Businesses must be aware and prepared for cyber attacks and collect data with caution while emphasising communication and exercise planning. 

This panel, led by Matt Boon Senior Research Director at ADAPT, discusses the importance of crisis preparation and resilient risk culture. 

Kylie Watson, CISO at DXC Technology and former Cyber Security Sociologist and Partner at PwC, analyses the human aspect of cyber security. Alan Marjan, Assistant Director-General Cyber Uplift (ADGCU) at Australian Cyber Security Centre discusses managing vulnerabilities, and Tom Kenyon, Non-Executive Director at Internet 2.0, talks about individual and national defence responsibilities.  

Government and individuals need to align to create a successful approach to cyber security. The importance of trust and communication in managing cyber risks cannot be overestimated. This is reflected in the Sovereign Citizen movement’s rise which has caused significant distrust towards government.   

Collecting too much data and treating sensitive data inappropriately poses severe risks. It is vitally important to thwart reconnaissance efforts and clean up networks after a ransomware attack. Check for bias when profiling and preparing against potential cyber threats and address complacency issues after a cyber breach. 

 

Key Takeaways: 

  • Breaches occur every day. Cyber breaches are best managed with a holistic approach. Not only do these organisations bring their Board with them, but they also bring their customers and consumers. 
  • There is one thing all ransomware attacks have in common: reconnaissance. Find out what servers you are running and the software behind them on your network. Our main product, the patented firewall, relies on the fact that we can defeat scanning programs. 
  • Data breaches will not necessarily have immediate impacts. Understanding and reinforcing that is a national issue at all levels, from businesses to individuals to government.
Contributors
Matt Boon Senior Research Director at ADAPT
Matt Boon is responsible for directing and developing ADAPT’s research content and positions. He interacts with executives daily, bringing together groups of... More

Matt Boon is responsible for directing and developing ADAPT’s research content and positions. He interacts with executives daily, bringing together groups of C-suite leaders to discuss and prepare for the challenges and opportunities they face.​

For over 30 years, including 18 in senior leadership roles at Gartner, Matt has been a sought after and highly respected authority on the local and global IT landscape.​

ADAPT hosts numerous industry-leading business and technology events, which Matt chairs, that deliver unique ADAPT research positions, and advises executives across the end-user and technology provider landscape to make informed IT decisions.​

When he is not working, Matt enjoys walking the many trails of the NSW Southern Highlands, travelling and listening to music. He is also partial to a good steak and nice glass of red wine.​

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Kylie Watson CISO at DXC Technology
Kylie Watson is an experienced executive in the Information Technology Infrastructure, Apps, and Services Industry. Driven by a strong client focus, she... More

Kylie Watson is an experienced executive in the Information Technology Infrastructure, Apps, and Services Industry. Driven by a strong client focus, she supports large-scale business and technical transformation, leveraging her expertise in change management and behavioural economics. Kylie excels in leading large sales and delivery teams across multiple disciplines and regions, driving the adoption and embrace of new technologies. She is adept at growing capabilities and skills to meet market demand across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia, and at building partnerships and alliances to solve client challenges.

Kylie has extensive experience working across all industries and is well-connected with key C-suite stakeholders in federal, state, and local government, as well as in retail, mining, oil and gas, utilities, distribution, health, and financial services. She has a proven track record of driving cultural change and embracing diversity and inclusion, earning awards in coaching, mentoring, and innovation.

With over 25 years of executive leadership experience in technology and consulting, spanning multiple industries, international geographies, and platforms, Kylie is well-versed in Google, AWS, IBM Cloud, and Azure. Her solution experience and qualifications include cybersecurity, data, AI, cloud, and change management. Additionally, she is an AI ethicist with some quantum computing capability.

Kylie is also a media spokesperson, keynote speaker, and author on technology topics, and serves as an advisor to universities and government agencies on cyber, technology research, and education.

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Alan Marjan Assistant Director, General Cyber Uplift (ADGCU) at Australian Cyber Security Centre
Alan is the Assistant Director-General Cyber Uplift Branch within the Australian Signal’s Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre Group. Cyber Uplift Branch delivers... More

Alan is the Assistant Director-General Cyber Uplift Branch within the Australian Signal’s Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre Group. Cyber Uplift Branch delivers cyber security uplift services, including technical advice, products, assessments, and evaluations for both Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) environments, to both critical infrastructure and government stakeholders. The branch also reviews ASD equities in foreign investment and processes and provides advice to support the telecommunications security regime.

Previously Alan was the Senior Adviser for crisis and disaster management within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, coordinating the whole of government response to major bushfires and flooding events in Australia. Alan also served as Director for the telecommunications security team within the Department of Home Affairs and has worked in a number of other Commonwealth agencies on a wide variety of policy and operational issues.

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Tom Kenyon Non-Executive Director at Internet 2.0
Tom has worked with researchers and research institutes to bring innovation and invention in the Advanced Materials & Manufacturing sector to market.... More

Tom has worked with researchers and research institutes to bring innovation and invention in the Advanced Materials & Manufacturing sector to market.

Previously a Member of the South Australian Parliament, he served as Minister for Science and Minister for Manufacturing, Innovation & Trade. Tom is respected by both sides of politics as straight shooting, direct and honest. His key strengths include strategy, communication, an understanding of science and technology and the future use of these to effect meaningful economic change.

His focus on outcomes allows him to evaluate what is important and connect the key elements of a process to achieve rapid adoption and stakeholder agreement.

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