Australia needs to rethink defence strategy, with Dr Ross Babbage
In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Dr Ross Babbage, CEO of Strategic Forum and senior non-resident fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. The pair discuss a range of subjects following Babbage’s recent trip to the United States, including: Australia’s need to prepare for a more direct involvement in kinetic regional conflict in the Indo-Pacific – including recognising that we are no longer on the periphery of geopolitical competition. The multidimensional depth and facets of the challenges being posed by the People’s Republic of China: Babbage emphasises that China’s strategy includes economic coercion, hybrid conflict and soft power, and that Western assumptions about China's integration leading to liberalisation have proven wrong. How Western governments have failed to effectively communicate the strategic risks to their populations: Babbage argues that public awareness is essential for national resilience and policy support, and that many in the public are willing to act once properly informed. Australia’s urgent need to expand and rethink its defence and industrial capabilities to meet the growing expectations of the new US Trump administration. Enjoy the Podcast, The Defence Connect team
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52:26
CYBER UNCUT: CCTVs, the cloud, and crime – Genetec’s formula for safer streets, with Lee Shelford
In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Lee Shelford, sales engineering manager and cloud lead at Genetec, to explore how the company uses cutting-edge technology to help law enforcement agencies combat crime and build safer communities. The conversation begins with Genetec’s recent success in completing its IRAP assessment – a critical milestone in demonstrating the company’s commitment to cyber security and data protection. From there, Shelford shares how Genetec is working alongside some of the world’s leading law enforcement organisations to develop next-generation security solutions. Shelford dives into Genetec Cloudrunner, a powerful tool that enables law enforcement to track vehicles across vast distances – significantly aiding investigations and contributing to a reduction in criminal activity. The discussion then shifts to the Genetec Community Connect Program, which brings together a network of CCTV systems from various partners to provide real-time, integrated surveillance feeds to police and emergency services. Finally, Shelford explains how Genetec ensures the security and integrity of these systems, maintaining strong protections across all connected networks. Enjoy the episode, The Cyber Uncut team
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33:25
CYBER UNCUT: Deepfakes in the courtroom, DragonForce makes a major ransomware play, and the CIA tries to recruit Chinese spies
In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft get into a deep ethical discussion after an AI-generated deepfake of a murder victim, untangle the deeply confusing saga of the DragonForce ransomware gang’s latest evolution, the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) breaches itself, and the insane back and forth between the People’s Republic of China and the CIA. Hollingworth and Croft begin with a robust discussion about a new AI development – using the technology to generate a deepfake video of a murder victim to be played in a US court as a victim impact statement. It’s a complex issue, and the pair try to find common ground – but they agree it’s a complex issue. The pair then get into the weeds, sorting out the truth regarding the DragonForce ransomware-as-a-service operation, which may or may not be taking over the RansomHub gang. Or maybe the gang is joining DragonForce? It’s all very confusing, and Hollingworth and Croft do their best to get to the bottom of a very confusing situation. They also discuss more details that have emerged from behind the scenes of the LockBit gang, and an accidental data breach at the Australian Human Rights Commission. Things get wrapped up with the CIA’s bizarre move to recruit Chinese spies, and the rather interesting response of some very dedicated and upset Chinese netizens. It’s spycraft in the 21st century, but not as you know it. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team
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42:59
Tensions flare close to home, with Liam Garman and Robert Dougherty
In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, hosts Liam Garman and Robert Dougherty explore the recent spiking of international conflict with cross-border attacks between India and Pakistan, Russia’s Victory Day parade and a US presidential visit to the Middle East. The pair discuss a range of topics, including: The recent clashes and weaponry being deployed by Pakistani and Indian military forces in the disputed region of Kashmir and along the Line of Control. The cyber attacks by state-sponsored actors against both countries, as well as the larger “West versus East” alliances at work behind the scenes. Russia’s 80th anniversary of the Victory Day parade in Moscow as well as key diplomatic moments and new equipment seen during the commemoration. The Ukrainian government’s innovative launch of a new online defence tech marketplace to bridge the gap between military units and defence industry products under a first-of-its-kind “Brave1 Market” online platform. The final wrap-up of US President Donald Trump's whirlwind visit to the Middle East and some of the backroom negotiations being done there. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
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31:01
CONTESTED GROUND: A sit down with Tim Knight, author of Gallipoli Soup
In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Tim Knight, author of the recently released book Gallipoli Soup, to discuss the Gallipoli campaign and how Knight used narrative to bring to life the challenges faced by both Australian and Turkish soldiers in World War I. The pair begin the podcast unpacking Knight’s research methodology, and how a passion for understanding led him to write Gallipoli Soup. They discuss how the book was written in a narrative format, with some fictional characters based heavily on memoirs and diary entries from soldiers, to shine a light on the conditions in Gallipoli. Knight shares some of his key lessons of the campaign, including the geopolitical and political events that led to Gallipoli. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team
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