About Us
Mustard Research was founded in 1993 by Dave Marsh — a cyber security entrepreneur with over 40 years of experience across engineering, cryptography and senior consulting.
Our story
Dave Marsh began his career as an engineer at ICI and Digital Equipment Corporation, developing network software and custom electronics before moving into cyber security consulting in the early 1990s. He founded Mustard Research in 1993.
Over three decades, Mustard Research has delivered major cyber security programmes for global financial institutions, energy companies and well-known UK retailers — including HSBC, BP, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Diageo and Sainsbury's.
We are a senior, specialist practice. Dave leads every engagement personally, bringing PCI DSS QSA, CISM and ISO 27001 Lead Auditor credentials alongside rare depth in cryptographic security, payment systems and technical security auditing.
Qualifications & certifications
The credentials behind the work — built over a career spanning engineering, cryptography and cyber security.
PCI DSS QSA
Qualified Security Assessor — the gold standard for payment card security compliance.
CISM
Certified Information Security Manager from ISACA.
ISO 27001 Lead Auditor
Qualified to lead ISO 27001 information security management system audits.
BSc Computer Science (1st)
First class honours degree from Portsmouth University, 1984.
Career history
A track record built across the world's leading financial institutions, retailers and critical infrastructure.
Major cyber security contracts with HSBC, BP, MUFG and Diageo. Designed and built HSBC direct connect payments (Hexagon ABC) and a cryptographic security layer for BP Treasury's global payment protection (BIPS).
Optimal PCI compliance solutions for major UK high street retailers including Sainsbury's. Conducted fraud and breach investigations and performed risk assessments.
Technical audits on critical systems for Euroclear.
Created an operating system for cryptographic solutions using Hardware Security Modules (HSM). Engineered and delivered a cryptographic security layer for ABN AMRO home banking.
Sectors we serve
Experience across the industries where cyber security matters most.
Work with us
We'd welcome the chance to understand your organisation's challenges and explain how we can help.
Get in touch