Steve Babbage (1984)
Part retired, part time consultant in cryptography, security and telecoms
I became an industry expert in cryptography and mobile telecoms security. Until 2021 I was the Chief Cryptographer for the Vodafone Group, and led the security research team in Vodafone Group R&D. I covered a number of highly specialised technical areas for Vodafone, from mathematical optimisation and spectrum auctions to cybersecurity and quantum computing. In 2012, I was appointed one of the first Vodafone Distinguished Engineers – one of only seven at the time from the whole Vodafone Group.
I also became very well known and influential in the mobile industry as a whole: for many years I chaired the group that specified cryptography standards for the mobile industry, and was known as a cryptography and security expert in the most important mobile industry bodies.
I have been a technical advisor or director for several security-related companies. My work also covered assessment and development of innovations and patents.
