Mastering Cyber Tabletop Exercises with Ella Donald
In this episode of Cyber Voices, Ella Donald, a change and communications manager for cybersecurity at the University of Queensland, shares her insights. Ella discusses her expertise in running successful tabletop exercises for both technical and executive audiences. She emphasises the importance of having clear aims, maintaining a proper scope, and understanding that these exercises are meant for practice rather than a test. Her approach focuses on relationship building and open communication, thereby enhancing organisational preparedness and resilience without amplifying egos or hierarchical barriers.
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The Power of Volunteering with James Pemberton
In this episode of Cyber Voices, host David Willett chats with James Pemberton, chair of the AISA's Tasmanian branch. James shares his journey from service desk roles into cybersecurity leadership and reflects on nearly a decade as an AISA member and volunteer. He highlights the branch's significant growth, with membership skyrocketing from 48 to 208. The conversation discusses the symbiotic relationship between seasoned professionals and students in Tasmania, emphasising community involvement and mentorship. James underscores the branch's challenges and rewards, stressing the importance of volunteer-driven initiatives to foster a vibrant cybersecurity community in Tasmania.
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Rats and Freeloaders with Peter Watson
In another interview recorded live at CyberCon Canberra 2025, David chats with with Peter Watson from Recorded Future. Peter provides insights into malware loaders and Remote Access Trojans (RATS), shedding light on their evasive tactics and the complexity of defending against them. Additionally, he delves into techniques like DLL hijacking, illustrating their subtlety and effectiveness. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by security teams in detecting such activities, emphasising the role of threat intelligence.
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Pride in Security
In this special Pride-themed episode of Cyber Voices, host David celebrates the diverse contributions of the LGBTQIA community within the cybersecurity industry. Guests Meagan McClendon, Sean Barnett, and Joshua Craig share personal experiences about their identities and roles in cyber. The discussion highlights the importance of inclusivity in tech fields, the challenges faced by LGBTQIA professionals, and the evolution of workplace attitudes. The episode also marks the ongoing advocacy efforts by the Pride in Security network, underscoring the broader movement towards creating safe and welcoming spaces for all individuals in the technology sector.
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Vanessa Van Beek Builds Cyber Defences with LEGO and Diversity
In this enlightening episode of Cyber Voices, David and Jasmine interview Vanessa Van Beek, a notable figure in the cybersecurity realm, to discuss her journey from IT to becoming a cybersecurity champion. Vanessa emphasises the importance of diversity within cyber teams, highlighting how different perspectives, including those from neurodivergent individuals, enhance problem-solving capabilities. She shares her innovative use of LEGO bricks to visualise and tackle cybersecurity challenges, demonstrating the power of creativity in technical fields. This dialogue showcases the value of embracing varied experiences and skill sets to strengthen defence mechanisms against cyber threats.
Welcome to CYBER VOICES, where we highlight and celebrate the diverse voices of the Australian cyber community. From top-ranking CISOs and government officials to threat hunters and vulnerability analysts, if there’s a voice to be heard, you’ll hear it on CYBER VOICES. Join us as we delve into the stories, insights, and expertise that shape the world of cybersecurity in Australia.
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