2023 speakers

Abbas Kudrati, a long-time cybersecurity practitioner and CISO, is Microsoft Asia’s Lead Chief Cybersecurity Advisor for the Security Solutions Area. In addition to his work at Microsoft, he serves as an executive advisor to Deakin University, LaTrobe University, HITRUST ASIA, EC Council ASIA, and several security and technology start-ups. He supports the broader security community through his work with ISACA Chapters and student mentorship.

He is the bestselling author of books such as, “Threat Hunting in the Cloud” by Wiley, “Zero Trust and Journey Across the Digital Estate” by CRC Press, and “Managing Risks in Digital Transformation” by Packt. He is also the Technical Editor for the books “Effective Crisis Management” by BPB and “IoT Security with Microsoft Defender for IoT” by Packt.

He is also a part-time Professor of Practice with LaTrobe University and a keynote speaker on Zero-Trust, Cybersecurity, Cloud Security, Governance, Risk, and Compliance.

Adrian Pistritto is a Solution Engineer at Palo Alto Networks, working with some of Australia's largest Critical Infrastructure organisations to secure their assets, data, networks and customers. Adrian is an experienced technology professional, with over 20 years working with leading local and global integrators and security vendors across a range of industries. Adrian also graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering with Honors from RMIT University.

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.

Alex has over 20 years experience in cyber security and has spent the past decade securing critical infrastructure. Alex has consulted nationally and internationally for KPMG and has led cyber security for Australia's largest defence prime. As a cybersecurity leader, Alex has built cyber resilience capabilities for The University of Adelaide and also SA Power Networks, where he brought the IT and Operational Technology groups together to secure the South Australian electricity grid. Alex brings a wealth of industry experience, especially in infrastructure and networks including OT and IoT environments to Palo Alto Networks and their customers, and is also a fellow of the Australian Information Security Association.

Alison is a start-up leader dedicated to national resilience and security. As a co-founder of the National Institute of Strategic Resilience (NISR), Alison is pursuing resilience projects, and though leadership, across a number of domains including: cyber, supply chains, critical infrastructure & services.

Alison's has an extensive background in technology, and business transformation. Her earlier career has spanned telecoms, retail FMCG, and supply chain industries for companies including British Telecom, Woolworths, Tesco and Microsoft.

Annie is the founder and principal of Cyber GC - a legal and consulting practice dedicated to helping Australian businesses prepare for and fight cybercrime. Annie is a multi-award-winning cybersecurity lawyer and was recently awarded General Counsel of the Year (Australian Law Awards - Lawyers Weekly - 2021), Technology, Media and Telecommunications Lawyer of the Year (Corporate Counsel Awards - Lawyers Weekly -2021) and Australian In House Counsel of the Year (Australasian Law Awards 2021).

She brings to Cyber GC the experience gained as 6 years as global legal counsel for Accenture's managed security business and regional counsel for Accenture Security, one of the largest security companies in the world. She specialises in advising on enterprise security risk, including legal regulation, and the impact on the whole organisation of cybersecurity issues.

She is a regular speaker on issues around the intersection of the law, cybersecurity and emerging technology.

Ashwani has over 27 years of experience providing secure industry best practice IT solutions to organisations within FMCG, food manufacturing, financial services and tertiary education sector. He has a strong track record of delivering complex LAN/WAN infrastructure cloud migration and upgrades, Cyber Security Programs, ITSM, VoIP, SAN, virtualisation, ERP, CRM, Warehouse Management Systems, Cloud and e-commerce projects. This includes deepening the culture of security through the leadership of the Cyber Intelligence function, cyber business engagement and security advisory across business functions ANZ and globally (US & UK).

Ben is an accomplished information security executive with over 20 years of international information security experience. Due to his many years of providing strategic C-level/board advice, he is able to apply technical threats into appropriate business contexts to determine overall risk to organisations. During this time Ben has been required to manage complex environments that requires balancing local and global organisational policies, domestic regulations, national security requirements, export control and international trade control restrictions, and applying the process, people and technology to ensure successful compliance.

Ben maintains his strong passion for the technical aspects of information security and recently has been focusing on creating new business opportunities by working across the breath of the global organisation's capabilities while teaming and supporting small innovative start up technology companies.

Ben speaks regularly at international, interstate and local conferences, seminars and round tables.

With over 18 years' experience in Information Technology, Daniela Fernandez is a cyber security and analytics leader, who values integrity, diversity of thought, continuous learning, sense of achievement and ensuring a healthy work/life integration.

Through the years Daniela has become an expert in different domains including fraud detection, cyber security, risk management and analytics. Currently Daniela is the Head of Information Security at PayPal Australia where she focuses on making security a business enabler, helping PayPal to achieve their mission to democratise financial services while ensuring that PayPal Australia delivers secure products to customers and meets local regulatory requirements. Before that, Daniela was Director of Cyber Risk and Strategy at Deloitte, serving the Internal Customer Services function. Prior to Deloitte, Daniela worked in multiple roles at CBA, across protective services, intelligence team, fraud detection and cyber security. Her last role at CBA was Executive Manager, Business Information Security Officer.

Daniela is also one of the Sydney chapter leads for the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN), actively encouraging women to pursue a career in security. With her technical skills, personal motivation and experience Daniela is committed to break stereotypes, promote diversity in cyber security and empower talented women in technology.

Daniela’s contributions to the security community have been recognised in the industry. Most recently, Daniela was one of the winners for the 2022 CSO30 Awards and finalist for the 2022 AISA awards under the category of Cyber Security Professional of the Year.

Daniela has a bachelor’s degree in computer science and software engineering and a master’s degree of Information Technology in systems security. She also holds multiple industry certifications including, but not limited to CISM, CRISC, CDPSE, CFE and PRINCE2 Foundation.

Gabe Marzano is the Director of CyberFit Nation at Palo Alto Networks and Co-Host of the Dark Mode Podcast. Gabe is a former Head of Cyber Security, having built a $50M cyber security software business, is a former Military Officer in the Australian Department of Defence, and has been awarded both global and regional awards in the high technology industry. Gabe is increasingly fascinated by technology and its impact on humanity, particularly in the fields of digital influence and superintelligence — hosting the weekly podcast Dark Mode to help people thrive in cyberspace.

Grant is an emerging technology executive and a key influencer for the use of software development patterns in infrastructure automation. He communicates HashiCorp’s vision and ethos with customers and partners, using his experience to help organisations navigate the challenges of a heterogeneous technology landscape to underpin targeted business outcomes.

Prior to HashiCorp, Grant worked at VMware as part of the Global Office of the CTO. There, he led the Cloud Management team, worked with product executives on go to market strategies and messaging while working with customers on their adoption of public cloud.

Leon Poggioli is ANZ Regional Director at Claroty, the leading company focused on securing the cyber-physical world.

Leon helps guide organisations on their journey to understand the scope of their XIoT assets, understand the cyber risks, and prioritise remediation. Previously he lead field engagement for Critical Infrastructure at Palo Alto Networks. Leon is also the author of the Trust Matrix, a book about how trust in human networks affects the ability for people to achieve their goals more quickly and efficiently when working together.

Liam began his career as a speech writer at New South Wales Parliament before working for world leading campaigns and research agencies in Sydney and Auckland. Throughout his career, Liam has managed and executed a range of international media and communications campaigns spanning politics, business, industrial relations and infrastructure. He’s since shifted his attention to researching and writing extensively on geopolitics and defence, specifically in North Africa, the Middle East and Asia. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Sydney and a Master of Strategy and Security from UNSW Canberra, with a thesis on post-truth, postmodernism and disinformation operations.

Marcus Thompson is a retired Major General who served 34 years in the Australian Army. Graduating from the Royal Military College in 1988, Marcus was allocated to the Royal Australian Corps of Signals. He served in a variety of command, regimental and Special Operations appointments including: Command of the 3rd Combat Signal Regiment; secondment to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet as the Senior Advisor Defence Policy and Operations; Director General Special Operations Capability; Commander 6th Brigade; and deployments to East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan. His final appointment was as the inaugural Head of Information Warfare for the Australian Defence Force.

Marcus holds a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering with honours from the University of New South Wales, a Bachelor of Business from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, a Masters Degree in Defence Studies from the University of Canberra, a Masters Degree in Strategic Studies from Deakin University, and a PhD in Cyber Security from the University of New South Wales. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2014 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Since leaving the Australian Army, Marcus has founded Cyber Compass Pty Ltd, an independent advisory focused on improving cyber security and developing sovereign Australian capability. He has worked with and supported several Australian entities, including Bank Australia, Macquarie Telecom Group, NAB, Macquarie Bank, ParaFlare, and Melbourne Business School. He is the Chair of the Board of Penten and an elected Board Director of Engineers Australia.

Matthew Kluken has 27 years experience in the Information and Communication Technologies Industry in Sales, Marketing, Technical and Customer Experience in Australian ICT and large multinational technology and advisory companies such as Gartner, NetApp, CA Technologies and Oracle.
As Vice President & General Manager Asia Pacific, Kluken’s primary focus is building archTIS’ presence with global Defence, Intelligence, Federal and State Governments and Defence Industry companies, as well as building and growing our partner eco-system supporting these markets, both within the Asia Pacific region.

Persia Navidi is a Partner at Hicksons Lawyers and leads the firm’s Cyber Risk practice.

With over 12 years’ experience as an insurance litigator, Persia has acted in a range of cyber matters, including advising on privacy, mandatory reporting obligations and other legal issues arising from cyber incidents. Persia also advises insurers on coverage of claims arising from cyber incidents and acts as a breach coach for organisations responding to cyber incidents.

As boardroom accountability and cyber risks continues to evolve, Persia works with clients to effectively respond to, manage and mitigate the risks associated with cyber incidents as a trusted legal adviser.

Persia regularly speaks at industry events on legal issues and developments relevant to cybersecurity. Persia was named as a ‘Rising Star’ in the Insurance Business Australia Rising Star Award 2022 and is a member of the Australian Women in Security Network.

Peter is a proven CISO and cyber security executive with 20 years’ experience across the public and private sectors.
He has held senior roles within several Federal Government agencies, securing systems of national significance and working on many high-profile events. Peter has a proven track record in leading and delivering comprehensive cyber security programs in medium to large organisations, including complex security transformation projects. He leverages this experience to continually evolve security practices and company culture to keep pace with a dynamic threat environment.

Sam is leading the Cyber Services and Program unit of Kmart Group Australia (Kmart, Target, Anko), a leading retail company in the APAC region. She is responsible for the delivery of security program for Kmart Group.

Her twelve years expertise covers security GRC, OT security, security operations and cyber program & strategy.

She led transformation journeys on security operations, GRC, and Workforce/Customer identity and access management for companies in different industries.

Sam was named as a finalist for ‘The One To Watch in IT Security’ in the Australian Women in Security Awards 2022.

As the Head of Government Affairs & Public Policy for Australia and New Zealand at Palo Alto Networks she advises the company’s leadership on a range of cyber and technology policy issues, builds strategic relationships across all tiers of Government and acts as a trusted private sector adviser to Government. Sarah joined Palo Alto Networks from Accenture Security where she worked on a number of challenging and nationally significant programs. Prior to her roles in the private sector, Sarah spent 10+ years working in the Federal Government, predominantly in cyber crime and cyber security - with an operational, legislative and policy focus. Sarah is the inaugural Chair of the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) Cyber Security Policy Advisory Network.

Sean is vice president and regional chief security officer for Asia Pacific and Japan at Palo Alto Networks. In this role, Sean spearheads the development of thought leadership, threat intelligence and security best practices for the cybersecurity community and business executives. With more than 20 years of experience in the IT and the security industry, he acts as a trusted advisor to organisations across the region and helps them improve their security postures and align security strategically with business initiatives. Prior to joining Palo Alto Networks, he spent 15 years in a variety of roles at Intel Security (McAfee), with his last position as the Chief Technology Officer for Asia Pacific. Before this, Sean was involved in software development, technical support and consulting services for a range of Internet security solutions.

Senator James Paterson is a Liberal Senator for Victoria. First elected in March 2016 at age 28, Senator Paterson is the youngest Liberal ever elected to the Senate.

During his time in the Senate, he has fought for Australia’s prosperity, freedom, democracy and sovereignty.

Senator Paterson is the Shadow Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security. He was previously Chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security.

He currently chairs the Senate Select Committee on Foreign Interference Through Social Media and is the past chair of the Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services and the Senate Finance and Public Administration Committee.

Senator Paterson is also the Australian co-chair of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China; co-patron of Liberal Friends of Israel; and co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of the Baltics.

Prior to entering the Senate, James was Deputy Executive Director of free market think tank, the Institute of Public Affairs. He previously worked for the Victorian Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI), and in the office of Senator the Hon. Mitch Fifield.

He has a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne. He is a graduate of the McKinnon Institute Advanced Political Leadership program, was the 2023 SR Nathan Exchange Fellow to Singapore and is a 2023 Asia Fellow of the International Strategy Forum.

James is a member of the Richmond Football Club and lives in Melbourne with his wife Lydia and their two children.

Shradha Angrish is an exceptional individual with a strong interest in cybersecurity, studying as a Mechanical (Aerospace) Engineering and Computer Science student at The University of Adelaide.

In 2023, Shradha's outstanding achievements in cybersecurity were recognized when she was awarded the highly esteemed Women in Cybersecurity ESET Scholarship. This prestigious accolade highlights her exceptional skills and dedication to promoting inclusivity in the cybersecurity domain. Her success in securing the scholarship was featured in publications like CRN and Security Brief, solidifying her reputation as a rising star in the cybersecurity field.

Alongside her passion for cybersecurity, Shradha's academic pursuits also extend to the field of aerospace engineering. In 2022, she was honored as the recipient of the Andy Thomas Space Scholarship, a testament to her exceptional potential in the realm of space exploration.

With her exceptional talent, relentless drive, and multidisciplinary expertise, Shradha Angrish is poised to make a lasting impact in the field of cybersecurity. Her dedication to securing digital systems and promoting diversity within the industry positions her as a future leader in the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity.

Tony Howell brings extensive domain expertise in information management, security and architecture to the role of archTIS’ Global Chief Architect, Defence and Intelligence. Howell specializes in data-centric capabilities and emergent technologies including ABAC, Cloud, AI, ML and analytics platforms. In his career, he has delivered successful technology outcomes to Australian Government organisations in the Defence, Law Enforcement and Intelligence sectors. His previous roles include Director, Consulting Data Practice and Director, Consulting Data Modernisation Practice at Deloitte, Senior Information System Architect at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Information Systems Architect at Hewlett Packard Australia, and independent consulting engagements with Australian government agencies.

The only female finalist of the Australia Cyber Awards of the Year 2023 - CISO of the year.

Virginia is confirmedly an ambassador for agile cyber security and cultural change to enable digital transformation, always informing sound decision making, influencing C-Suites and Board of Directors' approach to Cyber Security, and playing strategic key roles (CISO, vCISO, Strategic Adviser).

Coming from the military as a Lieutenant Officer in the Brazilian Navy, heading the security capacity of the nuclear propelled submarine project, she provenly holds experience dealing with cyber security needs of heavily regulated, highly sensitive national critical infrastructure.

Formally educated in national security affairs, counterterrorism, intelligence, cyber warfare, nuclear criticality, incident response, knowledge and risk management, Virginia’s deep understanding of the current cyber threat landscape has given her a unique ability to safeguard organisations. Her many years of experience in the Public and Private sectors, including Defense and NCI (e.g., Aviation, Maritime, Finance, Education and Healthcare) have turned Virginia into one of the top security professionals globally. Experienced Governance Risk & Compliance professional, Virginia has helped many organisations in Australia comply/align to regulations and industry standards such as NIST CSF, ASD Essential Eight, ISO/IEC 27001, APP, GDPR, CCPA, PCI-DSS, APRA-CPS-234, FIRB. As a certified SABSA professional with extensive knowledge of Enterprise Security Architecture. Virginia has headed and advised Security Programs, including IDAM, SOAR, SIEM/XDR/SOC, DLP, CASB/SASE, Email Protection, Cloud, APP/API and Network Security, Patching /Vulnerability Management, IR, BCP & DR, Awareness/Training. Virginia has a proven ability to identify and leverage assets across businesses, programs and projects.

Virginia is an entrepreneur and has established a precedent to motivate other women in security; in Feb 2020, she inaugurated the first cyber security advisory company and SOC founded and operated by a female. RightSec offers strategic, offensive and defensive cyber security services.