Summit Speakers
Aram Raof-Karim, Head of Cyber Security and IT Assurance, University of Otago
Aram leads the IT Assurance and Cyber Security (ITACS) group at the University of Otago. He is passionate about good leadership, efficient operations and protecting organisations from cyber threats. Aram has cyber security and leadership experience across tertiary education, large enterprises, and Defence sectors.
Jeanette Ngau, Cyber Risk and Compliance Consultant, Monash University
Jeannette has over 15 years’ experience in IT and cyber in higher education. She focuses on cyber risk and compliance, with a strong track record in project delivery, stakeholder engagement, and service improvement. With a background in technical application management, she collaborates with a wide range of customers to support and secure effective outcomes, building trusted relationships and supporting continuous improvement in security practices.
Richard Chin, Assistant Commissioner of Cyber Command, Australian Federal Police
AC Richard Chin commenced his policing career with NSW Police in 1997 before joining the AFP in 1998, starting the AFP’s Sydney Office. Richard has worked in and led numerous areas across the AFP including ACT community policing, specialist capabilities and national/international investigations including organised crime, cybercrime and online child protection.
In 2018, Richard joined AUSTRAC as the National Manager Intelligence Operations, addressing illicit financing in national security and global money laundering organisations.
In 2020, Richard returned to the AFP as Commander leading Operation IRONSIDE, a global operation focussed on encrypted communications used by organised crime. He also led AFP’s efforts targeting the highest levels of transnational serious and organised crime, apprehension of national/international fugitives and counter people smuggling operations under Operation Sovereign Borders. During 2024, Richard undertook the role of Commander Professional Standards and in July 2024 he was appointed as the Assistant Commissioner of Cyber Command.
Michelle Ribeiro, Cyber Awareness and Engagement Lead, UNSW
Michelle Ribeiro is UNSW’s Cyber Awareness & Engagement Lead. She’s responsible for developing and executing the University’s Awareness Strategy, managing cyber security trainings, phishing simulation campaigns and tabletop exercises, collecting influencers and security champions across the organisation, and facilitating discussions with senior stakeholders to uplift the awareness maturity. She’s also a facilitation and mentor of the TUP (Tangible Uplift Program), focusing on training and assisting female professionals to pursue the CISM certification and advance their careers.
Raj Udayanga, Group Manager - Cyber Security Operations, Monash University
As the Group Manager - Cyber Security Operations at Monash University, Raj leads the Cyber Security Operation Center (C-SOC), overseeing disciplines such as cyber security engineering, cyber threat intelligence and vulnerability management, security automation, and cyber defence and response.
Sarah Brundrett, Manager, Library Services, University of South Australia
Sarah Brundrett is a highly experienced library professional with knowledge and expertise in digital libraries and open scholarship. She is currently the Manager, Library Services at the University of South Australia's City East campus and has previously worked at Flinders University Library and the Bodleian Libraries. Sarah became co-convenor of the new (Australian Scholarly Communications Community of Practice) Repositories Group in 2024 and her recent speaking experience includes THETA (2023), the ALIA Conference (2024), Everything Open (2025) and ALIA Online (2025).
Eddie Kobak, Third Party Cyber Risk Management Lead, Monash University
With nearly a decade of experience at Monash University and 17 years in the education sector, I currently serve as the Third Party Cyber Risk Management Lead. In this role, I oversee and mitigate cybersecurity risks associated with third-party vendors and partners, while providing advice and feedback on cybersecurity-related policies and procedures. Previously, I was a Senior IT Risk and Compliance Consultant, where I offered expertise on IT risk controls, co-led security audits, and contributed to developing comprehensive cybersecurity policies. My earlier roles at Monash included Automation and Operations Leader and Technical Applications Team Leader, where I focused on operational efficiency, process improvement, and team leadership. I bring skills in strategic consulting, IT risk management, security audits, and automation, with certifications in ISO27001 Lead Auditor/Implementer and ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity.
Michael Karich, Deputy Chief Information Officer- Engagement, University of Auckland
Michael is Deputy Chief Information Security Officer – Engagement at the University of Auckland, where he strives to mature practices, processes, and policy across the University. Before this, he held roles in HPC and cloud infrastructure, data management, and research security. With Computer Science and IT Operations qualifications, Michael pulls from a broad background to protect and enable world-leading research and education at Waipapa Taumata Rau.
Jayshween Kumar, Program Manager in Information and Digital Services, Flinders University
Jayshween is an experienced strategic transformation lead with experience and expertise in digital technologies, data and analytics and information security including strategy and governance.
She is currently leading the delivery of the Cyber Security Strategy Program at Flinders University. Her role is about translating cyber security strategy into actional enterprise actions and executing a comprehensive roadmap designed to enhance capabilities across people, technology and the organisation.
She mentors emerging leaders and has academic interests where she teaches Computer Science& AI and MBA students while also pursuing a doctoral degree.
Matthew Thorley, Cyber Threat Response & Vulnerability Manager, University of Melbourne
Matthew Thorley is the Cyber Threat Response & Vulnerability Manager at the University of Melbourne. He has over 20 years of cybersecurity experience across financial services and higher education.
In the higher education sector, building a Threat Hunting function has limited precedence. Matthew collaborated with external experts and key technical stakeholders before refining the output through the University’s lens to shape his approach.
This led to the creation and implementation of a programme of work using the Splunk PEAK framework to improve the University's Threat Hunting capabilities.
Matthew’s work highlights the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and continuous learning in cybersecurity and may provide useful insights for universities pursuing similar initiatives.
Steph Way, acting Assistant Secretary, Cyber Security Preparedness and Response Branch, National Office of Cyber Security
Steph is currently the acting Assistant Secretary for the Cyber Security Preparedness and Response Branch within the National Office of Cyber Security. Steph has worked in a variety of government roles over the past 16 years. More recently, Steph’s focus has shifted to National Security and Cyber Security, where she currently leads efforts to bolster coordinated cyber response activities.
In her current role, reporting to the National Cyber Security Coordinator, Steph works alongside Commonwealth, state and territory agencies to coordinate consequence management activities for nationally significant cyber security incidents. Steph is passionate about bolstering industry-government relations through genuine collaboration.
Stephanie de Hoog, Data and Cybersecurity Identity Lead, CQ University
With 25 years of IT experience and over a decade specialising in Identity and Access Management, Stephanie de Hoog is a trusted leader in designing and delivering strategic cybersecurity identity solutions. She bridges the gap between business needs and technical delivery, with a proven track record in complex projects, large-scale migrations, and secure architectures aligned to ISO 27001 and NIST standards. Recognised for her collaborative approach and clear communication, Stephanie builds strong partnerships with stakeholders and vendors alike. She thrives on driving innovation, solving complex challenges, and helping organisations stay secure and resilient.
Frank den Hartog, Research Chair in Critical Infrastructure, University of Canberra
During his 20 years of experience in the European telecommunications industry and his subsequent 6 years at UNSW teaching cyber, his innovations had significant impact on what we now call the Internet of Things, and they received various academic and industry awards. He co-authored 80 peer-reviewed articles and 25 patent applications, co-edited 7 international telecommunications standards, and contributed to various industry bodies. He is now trying to get our critical infrastructure back to five nines availability by making clever use of zero-trust architectures, digital twins, programmable networks, private 5G/6G, and physical-layer security.
Anna Aquilina, Chief Information Security Officer, University of Technology Sydney
Anna Aquilina is Chief Information Security Officer at the University of Technology Sydney since February 2021. Previous experience includes significant roles such as Director of Cyber & Privacy at PwC Australia and Operations Director of Global Cybersecurity at EY, where a focus was placed on expanding the Global Cybersecurity business. Additional positions span various organisations, including Director at Ernst & Young's EMEIA Information Security Centre of Excellence, Head of Cyber Implementation at SOCA, National Manager for International and National Security policy at the Australian Federal Police, and Counsellor for Crime and Justice at the British Embassy in Afghanistan. Anna's career began with strategic advice roles at the Prime Ministers Strategy Unit and Metropolitan Police Service. Anna Aquilina holds academic credentials from the University of Sydney.
Bob Watson, Head of Cybersecurity, University of Canberra
Bob Watson has served as Head of Cyber Security at the University of Canberra since early 2025. With nearly twenty years of ICT experience primarily in the Australian federal government and an EMBA from RMIT University, Bob brings expertise in cyber security management, strategic policy, and program delivery. He has delivered solutions across all scales of IT, from teams of two to multi-million-dollar programs and directed the technology components of major organisational change. Recent achievements include delivery of high-complexity financial and records systems, major modernisation and adoption programs, and whole-of-organisation security policy, practice, and maturity.
Vanessa Tsaccounis, Chief Information Security Officer, University of Wollongong
Vanessa Tsaccounis is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at the University of Wollongong. With a career spanning roles in both public and private sectors, Vanessa brings a wealth of experience in cyber risk management, strategic security architecture, and digital resilience.
Prior to her current role, she held key positions including Cyber Security Solutions Architect at Transport for NSW and contributed to cybersecurity initiatives at organisations such as the Public Transport Authority, University of New South Wales, and IBM.
Vanessa is recognised for her leadership in the Australian cybersecurity community, having been named a finalist in the inaugural iTnews Benchmark Awards: Security in 2024, which celebrates excellence among CISOs and CSOs across various industries. She also actively participates in thought leadership panels, such as the NSW Cyber Security Showcase, where she addressed challenges like the cybersecurity skills shortage.
Bud Ilic, RVP Public Sector & New Zealand, WIZ
Budd Ilic has built out Wiz in Australia and New Zealand with a focus now on growing the ANZ Public Sector and Higher Education business. Budd is an accomplished APAC sales and cybersecurity leader with 25+ years in IT. In this role, he’s spearheaded growth in both headcount and customer adoption, aligning with Wiz's vision of securing cloud and AI environments without compromising innovation.
James Kay, Assistant Director-General of Standards, Technical Advice, and Research, Australian Signals Directorate
James Kay has previously served as Assistant Director-General for Incident Management at the Australian Signals Directorate’s (ASD) Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), and substantively the Director of the National Cyber Watch Office – the front door for all cyber security incidents reported to ASD.
James joined ASD in 2021 after a career in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He conducted postings to Afghanistan (2019-2020) as a First Secretary (Political), and the Philippines (2017-2018) as a Second Secretary (Political/Counter Terrorism).
James holds a Bachelor of International Studies, and a Bachelor of Arts both from the University of Adelaide.
Nicole Henry, Head of Government Affairs for Australia and New Zealand, Fortinet
Nicole Henry is the Head of Government Affairs for Australia and New Zealand at Fortinet. She brings more than 20 years of senior experience across science, industry, and international policy. Nicole has led national and bilateral initiatives on clean energy, digital trade, and research commercialisation, with a focus on technology policy, infrastructure security, and standards development. At Fortinet, Nicole leads engagement across government, industry, and academia on cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, and digital trust. She works across the organisation to align external engagement with national priorities and sector expectations, positioning Fortinet as a trusted partner in secure digital transformation, trusted technology adoption, and national resilience.
Craig Clothier, NSW Director for Countering Foreign Interference (CFI) Partnerships, Department of Home Affairs
Craig Clothier is the NSW Director for Countering Foreign Interference (CFI) Partnerships at the Department of Home Affairs. The Countering Foreign Interference Coordination Centre (CFICC) established the CFI Partnerships function to raise awareness and build resilience to foreign interference (FI) risks with vulnerable sectors in each state and territory.
Prior to his role with CFICC, Craig has had an extensive public sector career in producing and managing open-source research focussed on human rights and security; training and stakeholder engagement; as well as in academia. He holds a BA (Hons) and a Ph.D. in History from the University of Wollongong.