Agenda

Wednesday, 8 October 2025

“Control the Chaos: Defend Today & Secure Tomorrow”

Please note that 1:1 meetings will be running throughout the day.

07:45 - 08:30

Registration & Check-In

08:30 - 08:50

Welcome to the 11th Security Edge: Lead the Defence

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Australia’s cyber-security market is on a double-digit growth path as boards rush to meet stricter regimes – APRA’s CPS 230 operational-resilience standard and the new Cyber Security Act 2024 – while a chronic skills shortage pushes organisations toward managed and cloud-delivered controls.

Recent breaches, including credential-stuffing losses at major super funds, and Australia’s world-first mandate to disclose any ransomware payments underscore stubborn exposure to extortion, supply-chain and identity attacks that must be contained even as plans for quantum-safe cryptography take shape.

Join your peers at ADAPT Security Edge to connect, learn, and lead through the challenges of our rapidly shifting security landscape.

Gabby Fredkin

Head of Analytics & Insights at ADAPT

About

Gabby’s primary role is managing ADAPT’s overall strategy for Data Analytics. He has extensive experience in using data to identify trends in technology that help shape Australian organisations. Utilising modern Data Science techniques, he provides ADAPT and their customers with confidence in the accuracy and validity of the information used for ADAPT’s Research, Advisory, and Events.​

With a passion for creating stories with data, Gabby is consistently rated as one of the top speakers at ADAPT Events. In round table discussions, he specialises in using statistics to initiate thought-provoking discussions. Gabby is effective in translating information into insights, enabling ADAPT’s customers to become more data-driven.​

Gabby’s primary areas of expertise are: ​

  • Advanced AI and ML practices, including AI ethics.​
  • Building models to benchmark and predict IT performance.​
  • End-user behaviour and human-centred design.​
  • Cross-functional team design and value, such as DevSecOps.​
08:50 - 09:10

ADAPT Research: Control the Chaos, Defend Today & Secure Tomorrow

Gabby Fredkin - Head of Analytics & Insights at ADAPT Read More

ADAPT’s Research and Advisory team reveal the latest data-driven insights from over 1000 local surveys from regional Heads of IT, digital and finance enabling companies responsible for over 60% of Australia’s GDP.

Compare their resource allocation, investment priorities, barriers and the unique challenges of Australian IT Security and the Business leaders you serve.

Helping you to benchmark and validate your priorities and thinking, Gabby will reveal the core findings distilled from your aggregated pre-event surveys and examine which Security, AI and data protection strategies are creating the best outcomes.

Tenar Larsen

Head of People & Performance, Executive Programs

About

Tenar has spent the last 18 years working in sales, running her own company consulting to corporate Australia around Workplace Wellness / Employee Experience and now she finds herself back over on the dark side as an employee, part of a well oiled machine – and loving it! As a Senior Manager of the ADAPT Advisory team, Tenar runs the team that fulfils over 60 private advisory events each year across Asia Pacific. Tenar build genuine relationships quickly and easily, loves connecting people, finding out how to solve a problem and then delivering.

09:10 - 09:15

Get an Edge: Making the Most of Your Day

Tenar Larsen - Head of People & Performance, Executive Programs Read More

Adam Cartwright

CISO at Australia Post

About

A seasoned cybersecurity leader with extensive expertise in establishing and overseeing cybersecurity teams. A published author in the field of cybersecurity, notably with the book ‘Ransomware: Enhancing Threat-Centric Cyber Defense’. Demonstrates strong leadership skills, fostering the growth of individuals within the industry.

Bringing a wealth of experience as an IT executive, adept at customizing security strategies according to specific industry sectors and threat landscapes. Proficiently manages security budgets spanning from $5 million to $160 million. Successfully established both in-house onshore and offshore security operations centers, collaborating with partner organizations to achieve robust security outcomes.

Possesses a rich background working with major global financial institutions such as American Express, Commonwealth Bank, ANZ Bank, as well as prominent players in the technology sector like IBM, and within the manufacturing vertical.

Daryl Pereira

APJ Head Office of the CISO at Google Cloud

About

I am an advocate for technology leadership, people development and cross-industry partnerships. Steering Google Cloud’s ‘Office of the CISO’ in the Asia Pacific, my leadership extends to shaping cybersecurity principles and cyber governance frameworks, enhancing digital trust across various industries. The role demands a strategic fusion of security expertise, thought leadership, executive sponsorship and partnership with CISOs, CIOs, regulators and government bodies to elevate cybersecurity measures at both a national and global level.

David Gee

Former CIO & CISO

About

David has just retired in July 2024 and is building out his portfolio. He is an Advisor with Bain Advisory Network and also an Advisor to JS Careers (Cyber Recruitment) and Emertel (Software Commercialization).

He is a seasoned technology executive with significant experience and has over 25 years’ experience in CIO and CISO roles across different industries and countries. At Macquarie Group David served as Global Head Technology, Cyber and Data Risk.

Previously was CISO for HSBC Asia Pacific. His career as a CIO spans across multiple industries and geographies including – Metlife, Eli Lilly and Credit Union Australia. He was winner CIO of the Year 2014, at CUA where he successfully completed a significant Transformation of Core Banking, Online and Mobile Banking systems.

David is past Chairman for the FS-ISAC Strategy Committee and awarded Global Leaders Award in 2023 for his contributions to the cybersecurity industry. A regular conference keynote speaker and 150+ published articles for CIO Australia, Computerworld, ITNews and CSO (Cyber Security), David now writes for Foundry CIO.com and AICD.

His most recent book – the Aspiring CIO & CISO was published in June 2024 and David is writing his second – A Day in the Life of a CISO with a number of CISOs from around the world for 2025.

09:15 - 09:55

A Day in the Life of a CISO: Leadership and Resilience in the face of Complexity.

Adam Cartwright - CISO at Australia Post Daryl Pereira - APJ Head Office of the CISO at Google Cloud David Gee - Former CIO & CISO Read More

Three world class CISOs share their tips.

In an era where cyber threats evolve daily and the role of the CISO has become more critical than ever, “A Day in the Life of a CISO” offers an unprecedented collection of real-world wisdom, practical strategies, and hard-earned lessons from cybersecurity’s most experienced practitioners. These CISOs are from all corners of the world and from many diverse sectors.

David Gee takes his own lessons and life experiences from 28 cybersecurity leaders, including 24 active and former CISOs including Adam Cartwright from AusPost.

Debating how to advance cybersecurity leadership and build more resilient organisations in an increasingly complex threat landscape:

• Leadership Development
• Strategic Thinking
• Crisis Management
• Career Resilience
• Global Perspectives

09:55 - 10:25

Strategic Insights

with Microsoft Read More
10:25 - 10:45

Morning Break

Refreshments, Snacks & Connections

Alexey Bocharnikov

Asia Pacific Leader for Quantum Security at Accenture

About

Alexey, a Director at Accenture, brings over 15 years of expertise in cybersecurity strategy, risk management, quantum risk, and cryptography. He currently holds the position of APAC Quantum Security Lead and A/NZ Cyber Strategy Delivery Lead.

Prior to Accenture, Alexey honed his expertise at EY, contributing to the Global Innovation Quantum Technology Lab and leading Global Quantum Security efforts. In parallel with advancing quantum security, he successfully delivered over a dozen cyber strategy projects for clients across the A/NZ region. Before EY, Alexey served as a County Information Security Officer at Deutsche Bank’s Moscow Branch. His focus was protecting business interests and infrastructure from cyber threats and balancing headquarters objectives with local branch needs.

Alexey is a vocal advocate for best practices and proactive risk management in cyber strategy and quantum security. His thought leadership includes authoring articles, contributing to international reports, producing educational videos, and speaking at industry conferences.

10:45 - 11:15

Quantum Readiness: What to Do Now, What to Plan for Later?

Alexey Bocharnikov - Asia Pacific Leader for Quantum Security at Accenture Read More

The quantum threat is no longer theoretical; it’s a strategic concern. Built on robust theoretical knowledge and insights from case studies across industries and regions, Alexey will highlight how organisations are preparing for quantum risk in practical terms.

Giving a practical, grounded view of quantum security in action:

• Debunking quantum-security myths
• Assessing readiness: security teams’ high-stakes choices amid uncertainty
• Translating complex risks into near- and long-term action plans
• Field insights: how inventories, key management, and contracts cope with post-quantum demands
• Roadmap: what to act on, what to postpone, and how to brief tech and exec leaders

Alexey brings over 15 years of expertise in cybersecurity strategy, risk management, quantum risk, and cryptography. He served as a County Information Security Officer at Deutsche Bank’s Moscow Branch – then honed his expertise at EY, contributing to their Global Innovation Quantum Technology Lab and leading Global Quantum Security efforts.

He currently holds the position of APAC Quantum Security Lead and Director of Cyber Strategy at Accenture and is a vocal advocate for best practices and proactive risk management in cyber strategy and quantum security.

Mitch Ryan

Senior Solutions Engineer at Wiz

About

I’m an experienced IT professional with over seventeen years in the industry. I have worked as an architect, operator and pre-sales solution engineer within large private sector, government and vendor environments.

11:15 - 11:35

Mitigating Risk within Multi-Cloud Environments

Mitch Ryan - Senior Solutions Engineer at Wiz Read More

In this session, Insignia Financial will share their journey of modernising data architecture and securing complex multi-cloud environments. James Ng, CISO at Insignia will share the strategies undertaken to re-imagine cloud infrastructure, implement continuous compliance, and gain unified visibility across cloud platforms using tools like Wiz. This session will explore real-world use cases in cloud risk prioritisation, secure cloud adoption, and embedding security throughout the development lifecycle. Walk away with actionable insights to drive both operational efficiency and risk mitigation in your own cloud journey.

Garrett O’Hara

Senior Director, Sales Engineering, Mimecast APAC

About

Field CTO combining a strong technical background with two decades of real-world sales acumen. Seasoned leader of technical sales teams in the Asia Pacific region with experience of growing new-to-country businesses. Media experience across conference speaking, keynotes, podcasts and TV.

11:35 - 11:55

High Risk Users & Where to Find Them

Garrett O’Hara - Senior Director, Sales Engineering, Mimecast APAC Read More

68% of cyber incidents are attributed to human error however risk isn’t evenly distributed with recent statistics revealing that 80% of security incidents are caused by just 8% of employees, underscoring the critical importance of identifying high-risk users within an organisation.

This session will explore the factors contributing to user vulnerabilities that lead to certain individuals being classed as high-risk. Participants will gain insights into measuring user risk effectively and implementing tailored strategies to enhance cybersecurity across their organisations. This session will also highlight how a personalised and adaptive security approach can provide customised security measures for each user. By focusing on these high-risk individuals, organisations can safeguard their workforce while maintaining operational productivity.

12:00 - 13:00

ADAPT Executive Insight Roundtables - share with confidence under the Chatham House Rule

Attend your preselected roundtable to participate in a peer discussion moderated by ADAPT analysts with subject matter experts.

13:00 - 13:55

Peer Networking Seated Lunch

14:00 - 15:00

ADAPT Executive Insight Roundtables - share with confidence under the Chatham House Rule

Attend your preselected roundtable to participate in a peer discussion moderated by ADAPT analysts with subject matter experts.

15:00 - 15:10

Afternoon Break

Refreshments, Snacks & Connections

Peter Hind

Principal Research Analyst at ADAPT

About

Peter Hind has spent the last 25 years as an analyst and commentator on the ICT industry. He says his primary areas of interest are the potential of technology to transform the way organisations operate, the change management obstacles executives encounter in realising this potential and the tactics and techniques leaders have deployed to overcome these difficulties.

Peter now takes on multiple roles within ADAPT including the moderation of private events and roundtables, interviewing business executives about the strategies they are pursuing and assisting with the structuring of our delegate surveys and the interrogation and analysis of ADAPT’s treasure trove of end-user and C-level data

Emily Mailes

Chief eHealth Strategy Officer at VIC Department of Health

About

As the Chief eHealth Strategy Officer at the Department of Health in Victoria, my role encompasses two core areas: driving digital strategy for the future of healthcare and ensuring the cybersecurity and operational integrity of critical health systems.

On the digital strategy side, I am responsible for setting an ambitious agenda that shapes the future of the Victorian health system through innovation and transformation. By collaborating with policymakers, funders, and healthcare leaders, I work to align strategic initiatives and emerging technologies that drive improvements across the system and enhance the health and wellbeing of Victorians.

In parallel, I oversee a 24/7 cybersecurity operation dedicated to protecting Victorians’ health data and securing the critical systems that keep our healthcare services running. My leadership in cybersecurity is focused on ensuring robust protections against emerging threats while maintaining operational excellence in the face of evolving challenges.

My dual role allows me to balance high-level strategic vision with the practical, day-to-day oversight of security operations, ensuring both the future and the present of the health system are secure, resilient, and forward-thinking.

15:10 - 15:45

CISO Panel: No-Spin Reality Check - 6 Cyber Risks to tackle before 2026

Peter Hind - Principal Research Analyst at ADAPT Emily Mailes - Chief eHealth Strategy Officer at VIC Department of Health Read More

In the run-up to 2026, Australian security leaders face a tight set of concrete risks – not wish-list futures. This panel focuses on what’s hitting budgets, board agendas and incident queues right now. Senior practitioners will trade straight talk on where controls really break, where regulators are tightening screws and which fixes move the risk needle fastest.

• Ransomware as a profit engine – exfiltration-plus-extortion still wins when backups and segmentation fail.
• Credential-stuffing drain – reused passwords, slow MFA uptake and direct fraud losses.
• Third-party & SaaS exposure – one weak supplier or shadow tenant can unravel your whole stack; SBOMs and live vendor scores are now board questions.
• Generative-AI sprawl – prompt-injection, data leakage and “shadow-AI” tools opening fresh attack paths.
• Post-quantum crypto clock – ASD guidance says inventory and crypto-agility must start before NIST standards drop.
• Regulatory heat – tougher privacy fines, APRA CPS 230, and SOCI Act extensions raise the bar on reporting and resilience.

Darren Argyle

Former Group Chief Information Security Risk Officer & Board Advisor at Standard Chartered Bank (Singapore)

About

Darren is an accomplished executive with close to 20 years of international cyber risk/security experience and served as the Group Chief Information Security Risk Officer at Standard Chartered bank. He was recently appointed as Ambassador for the Global Cyber Alliance in recognition of his collaborative work advising small businesses in a voluntary capacity and is the Co-Founder/ Chairman of Cyber Leadership Institute.

Darren has a wealth of real-world hands-on leadership experience to impart; he was the former Group Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Qantas Airlines and, before coming to live in Australia, the former Chief Information Security Officer at IHS Markit, a global FinTech headquartered in the UK, and also held various senior international cyber security leadership roles at Symantec and IBM.

In 2016, Darren was featured on the front cover of SC Magazine (an award-winning cybersecurity media publication) then, in 2017 and 2022, was named in the top 100 Chief Information Security Officers globally, and, in 2018, was listed in the top 100 IT security influencers globally. Darren is adept at using real-world stories to demonstrate the critical importance of striving for cyber resilience.

15:45 - 16:25

Winning the Boardroom: Helping Businesses Lead, Not Just Comply

Darren Argyle - Former Group Chief Information Security Risk Officer & Board Advisor at Standard Chartered Bank (Singapore) Read More

In an era of mounting regulatory pressure and rising cyber threats, many organisations struggle to balance compliance with true leadership. Boards and regulators want assurance, clarity, and confidence—but too often, cyber and risk leaders fail to bridge the gap between technical jargon and actionable business impact. This keynote offers a roadmap for attendees to gain influence, avoid fines, and transform their organisations into the go-to examples of excellence in cyber resilience and delivering business value.

This workshop session will give you:
• Practical Tools: leave with a clear framework for engaging stakeholders, simplifying complex risks, and demonstrating business value.
• Real Outcomes: Darren shares how he helped go from regulatory scrutiny to trusted leadership by building confidence with the regulators.
• Relatable Lessons: Through storytelling, he’ll bring to life the challenges and triumphs of working with boards, regulators, and resistant stakeholders.

Key Takeaways:

1. How to Get Off the Naughty List: Proven strategies to regain regulators’ confidence and avoid costly fines or oversight.
2. Building Boardroom Influence: Practical steps to become a trusted advisor and align cybersecurity with business goals.
3. From Compliance to Leadership: Lessons on how to shift from simply “meeting standards” to setting them, becoming the example others follow.

16:25 - 16:30

Closing Comments

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16:30 - 17:30

Security Edge Peer Networking Drinks

An opportunity to stay, mingle and meet other attendees over drinks and food and discuss the day.

Register your interest

Security Edge Melbourne