AHECS Summit 2025 – Stronger Together

The 2025 AHECS Cybersecurity Summit is heading to Parramatta on 16–18 September 2025. 

Focused on the unique cybersecurity challenges in higher education and research across Australasia, the Summit is a must-attend event for cybersecurity professionals. Shaped by the people who know the sector best, AHECS brings the sector's leading minds and practitioners together to share ideas, explore solutions, and tackle the big issues.

Fostering collaboration is at the core of the AHECS Summit because, when it comes to cybersecurity, we’re stronger together.

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Confirmed Speakers

Aram Raof-Karim
Head of Cyber Security and IT Assurance, University of Otago

Jeanette Ngau
Cyber Risk and Compliance, Monash University

Michelle Ribeiro
Cyber Awareness and Engagement Lead, UNSW

Raj Udayanga
Group Manager - Cyber Security Operations, Monash University

Sarah Brundrett
Manager, Library Services, University of South Australia

Eddie Kobak
Third Party Cyber Risk Management Lead, Monash University

Romana Challans
Library Specialist (Research Information), Flinders University

Michael Karich
Deputy Chief Information Officer - Engagement, University of Auckland

Jayshween Kumar
Program Manager, Information and Digital Services, Flinders University

Matthew Thorley
Cyber Threat Response & Vulnerability Manager, University of Melbourne

Steph Way
acting Assistant Secretary, Cyber Security Preparedness and Response Branch, National Office of Cyber Security



View the agenda


Invitation from AHECS Summit Chair

On behalf of the AHECS partners, AAF, AARNet, AusCERT, CAUDIT, and REANNZ, we are pleased to invite you to the 2025 Australasian Higher Education Cybersecurity Service (AHECS) Summit.

The AHECS Summit has a distinctive focus on the cybersecurity needs of the Australian higher education and research sector; this unique forum is a result of the ‘by the sector, for the sector’ AHECS partnership. The AHECS Summit is an exclusive opportunity for you to connect with cybersecurity peers across the sector. The insights and learnings gained from the presentations, panels, and discussions at the Summit offer immense value to participants.

Nikki Peever
Chair, AHECS Summit
Director, Cybersecurity, CAUDIT


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Thanks to our sponsors


Dinner sponsor

Lunch sponsor

Refreshment Sponsor

We thank our 2025 Working Group for their support and assistance

  • Scott Bevan, CISO and Deputy Director Service Support, Charles Darwin University
  • Mark Brodsky,  CISO, Australian Catholic University
  • Peter Degotardi, Cybersecurity Governance and Assurance Manager, University of Technology Sydney
  • Nikki Peever, Director Cybersecurity, CAUDIT
  • Darron Richardson,  Director Cyber Security, Southern Cross University
  • Nadia Taggart,  Director, Cyber Security Strategic Development, AARNet
  • Rudo Tagwireyi, Director of Connectivity, Digital Security & Risk (CISO), University of Canterbury