Mindshift at the Australian Cyber Conference 2024: A glimpse into the future
In a world of rapid technological advancements and digital transformation, the theme "Future is Now" for the 2024 Australian Cyber Conference perfectly captured the intersection of cutting-edge innovation and the pressing need for cyber security. This year's conference in Melbourne featured 400 speakers and over 5500 delegates and provided a perfect opportunity to clock up 10,000 + steps a day in the giant venue.
It’s safe to say the Australian Cyber Conference is not only for Australians. This event attracts highly regarded presenters and delegates from across the globe, making it the largest event of its kind in our region making it well worth the trip across the Tasman.
”Cyber security is an industry we’re all so privileged to be work in and there’s no better time to be part of it” was a theme common to many of the talks Mindshift attended.
Cybersecurity Law Package
With the Australian parliament passing the Cybersecurity Law Package just before the conference, government presenters throughout the event had even more to discuss regarding the progress in legislation supporting the efforts of agencies and cybersecurity professionals across the country.
A stellar line-up of speakers
The calibre of speakers at this year's conference was truly impressive, here are some highlights:
Joe Sullivan: As a keynote speaker, Joe Sullivan reflected on his experience as Chief Security Officer at Uber and his prosecution for a data breach. A key takeaway from his talk was the analogy of building your cyber team like a fire department: one team on the go, one on standby, and one resting. He emphasised that cyber security is a noble profession, representing the intersection of hard technology and humility.
Several government presenters, including Dovid Clarke and Laura Adams, discussed the 'long tail' of remediation following significant incidents like the compromise of 9 million records in the Medibank breach.
Peter Gigengack: Peter shared his personal journey to raise awareness about preparing your family to handle digital identities after death. His talk was both moving and informative, highlighting the importance of planning for the digital afterlife, ensuring your Will covers your wishes for your digital accounts in the event of sickness or death. A confronting but practical talk stimulating a lot of audience discussion.
Daisy Wong and Jacqueline Jayne: If you're thinking about recruiting for a training and awareness role, Daisy and Jacqueline's session was invaluable. They covered the top 10 skills required for a security awareness and culture role, and interestingly, technical competency didn't make the list! Their insights are a must for anyone looking to enhance their organisation's security culture.
Geoffrey Robertson KC: The internationally renowned judge captivated the audience with his history of law and technological changes, delivered with his signature dry wit. His talk was both enlightening and entertaining, providing a unique perspective on the legal aspects of cyber security. The thought that AI could be our judges of the future was mind-blowing.
Fiona Collie: Cyber Awareness & Outreach Manager at Monash University, Fiona Collie gave a stark truth that while those who work in cyber love cyber security, others don't always feel the same so training and comms need to be short and impactful. Her insightful talk on the smart brevity method highlighted the need for tailored training, clear calls to action, and concise communication.
Jose Hernandez: The inspiring keynote by Jose Hernandez, from humble beginnings as the son of a Mexican agricultural worker to becoming a scientist and astronaut, was a highlight of the conference. He shared his journey of applying 12 times to NASA, with each rejection motivating him to improve and reach his goal. His father's recipe for success was particularly moving:
Define your goal
Recognize how far you are from it
Create a roadmap to get there
Prepare yourself accordingly
Develop a strong work ethic
Persevere, never give up
This talk was one of the most inspiring and moving sessions of the conference.
Sian John: As the CTO at NCC Group, Sian John spoke about digital empathy, emphasising the importance of designing and educating with the end user in mind. Her talk underscored the need for a user-centric approach in cyber security.
Catriona Forde: Catriona inspired attendees with her talk on tailored training. Her approach to customizing training programs to meet specific needs was both practical and motivational, offering valuable strategies for effective cyber security education.
A vast array of exhibitors
The conference also featured a vast array of exhibitors, validating that Mindshift's business is unique—we didn't find any vendor quite like us at the event. Among the interesting businesses we encountered were Cybermindz, who focus on mental health support for cyber teams, delivered remotely or in person. Their innovative approaches to supporting the well-being of cyber professionals highlighted the importance of mental health in the industry.
Looking ahead
We’re already looking forward to next year's conference – attend if you can. No better opportunity for stretching the mind, networking and filling your cup with ideas.
Cyber security is a game we all need to play at to win.
