Fortem Australia CEO Michael Willing tells ADAPT cyber leaders face pressures like first responders, with AI offering major benefits and complex new security challenges.

He believes the pressures on cyber security leaders mirror the intense demands faced by first responders.

In this interview with ADAPT’s Head of Programs & Value Engagement Byron Connolly, Michael draws on more than three decades in the NSW Police Force, including roles in homicide and counter-terrorism, to explain the parallels between responding to cyber incidents and managing critical public safety events.

“They’ve got a huge challenge on their hands as everyone is well aware…I take my hat off to them for what they are trying to do.”

Cyber leaders, like police or emergency personnel, must operate within strict governance and legal frameworks, often unable to see their adversary and confronting attackers who use the same tools defenders rely on.

The public and professional toll can be severe.

“We’ve seen incidents of cyber hacks play out publicly… the toll that flows from that for executives can be absolutely harrowing.”

 

AI’s potential and the human factor

Michael sees significant opportunities for AI to enhance law enforcement by quickly processing large volumes of information and identifying criminal activity.

He believes the efficiencies AI can deliver to agencies like the NSW Police Force are clear, especially compared to the days when homicide detectives spent months manually reviewing CCTV footage, a task AI can now complete in minutes.

He also stresses that these benefits must be balanced with strong ethics and oversight, with the human factor remaining central to decision-making.

Among the risks he points to is data poisoning, where manipulated or misleading information is introduced into machine learning systems, potentially compromising their accuracy and reliability.

 

Tackling borderless crime

A growing challenge for policing, Willing says, is the rise of crimes committed offshore, creating jurisdictional and evidentiary hurdles.

“Explaining technology and these crimes in a way that juries can understand is an ongoing challenge not just for policing but for the whole criminal justice system.”

He supports building sovereign AI capabilities and believes regulation will be necessary, with frameworks adapting as technology evolves.

Contributors
Michael Willing CEO at Fortem
Michael Willing is a highly respected strategic leader with broad public and private sector experience and demonstrated success in leading high performing... More

Michael Willing is a highly respected strategic leader with broad public and private sector experience and demonstrated success in leading high performing teams in complex, challenging environments. He is a strong, nuanced communicator who is widely recognised for his integrity, adaptability and proven ability to foster collaboration across diverse stakeholder groups to deliver sustainable community and business outcomes.

His key areas of expertise include; transformation and strategic leadership, crisis management, government relations and executive level collaboration, transformation and change management, complex problem solving, influence and negotiation, media and public relations, along with international security, risk management and investigation.

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Byron Connolly Head of Programs & Value Engagement at ADAPT
Byron Connolly is a highly experienced technology and business journalist, editor, corporate writer, and event producer, and ADAPT’s Head of Programs and... More

Byron Connolly is a highly experienced technology and business journalist, editor, corporate writer, and event producer, and ADAPT’s Head of Programs and Value Engagement.

Prior to joining Adapt, he was the editor-in-chief at CIO Australia and associate editor at CSO Australia. He also created and led the well-known CIO50 awards program in Australia and The CIO Show podcast.

As the Head of Programs, Byron creates valuable insights for ADAPT’s community of senior technology and business professionals, helping them reach their organisational and professional goals. With over 25 years of experience, he has a passion for uncovering stories about the careers and personal philosophies of Australia’s top technology and digital executives.

When he is not working, Byron enjoys hot yoga, swimming, running, and spending time with his family.

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