In the National Interest: China’s Cognitive Warfare
Welcome to another podcast in Pentagram Advisory’s ‘In the National Interest’ series, a series in which we explore geostrategic issues relevant to the security of Australia’s critical infrastructure.In this episode we will explore the subject of the China’s waging of cognitive warfare against Australia and other Western democracies. We will explore the relevance of the threat of cognitive warfare Australia's critical infrastructure and consider mitigations that critical infrastructure owners and operators may take.
--------
29:01
--------
29:01
Establishing a Critical Worker Identification and Risk Management Framework
Across Australia’s critical infrastructure sectors, one of the most persistent challenges under the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 is identifying and managing critical workers — those individuals whose absence, compromise, or misconduct could disrupt essential services.In this episode, Pentagram Advisory introduces the Seven-Step Critical Worker Identification and Risk Management Framework — a practical, regulator-aligned approach that helps organisations move from compliance to confidence.Tim and Marina unpack the legislative foundations, share insights from industry engagements, and outline how clear governance, operational mapping, and proportionate assurance measures can transform workforce compliance into lasting capability and assurance.Whether you are a security or risk professional, HR leader, or executive responsible for essential services, this episode will help you strengthen your organisation’s resilience and meet the intent of the SOCI framework with clarity and purpose.🔗 For more insights, visit Pentagram Advisory or follow us on LinkedIn.
--------
16:43
--------
16:43
When Trust Breaks, Free Will Decides: How the Psychological Contract Shapes Insider Threat and Cyber Security Compliance
Why do employees sometimes go above and beyond to protect their organisation — and other times bend rules, ignore policies, or disengage from security altogether?In this episode, Pentagram Advisory explores the role of the psychological contract — the unwritten expectations of trust and fairness between employer and employee — and how its breakdown fuels insider threats. Drawing on research from the University of Warwick, we unpack why technical controls alone aren’t enough, how to recognise early signs of a breach, and what leaders can do to repair trust before it escalates into a security risk.For leaders, executives, and practitioners, this is a reminder that the deciding factor in insider threat is rarely opportunity — it is choice. And choice is shaped by trust.
--------
12:07
--------
12:07
Countering Foreign Interference: Insider Threat Programs For Australia’s Critical Infrastructure
Espionage and foreign interference are now assessed as certain threats to Australia’s critical infrastructure. In this episode, Pentagram Advisory explores how insider threat programs — guided by the Protective Security Policy Framework and aligned with SOCI Act obligations — help organisations counter these risks. We unpack why people are both the first line of defence and the most attractive target.
--------
11:55
--------
11:55
ESG and the Human Factor: Why personnel security must be a core feature of ESG strategy
ESG is one of the most decisive forces shaping corporate strategy and investment worldwide. But while environmental and governance issues dominate the headlines, the social dimension — the human factor — is often overlooked.In this episode, Pentagram Advisory explores why personnel security is the missing link in many ESG programs. We examine the risks posed by workforce vulnerabilities, insider threats, and supply chain exposures, and why boards and executives must integrate personnel security into ESG strategy to build resilience, protect value, and maintain stakeholder trust.Join us as we uncover how the people side of ESG could be the decisive factor in safeguarding purpose, performance, and profitability for organisations managing critical assets.
About In Australia’s National Interest - Security of Critical Infrastructure
What comprises Australia’s national interest, and how does the rise of insider threat activity in Australia’s critical infrastructure connect to Australia’s national interest? I expect this topic was not the first thing on your mind when you woke this morning ready for breakfast and a hot shower, however the topic is relevant because it is fundamental to you having breakfast, a wash, and getting on with you day. Let me explain.
Listen to In Australia’s National Interest - Security of Critical Infrastructure, 5-4 and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
Australia