Past Events

FREE WEBINAR: 'Meet an Expert: 2023-2030 National Cyber Security Strategy - What are the opportunities for cyber businesses?

Date:                          Wednesday 07 February, 2024
Time:                         12.30-1.30pm

The Commonwealth Government released the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy late last year, designed to assist small and medium enterprises in dealing with cyber threats and improving the nation's cyber resilience.

AISA is thrilled to announce that Hamish Hansford, Deputy Secretary of the Cyber and Infrastructure Security Group and Acting National Cyber Security Co-ordinator will join Akash Mittal, AISA Board Chair, in unpackaging the Strategy and Action Plan.

This webinar session will answer the following questions:

  • What does this mean for cyber businesses? 
  • What are the opportunities for SMEs?
  • Should cyber SMEs be scaling to meet the sector's needs?  
  • How can cyber businesses become involved in helping Government provide the solution?

Join the webinar and find out how you can be part of the solution!

For more information please contact Monica Millar, NSW Cyber Business Exchange Program Manager.

 

MEET AN EXPERT – FINDINGS FROM RSA CONFERENCE


FREE WEBINAR - 31 MAY 2023

Hosted by the NSW Cyber Business Exchange, and moderated by Megan Spielvogel, General Manager - Australian Information Security Association (AISA), please join our panel of experts from AISA, Austrade, and AustCyber as they share the latest intel from their recent attendance at the RSA Conference in San Francisco.

Industry speakers will join the session including Fiona Long from InfoSecAssure, who will speak about learnings of the US Market as a cyber start-up and Hamish Hawthorn from Propeller, who will speak about his start-up journey that ventured to the US to set up an innovative business.

Date:                   31 May 2023
Time:                  12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
To register:        Email your details to [email protected]
RSVP:                  Please register by Monday 29 May


SPEAKERS:

Megan Spielvogel: General Manager, Australian Information Security Association (AISA) - Moderator
Damien Manuel: Chairperson, Australian Information Security Association (AISA)
Odette Hampton: Deputy Consul General and Trade and Investment Commissioner, San Francisco, Austrade
Jason Murrell: Group Executive, AustCyber
Fiona Long: Director, InfoSecAssure
Hamish Hawthorn: Vice President of Corporate Development, Propeller

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY PANEL – 16 March 2023

In the spirit of working towards a world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive, as well as to celebrate women’s achievements and raise awareness against bias, it was fantastic for the NSW Cyber Business Exchange to jointly host with the NSW AISA Branch the International Women’s Day panel. The discussion emphasised the contribution women make to the workforce, they provided tips and techniques on how to back yourself and get the support from both women and men in the industry. The panel was inspirational and provided motivation, individual learnings and they showed that every woman has a unique story. There was an overwhelming sentiment that by supporting each other, we can create a world where all women can thrive.

The incredible panel of inspirational female leaders were:

  • Joss Howard – Partner | McGrathNicol (Moderator)
  • Anurag Kanwar – Compliance and Continuous Improvement Director | Group Colleges Australia
  • Gergana Winzer – Partner, Enterprise Advisory – Cyber Services | KMPG
  • Persia Navidi – Partner | Hicksons Lawyers
  • Dr Sarah Morrision – CEO | Morrisec

“It was the best and most genuine International Women’s Day panel I ever attended. Well done to all the amazing and inspiring panellists.”
Jihad Zein (Toll Group) 

NSW GOING GLOBAL EXPORT PROGRAM – 15 February 2023

This virtual information session with the experts was to promote, explain and discuss Investment NSW’s Going Global Export Program, designed for NSW cybersecurity SMEs to expand to the United Kingdom.

Applications were open for eligible cyber businesses to apply for free support to gain business in the UK, including potential partner search and introductions, plus participation at London Tech Week from 12-16 June 2023.

Dedicated staff from Investment NSW, based in NSW and the UK, guide a cohort of NSW cyber businesses through the 14-week Going Global program, starting in April 2023. You can hear from previous Tech program participants in this 2-min video.

As a global leader in cybersecurity, the UK offers the largest market in Europe, with the added benefit of an exceptional pipeline of talent and investment opportunities. In 2020, the sector was worth £8.9 billion (A$15.57 billion).

This session was for anyone thinking about expanding to the UK, or who is already working with this region and was interested to find out more about this Program from the panel:

Johnny Henwood: Tech Export Advisor – Investment NSW
Emma Stevens: NSW Trade & Investment Director – London
Michael Warnock: Chief Commercial Officer – Daltrey Pty Ltd

The session covered the benefits, how they can assist businesses with contacts, introductions, understanding the basics and how to navigate the ecosystem.

FINDINGS FROM THE CYBER SECURITY SECTOR COMPETITIVENESS PLAN (SCP) – 31 January 2023

The Sector Competitiveness Plan (developed by AustCyber) is a critical piece of annual research, developed with over 60 Australian cyber security companies and experts, that helps shape and inform the sector within Australia.

During the webinar on the findings from the 2022 SCP, we heard from Jason Murrell, who is the Group Executive of AustCyber. AustCyber are a business that is tasked with assisting the development of the cyber ecosystem from start-up to export overseas.

Jason outlined the key insights from the research, including:

  • An overview of the current state of the industry
  • Key areas in desperate need of support, including education, exporting, skills shortage, revenue growth and spend
  • Future opportunities that need to be focused on to grow revenue, including improving the startup environment, bolster domestic procurement and export capability, and better attract local and international talent

The session was well received and there was a lengthy question and answer portion of the event that centred around training and how to ensure we have a workforce.

NEWCASTLE CYBER CHALLENGES PANEL – 7 December 2022

The in-person ‘Meet an Expert’ panel and networking event in Newcastle was held at the University of Newcastle. The panellists were Bruce White (Greater Bank), Russell Weir (Newcastle City Council) and Troy Filipcevic (Emergence Insurance) with the expert moderator being Professor Vijay Varadharajan (University of Newcastle).

During the session the Panel explored the cyber challenges organisations face when it comes to protecting their customers and community. The Panel delved into the specific cyber security issues in different sectors of the economy, from the financial sector, infrastructure, energy and insurance. They discussed what is being done and more importantly what further countermeasures and strategies are needed to curb possible attacks and get in front of what seems like a turbulent current situation.

After the discussion and questions from the audience, the delegation had the opportunity to come together to network and catch up. There was a great feeling of collaboration and community amongst the group.

“The event was great and fantastic to hear from some likeminded individuals and professions within the sector. The challenges discussed were fantastic and provided some good insights.”
Nathan Taylor (City of Newcastle)

ORANGE REGIONAL CITY EVENT – 6 December 2022

This unique ‘Meet the Experts’ event with keynote speaker, panel discussion and networking opportunity was a face-to-face event that was also live streamed. The delegation came together to collaborate with regional cyber security professionals, business and community leaders to discuss the cyber security threat landscape.

The keynote by the Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP (Assistant Minister for Defence), addressed the Australian Government’s position on cyber security and how they consider it when making plans and defence decisions. The panel of experts with current experience in the cyber security industry included Ret. Major General Dr Marcus Thompson (Australian Defence Force), Yawun Mundine (Yirigaa), Professor Ganna Pogrebna (Charles Sturt University), Andrew McInnes (OCTEC Limited) and Tim Moran (Ignite).

  • The panel discussion, which was moderated by Jeff Whitton (Councillor) covered:
  • The Australian Defence Cyber Warfare Unit Opportunities for indigenous and other diverse cohorts to work in the cyber security profession
  • Academic pathways and AI in cyber security
  • Disability employment opportunities in cyber security
  • How regional businesses are meeting cyber security compliance
  • Recruitment challengers in cyber security

“It was a great event with excellent speakers and discussion points.”
Anna Arrow (Marathon Health)

FOUNDER ROADSHOW – 27 September 2022

The Founder Roadshow with CyRise was an informative and interactive session, where the experts shared their honest insights and tips on starting a cyber business. Participants had the opportunity to ask questions face to face and gain first-hand knowledge of the process.

Kirstin McIntosh (COO of CyRise) lead a live Q&A with Fred Thiele (CISO of Interactive), Martin McGregor (CEO of Devicie) and Jacqui Nelson (CEO of DekkoSecure).

We had a great turnout with everyone very interested to meet the cyber founders. Anyone with a unique idea or product or who has ever thought about startups, was encouraged to reach out and talk to the CyRise team. This was in preparation for the launch of the next NSW Cyber Accelerator in Residence (AIR) Program commencing in February 2023.

The invitation to chat with CyRise directly is always open – just make an appointment with the team.

“Excellent personal experience sharing by three startup leaders for business management, rather than technical discussions. I look forward to attending upcoming workshops and networking opportunities.”
Lee Li (student)

HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY PITCH YOUR BUSINESS – 21 June 2022

The NSW Cyber Business Hub hosted a roundtable event with Phil Ore, Chief Mentor and Co-CEO of 25eight, as the expert on Pitching Your Business on 21 Jun as part of CyberCon Connect – Sydney Conference. The delegates had the unique opportunity to learn how to confidently communicate their business’ value proposition in a way that is memorable, effective and natural, and structure their pitch using a framework for success. Attendees found the session invaluable as they walked away with practical tools to improve their win rate.

Phil used great examples and encouraged interaction within the group during the presentation. The twelve delegates that attended this session have already benefited further by progressing to one-on-one mentoring sessions with Phil, with the objective of continuing to refine a pitch that is tailored to their needs.

“After sitting through tens of 'how to pitch' sessions and reading tens of articles, Phil's session was the most valuable and enlightening. I'm grateful for having the opportunity to participate in the session.”
Rony Moshkovich (Prevasio)