Not even a global pandemic can keep Host Unknown down: New song, music to the ears of video callers everywhere

Press Release

24th May 2021

Host Unknown, the undisputed global leader in information-security based videos made by three random men based mostly out of London has gained critical acclaim with its latest song created during lockdown.

Already an established acting team, the group rose up the musical charts with their hit single in 2014, “I’m a C I Double S P“, this was followed up by 2016’s “Accepted the Risk”, and subsequently by 2019’s “Lost All the Money”.

The trio’s latest video, ‘The Zoom Song‘ is an original track inspired by hip hop artists of yesteryear. But beyond the smooth lyrics, is a message which resonates with anyone that has been trapped on endless video calls and virtual events over the last year.

Sole Founder Javvad Malik explained why making this song at this time was so important. “People everywhere are struggling. The boundary between home and work has been completely eradicated and someone needed to shine a light on it. After Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas”, I believe this is the most important song of our generation.

Adding his views, sole founder Thom Langford said, “I am all about giving people what they want and what they need. This song is exactly what they need, and I got to deliver it without being in the same room as these other two.  I call that a win-win”.

Sole Founder Andrew Agnês added, “Slipping the animator £20 to make me look slimmer was the best money I spent all year.”

Watch the full music video: The Zoom Song

About Host Unknown

Host Unknown is an information security educational / entertainment group from London, England. It was the pioneer and most significant popularisers of Infosec-Rap and is widely considered one of the seminal groups (based in London) in the history of information security. The group has endured controversy owing to their lyrics which many security managers viewed as being disrespectful of their trade, as well as its glorification of certifications and risk management. The group was subsequently banned from many IRC and sub-Reddit channels and have been snubbed at multiple Pwnie Awards. In spite of this, the group has amassed a huge and loyal following.

Exclusive Behind The Scenes Footage of “Lost all the Money” Video

Another Press Release

September 20th 2019

In a coup for Host Unknown, an exclusive behind the scenes film has been made by renowned documentary filmmaker Charlie “Chaz” Langford (no relation to Host Unknown sole founder Thom Langford), giving a warts and all view of exactly what it takes to get three middle-aged men to dance and sing without losing their balance or control of major bodily functions.

The film explores the real reason why three music videos have been made, and how the magical dynamic between the trio works. The creative process is laid bare, as the documentary explores each of the member’s incentives and passion for the information security craft and how they bring their unique stance to a tired and staid industry.

Andrew, the Sole Founder of Host Unknown gives a never before look into the makeup artists role in his on-screen appearances, while Javad (Sole Founder) shares his desire for a better world through (his) charitable work.

One key sequence shows two of the trio searching for some hard to find relief, a perfect allegory for their yearning desire to find the perfect golden opportunity to release their pent up creative powers in a torrent of memes, tropes and inevitable stereotypes to further pollinate a sometimes dull and witless industry.

In all, the viewer is left in thrall to the visionary prowess of these three gentlemen, and is left asking themselves, “when is the next one coming out?”.

New Host Unknown Music Video shines spotlight on phishing attacks

Press Release

11 September 2019

Host Unknown, the undisputed global leader in information-security based videos made by three random men based out of London has delighted fans with its eagerly-awaited third song.

Already an established acting team, the group rose up the musical charts with their hit single in 2014, “I’m a C I Double S P“, and was followed up by 2016’s “Accepted the Risk”.

The trio’s latest video, ‘Lost all the money‘ a parody of Nelly’s Ride Wit Me is expected to be a huge hit, with one insider telling us off the record that YouTube may need to increase their bandwidth just to accommodate the rush of expected views.

Sole founder Thom Langford explained the challenges that come with a third song. “There are a lot of expectations with a third song. You have people wondering if the first two songs were just lucky flukes. So, I won’t lie, there was a lot of pressure, both externally and internally. But this is the moment that almost two decades of being a CISO prepared me for.”

Adding his views, sole founder Andrew Agnês said, “People recognise that I’m the creative bulldozer behind the songs. I locked myself away in the recording studio for weeks to nail this, because if I hadn’t nobody would have.”

Sole founder Javvad Malik was unavailable to comment as he was on holiday at the time of writing, but he did send his love and appreciation for all of his fans.

None of the supergroup’s sole founders would respond to comments about being snubbed twice by the Pwnie Awards.

Watch the full music video: Lost all the Money

About Host Unknown

Host Unknown is an information security educational / entertainment group from London, England. It was the pioneer and most significant popularisers of Infosec-Rap and is widely considered one of the seminal groups (based in London) in the history of information security. The group has endured controversy owing to their lyrics which many security managers viewed as being disrespectful of their trade, as well as its glorification of certifications and risk management. The group was subsequently banned from many IRC and sub-Reddit channels. In spite of this, the group has amassed a huge and loyal following.

Host Unknown, still supports the little people

Host Unknown, the undisputed leader in information-security based videos made by three random men out of London isn’t one to crave the spotlight.

It is why the group that podcasts, sings, acts, and dances, have been maintaining a low profile over the last year.

But that isn’t to say the group has cut down on it’s behind the scenes philanthropic mission.

A few weeks ago, Host Unknown was proud to sponsor BsidesLondon, providing the attendees with a wonderful selection of lanyards.

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One attendee said,

“This is the best lanyard I’ve ever received at a conference. I’m never taking this off, even when I sleep at night. It’s a symbol of quality right there. If I could ever meet Host Unknown, I’d shake their hand.” – Lom Thangford

Not just content with sponsoring one Bsides, the group also made a sizeable lanyard donation to BSidesAthens.

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The sponsorship clearly had an impact as one attendee said, “As soon as I heard Host Unknown had sponsored Bsides Athens, I booked a ticket and flight over. When Host Unknown puts its name to something, you know it’s the seal of approval.” – Mavvad Jalik.

Not wanting to stop at lanyards, Host Unknown is also proudly supporting SteelCon in Sheffield, agreeing to host the wildly popular quiz night.

One attendee said, “We don’t get many nice things up here in Sheffield, not since my dad got laid off from the mill. But when I heard that Host Unknown were coming up and organising the quiz, it was as if all my Christmases had come at once. I’ll be right at the front hoping to catch the eye of the three men who’ve inspired me to remain strong and follow my dreams.” Agny Andreas