a mandate to spot new cyber crime techniques. Robert Hannigan, who set up the UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) during his two-and-a-half year stint at the intelligence agency, has been hired by Lloyd's of London insurer Hiscox to advise on emerging cyber threats and new criminal techniques. The high-profile appointment follows a string of major cyber security breaches that have resulted in rising demand for cyber insurance. Insurers are fighting against banks and other financial institutions to hire those with cyber expertise as hackers grow increasingly sophisticated and find fresh ways to break the system. "The risks that cyber criminals pose, both to businesses and individuals in the UK, are significant and sophisticated," Mr Hannigan warned, adding that insurers must "evolve their understanding and defence against cyber crime". His resignation from GCHQ in January came as a surprise, with the agency saying at the time that he left his post for "personal reasons" and was not sacked. He took on the job in November 2014, following former CIA employee Edward Snowden's leaks of GCHQ techniques, and was credited with taking a more open and transparent approach to the role while preparing the UK for an era of cyber challenges. He also bought an element of fun to the job by challenging the public to solve hard puzzles at Christmas.
Robert Hannigan , the man responsible for setting up the UK 's Lloyd's of London , has joined National Cyber Security Centre insurer Hiscox to advise on emerging cyber risks. The position is a new one for the insurer and will be reviewed at this year . Robert Hannigan is on track to write more than $100 m worth of cyber insurance this year .