Redefining CyberSecurity

Guest: Leanne Ngo, Associate Professor, La Trobe UniversityOn LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanne-ngo-86979042/Hosts: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber]On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martinMarco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast & Audio Signals PodcastOn ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli____________________________Episode NotesDuring AISA Cyber Con 2024 in Melbourne, Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli sat down with Dr. Leanne Ngo to discuss cyber resilience, community impact, and the role of culture in cybersecurity. Their conversation explored the intersection of technology, education, and human connection in the pursuit of a safer and more secure society.Dr. Ngo shared her perspective on resilience, highlighting its evolving definition. While digital tools increase opportunities for connection, she emphasized that face-to-face interaction remains vital, especially for vulnerable communities. Her work in promoting cybersecurity awareness involves building trust and understanding among diverse groups, tailoring approaches to their unique needs and cultural contexts.The discussion turned to the importance of culture in cybersecurity, with Dr. Ngo describing it as a gradual process of change driven by action and integration into everyday life. She stressed that cyber awareness—often focused on knowledge—must evolve into behavioral transformation, where secure practices become second nature both at work and in personal lives. This requires understanding the subcultures within organizations and communities and adapting strategies to resonate with their specific dynamics.Sean also brought up the concept of belief as a cornerstone for driving cultural change. Dr. Ngo agreed, emphasizing that confidence and a growth mindset are essential in fostering resilience. Drawing on her experience as a mentor and educator, she described how instilling belief in individuals’ capacity to contribute to a secure society empowers them to take ownership of their role in cybersecurity.The conversation explored practical ways to bridge the gap between technical solutions and human-centered approaches. Dr. Ngo highlighted her work with the Australian government’s "Stay Safe, Act Now" campaign, which focuses on localizing cybersecurity education. By adapting materials to the values and practices of various communities—such as the South Sudanese and Cambodian populations—her initiatives create relatable and impactful messaging that goes beyond surface-level translations.Education and workforce development also emerged as key themes. Dr. Ngo underscored the importance of short, targeted training programs, like micro-credentials, in addressing the growing skills gap in cybersecurity. Such programs offer accessible pathways for individuals from all backgrounds to contribute meaningfully to the industry, supporting Australia's ambition to be the most cyber-resilient country by 2030.Closing the discussion, Dr. Ngo reinforced that cybersecurity is fundamentally about people. By fostering empathy, understanding, and a collaborative spirit, society can build resilience not just through technology but through the collective effort of individuals who care deeply about protecting one another. This belief in human potential left an enduring impression, inspiring attendees to think beyond traditional approaches and embrace the human element at the core of cybersecurity.____________________________This Episode’s SponsorsThreatlocker: https://itspm.ag/threatlocker-r974____________________________ResourcesLearn more and catch more stories from Australian Cyber Conference 2024 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/australian-cyber-conference-melbourne-2024-cybersecurity-event-coverage-in-australiaBe sure to share and subscribe!____________________________Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-cybersecurity-society-humanity-conference-and-event-coverageTo see and hear more Redefining CyberSecurity content on ITSPmagazine, visit: https://www.itspmagazine.com/redefining-cybersecurity-podcastTo see and hear more Redefining Society stories on ITSPmagazine, visit:https://www.itspmagazine.com/redefining-society-podcastWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage?Learn More 👉 https://itspm.ag/evtcovbrf

Guest: Abbas Kudrati, Asia’s SMC Regional Chief Security, Risk, Compliance Advisor, Microsoft [@Microsoft]On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/akudrati/On Twitter | https://twitter.com/askudratiHosts: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber]On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martinMarco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast & Audio Signals PodcastOn ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli____________________________Episode NotesDuring the On Location series at AISA Cyber Con 2024 in Melbourne, a significant conversation unfolded between Sean Martin, Marco Ciappelli, and Abbas Kudrati about key cybersecurity themes and strategies relevant to the Asia-Pacific region.Abbas Kudrati, a seasoned cybersecurity professional and cloud advocate, shared insights into the state of cybersecurity in the region. He highlighted that ransomware remains one of the top threats, particularly in Asia and Australia. This persistent issue underscores the importance of robust data governance and access control. Abbas emphasized that organizations must establish strong security foundations, including data classification and access management, to prepare for the complexities introduced by AI. Without these measures, companies risk exposing sensitive information when leveraging generative AI solutions.The discussion also touched on data sovereignty, a critical topic for governments and defense organizations in Australia. Abbas noted the growing number of localized data centers built by major cloud providers to meet sovereignty requirements. While private sector organizations tend to be less stringent about data location, government entities require data to remain onshore. Frameworks like IRAP and Essential Eight are instrumental in ensuring compliance and guiding organizations in implementing consistent security practices.Zero Trust emerged as a transformative concept post-pandemic. According to Abbas, it simplified cybersecurity by enabling secure remote work and encouraging organizations to embrace cloud solutions. He contrasted this with the rise of generative AI, which has introduced both opportunities and challenges. AI's potential to streamline processes, such as analyzing security alerts and automating vulnerability management, is undeniable. However, its unbounded nature demands new strategies, including employee education on prompt engineering and responsible AI use.Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli explored how AI can revolutionize operations. Abbas pointed out that AI tools like security copilots are making cybersecurity more accessible, allowing analysts to query systems in natural language and accelerating incident response. He stressed the importance of using AI defensively to match the speed and sophistication of modern attackers, noting that attackers are increasingly leveraging AI for malicious activities.The conversation concluded with a forward-looking perspective on AI’s role in shaping cybersecurity and the importance of maintaining agility and preparedness in the face of evolving threats. This dynamic exchange provided a comprehensive view of the challenges and advancements influencing cybersecurity in the Asia-Pacific region today.____________________________This Episode’s SponsorsThreatlocker: https://itspm.ag/threatlocker-r974____________________________ResourcesLearn more and catch more stories from Australian Cyber Conference 2024 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/australian-cyber-conference-melbourne-2024-cybersecurity-event-coverage-in-australiaBe sure to share and subscribe!____________________________Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-cybersecurity-society-humanity-conference-and-event-coverageTo see and hear more Redefining CyberSecurity content on ITSPmagazine, visit: https://www.itspmagazine.com/redefining-cybersecurity-podcastTo see and hear more Redefining Society stories on ITSPmagazine, visit:https://www.itspmagazine.com/redefining-society-podcastWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage?Learn More 👉 https://itspm.ag/evtcovbrf

Guest: Ambassador Brendan Dowling, Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology, DFATOn LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-dowling-7812b4261/AT AU Cyber Con | https://canberra2024.cyberconference.com.au/speakers/brendan-dowlingHosts: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber]On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martinMarco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast & Audio Signals PodcastOn ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli____________________________Episode NotesThis conversation with Brendan Dowling gave us a glimpse into the strategies, challenges, and collaborations shaping Australia’s digital future—and reminded us all that the cyber frontier is not just a technical battlefield but a deeply human one.The Role of a Cyber AmbassadorDowling began by discussing the unique responsibilities of a Cyber Ambassador, a role that integrates cybersecurity into foreign policy at the highest levels. He emphasized how this position, once viewed as an innovative experiment, has become a strategic necessity for national security. As cyber threats grow increasingly complex and borderless, cyber diplomacy has emerged as a critical tool for fostering stability and trust on the global stage.Strengthening Global CollaborationDuring the discussion, Dowling highlighted the collaborative nature of Australia’s cybersecurity efforts. He explained how cooperation within government agencies and partnerships with international allies are key to staying ahead of emerging threats. These relationships enable critical information-sharing, strategic alignment, and unified responses to incidents, underscoring the interconnectedness of today’s digital ecosystem.Navigating AI and Ethical ChallengesThe conversation turned to artificial intelligence and its growing role in society. Dowling addressed the ethical considerations of AI development and deployment, stressing the importance of balancing innovation with responsibility. He described Australia’s approach to advocating for ethical design and policy frameworks that protect privacy and human rights while maximizing AI’s benefits.Building Resilience in Critical InfrastructureCritical infrastructure was another focal point of the discussion. Dowling acknowledged the increasing complexity of protecting vital systems, from industrial control processes to supply chains. He emphasized resilience—not only in preventing attacks but in responding swiftly and effectively when incidents occur. This approach ensures that essential services, such as energy and manufacturing, can continue to operate even under pressure.Cultural Contexts in CybersecurityDowling also reflected on the role of cultural differences in shaping cybersecurity strategies. He shared experiences from his international work, where addressing issues like online safety and disinformation often requires sensitivity to local norms and values. Tailoring cybersecurity approaches to diverse cultural contexts, he noted, is vital for fostering trust and collaboration across regions.Conclusion:As the conversation concluded, Dowling reaffirmed the need for continued cooperation, innovation, and cultural understanding in tackling global cyber challenges. Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli expressed their gratitude, leaving listeners with a clear message: cybersecurity is not just a technical issue—it’s a global, ethical, and deeply human challenge that requires collective effort.____________________________This Episode’s SponsorsThreatlocker: https://itspm.ag/threatlocker-r974____________________________ResourcesAustralia's global opportunity and responsibility: shaping a more secure region and a safer digital world (Session): https://canberra2024.cyberconference.com.au/sessions/australias-global-opportunity-and-responsibility-shaping-a-more-secure-region-and-a-safer-digital-worldLearn more and catch more stories from Australian Cyber Conference 2024 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/australian-cyber-conference-melbourne-2024-cybersecurity-event-coverage-in-australiaBe sure to share and subscribe!____________________________Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-cybersecurity-society-humanity-conference-and-event-coverageTo see and hear more Redefining CyberSecurity content on ITSPmagazine, visit: https://www.itspmagazine.com/redefining-cybersecurity-podcastTo see and hear more Redefining Society stories on ITSPmagazine, visit:https://www.itspmagazine.com/redefining-society-podcastWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage?Learn More 👉 https://itspm.ag/evtcovbrf

Guest: Ivano Bongiovanni, General Manager / Sr Lecturer, AusCERT / UQOn LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivano-bongiovanni-cybersecurity-management/At AU Cyber Con | https://melbourne2024.cyberconference.com.au/speakers/ivano-bongiovanni-ibtppHosts: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber]On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martinMarco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast & Audio Signals PodcastOn ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli____________________________Episode NotesThis AISA Cyber Con 2024 On Location podcast episode recorded in Melbourne spotlights critical discussions led by Ivano Bongiovanni, General Manager for AUSCERT and Senior Lecturer in Cybersecurity at the University of Queensland. The dialogue centers on pivotal issues shaping organizational approaches to cybersecurity, from decision-making factors to data governance and regulatory influences.Bongiovanni discusses his research on decision-making in cybersecurity, conducted across six large organizations. By interviewing professionals at operational, tactical, and strategic levels, the study examines the multifaceted factors driving decisions, such as configuring security systems or choosing cyber insurance. The research identifies four primary influence levels: industry, organizational, team, and individual. Key drivers include regulations at the industry level, organizational culture, and access to collaborative professional forums. These insights aim to provide decision-makers with a reflective framework to ensure comprehensive and informed choices.Another prominent focus is data governance. Bongiovanni emphasizes its role as both a foundation for robust cybersecurity and a potential avenue for organizational value creation. He highlights the challenges organizations face in mapping, managing, and securing their data. While traditionally viewed through a lens of loss prevention, he argues that effective data governance can unlock operational efficiencies and new business opportunities. This aligns with a broader industry shift to link cybersecurity investments to strategic value creation, rather than purely protective measures.The episode also touches on evolving regulatory landscapes. Bongiovanni outlines the increasing scrutiny on board members and CISOs (Chief Information Security Officers) regarding cybersecurity accountability. While Australia is still catching up with global trends, parallels are drawn to the U.S., where regulations like the SEC’s proposed cyber disclosures link leadership liability to organizational cybersecurity practices. In Australia, existing duties of care under the Corporations Act are becoming focal points for regulatory expectations.Information-sharing frameworks, such as ISACs (Information Sharing and Analysis Centers), also feature in the discussion. Bongiovanni underscores their importance in fostering collaboration, particularly in sectors like higher education and healthcare. He notes the ongoing cultural shift encouraging organizations to share threat intelligence securely, which is essential for collective resilience.Through Bongiovanni’s contributions, this episode highlights both the challenges and opportunities in cybersecurity decision-making, emphasizing a nuanced understanding of regulatory, cultural, and technical dynamics.____________________________This Episode’s SponsorsThreatlocker: https://itspm.ag/threatlocker-r974____________________________ResourcesFuture is now: Cautious reflections and bold predictions on cyber security in the years to come (Session): https://melbourne2024.cyberconference.com.au/sessions/session-FsEVnuge9uHow do we make decisions in cybersecurity? Operational, tactical, and strategic decision-making in the age of AI (Session): https://melbourne2024.cyberconference.com.au/sessions/session-BdOGZjahUeThe executive playbook: Elevate your cyber security through data governance (Workshop): https://melbourne2024.cyberconference.com.au/workshops/workshop-rxAAQPTLUJLearn more and catch more stories from Australian Cyber Conference 2024 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/australian-cyber-conference-melbourne-2024-cybersecurity-event-coverage-in-australiaBe sure to share and subscribe!____________________________Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-cybersecurity-society-humanity-conference-and-event-coverageTo see and hear more Redefining CyberSecurity content on ITSPmagazine, visit: https://www.itspmagazine.com/redefining-cybersecurity-podcastTo see and hear more Redefining Society stories on ITSPmagazine, visit:https://www.itspmagazine.com/redefining-society-podcastWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage?Learn More 👉 https://itspm.ag/evtcovbrf