Every year, Australians are reminded about the importance of online security during Cyber Security Awareness Month in October. This year’s theme for 2022 is ‘Have you been hacked?’
Following the recent Optus cyber-attack, which was first reported last month on the 22nd of September, and is being branded as a 'sophisticated' attack, multiple European IP addresses kept changing during the attack. As a result of this attack, customers dating back as far as 2017 were targeted. According to the Australian Cyber Security Centre, the Australian Federal Police have launched Operation Hurricane to investigate the criminal aspects of the breach. Optus has also commissioned a Deloitte investigation into what happened.
Cybersecurity should be taken seriously by everyone. It is suggested that you turn on automatic software updates, regularly back up your devices, enable multi-factor authentication, use passphrases, and protect your mobile devices so that you can avoid cyber scams.
It is imperative that we do what we can to stay safe online not only for ourselves but for our communities, families and the businesses we work for.
We've selected a list of exceptional speakers who specialize in Cyber Safety and Security on a professional level, as well as some who have been hackers themselves. These Speakers will ignite conversations and drive real awareness around the importance of staying safe online in schools, organizations, and in your personal life.
Bastien is the co-founder of CTRL Group - Australia’s progressive information security firm, protecting businesses from cyber risk. CTRL Group offers best-in-class security solutions ranging from audits, hacking, monitoring, advisory and education. With operations in Singapore, Thailand and Australia, CTRL Group is on a mission to safeguard organizations from brand and reputational damage, as well as increase public awareness about the importance of cybersecurity to their financial and personal well-being. Bastien is dedicated to inspiring everyone to appreciate security as it starts to become an essential part of our lives as we move into a hyper-digitized world.
Harper Reed is a technologist that predicts the future for a living. He spends his life traveling around the world showing people the possibilities of tech and sharing his experiences to propel the greater good, all while raising the level of fun in the room.
Harper knows his incredible luck has led him to achieve many wonderful things. At PayPal, his roles as Head of Commerce and as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence allowed him to guide teams into the thrilling future of e-commerce. The technology he developed as co-founder at startup Modest Inc. had initially garnered the attention of PayPal, which led them to acquire Modest only a few years after launch.
Harper also believes the talent of a great bunch of humans can transform an organization like nothing else and he uses that belief to strengthen, deploy, and inspire every team he works with.
The world has gone digital, but Australian business risk falling behind. As advisor, mentor and speaker, Stephen Scheeler partners with Australia's business leaders to help them master digital strategy, culture & leadership, and build innovative, global, billion-dollar businesses.
As a speaker, Stephen has a unique ability to excite audiences on the power of technology, the future of business and the new paradigm of 21st-century leadership. He is an inspiring personality on the highest-profile stages - including TEDx, the Australian Governance Summit and AMP Amplify - and is a member of the Prime Minister’s Knowledge Nation 100, the top innovation leaders in Australia.
Monica Verma is considered a leading spokesperson for cybersecurity, digitalization, cloud computing and innovation, bridging the security and the talent gap, and helping stakeholders apply information security to support their business and societal goals.
Through her various leadership and advisory roles, clear and simple communication, as well as close collaboration with executives and top management, she has led many security and digital transformation projects for global businesses. Throughout her career she has been building security and talent for businesses and society, "to drive innovation and enable them to do things today they weren’t able to do yesterday". She has a global background and worked in multiple countries with international organizations throughout her career, engaging and speaking with her audience all over the world.
Edgar Perez is one the world’s few business and technology visionaries who can light up a room with insightful and inspiring presentations on the impact of cutting-edge technologies, from 5G to Quantum Computing and from Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity to Web3 and the Metaverse. A published author and energetic keynote speaker, he is also an international consultant affiliated with Ponemon Institute, Gerson Lehrman Group and Guidepoint Global Advisors.
Nigel Phair is one of Australia’s most influential analysts on the intersection of technology, crime and society. Nigel has strong professional, government and community links and well-established national and international networks. He is a sought-after commentator, advisor and strategist who focuses on technology and business disruption.
As an engaging and passionate speaker, Nigel is relatable across a broad variety of audiences and technology-related topics. He draws upon his experience in law enforcement, consulting and academia. Nigel’s talks make this topic enjoyable, entertaining and interesting, without involving too much jargon, to make this sometimes complicated subject accessible to a wider audience.
Catriona Wallace
Dr Catriona Wallace has been recognised by the Australian Financial Review as the Most Influential Woman in Business & Entrepreneurship. Catriona is an expert in the field of Artificial Intelligence and the Metaverse and is an Adjunct Professor, keynote speaker and Founder of the Responsible Metaverse Alliance. Catriona is also the co-author of the book Checkmate Humanity: the how and why of Responsible AI.
As the founder of one of the first Artificial Intelligence companies to list on the Australian Securities Exchange, Catriona has truly lived the life of an entrepreneur and CEO in the emerging technologies field. Indeed, Flamingo AI was the second only woman-led (CEO & Chair) business ever to list on the Australian Stock Exchange.
Bryan Seely is a world-famous hacker, Cybersecurity expert, author and former U.S. Marine. Bryan currently works as a freelance cybersecurity consultant and highly sought-after professional keynote speaker. He is passionate about fighting for consumer rights, and privacy and educating the public about how to stay safe in a constantly changing technology landscape.
Seely became one of the most famous hackers in 2014 when he became the only person to ever wiretap the United States Secret Service and FBI. Shockingly he told the 2 agencies before he was caught, and instead of being sent to maximum security prison, the Secret Service called him a hero and praised his courage and integrity.
Yasmin London is a communication powerhouse that empowers people by equipping them with the skills and knowledge to ensure technology enhances their modern-day lives, rather than detracts from it.
As an ex-World Champion athlete, Police Officer and now Director of ySafe, Australia’s largest provider of online safety education, Yasmin has built a team that empowers over 1 million young Australians and their communities to take control of their digital journey.
Make sure you and your team do your part to stay safe online. Book one of our cyber-security experts for your next conference to ensure that you are all educated on the dos and don'ts of the online cyber world.
If you're looking for a Speaker to share their story as part of your cybersecurity event contact our expert team on 1300 799 823 or enquire here for more information.
