Critical Infrastructure ANZ Online schedule

• Understand the unique challenges facing critical infrastructure, including ransomware targeting operational technology (OT), phishing campaigns, and supply chain vulnerabilities that disrupt essential services.
• Gain awareness of the latest cyber threat developments, such as AI-driven attacks, nation-state actors, and vulnerabilities impacting national and global critical infrastructure systems.
• Learn how to prioritise security investments, improve security posture, and implement proactive threat management strategies to safeguard essential services and assets.

As AI continues to transform cybersecurity, security leaders must strike a balance between harnessing its potential and protecting sensitive data. In this keynote, we will explore how AI is reshaping security operations, from advanced threat detection to automated response, while addressing the critical challenge of data security in AI-driven environments.

Key themes include:

• How AI enhances data-centric security strategies to prevent breaches and insider threats
• Best practices for securing sensitive data in AI-powered applications and workflows
• Navigating evolving regulations and ethical considerations in AI-driven security

Attendees will gain strategic insights into leveraging AI to strengthen security defences while ensuring data protection and compliance in an era of rapid digital transformation.

• What hidden risks are lurking in your vendors' cyber security practices?
• Could gaps in vendor oversight jeopardise your business operations?
• How can you uncover and strengthen weak links in your supply chain's cyber defences?
• What proactive strategies can safeguard your organisation from third-party cyber threats?

There is no denying that the scale and impact of cybercrime has reached new heights and attackers are no longer relying on just one entry point - they're using every channel available. Knowing where to focus is an essential skill of the modern security leader, and a constant stress. We will be discussing:

• The rise of AI as an exploitable attack surface
• The rise of multichannel attacks
• Supply chain attacks
• Personal identities
• Cyber resilience inequality
• The boom of cybercrime

Join us for the latest global and Australian insights and how evolving technologies and tactics are shaping the digital threat landscape in 2025. Learn how to protect your organisation from emerging risks and stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. 

This session examines the complexities of navigating policy and cybersecurity under the Australian Cyber Security Bill 2024, alongside other regulatory challenges:

• Understanding the complexities of the new cyber security policies and regulations.
• Preparing for mandatory ransomware reporting and other compliance obligations.
• Aligning response plans to address a broad range of incidents.
• Strengthening risk management and communication with government agencies.

In an era where cyber threats are growing in complexity and scale, critical infrastructure organisations face an increasing need to ensure robust protection and resilience against attacks. In this session, Dale Heath, Regional CTO from Rubrik, will explore how organisations can build confidence in their cyber resilience strategies to safeguard essential systems and data. Dale will dive into the key challenges faced by critical infrastructure sectors—ranging from energy and utilities to healthcare—and highlight best practices for improving cyber defenses and recovery. He will discuss how a comprehensive approach to data protection, including backup and disaster recovery strategies, plays a pivotal role in mitigating the risks of ransomware and other cyberattacks. Through real-world examples and case studies, Dale will demonstrate how organisations can leverage advanced technologies like Rubrik’s zero-trust architecture, AI-driven threat detection, and rapid recovery solutions to ensure continuity and minimise downtime during a crisis. Attendees will leave with actionable insights and strategies to build more resilient infrastructures, mitigate risks, and improve their overall cyber posture. This session is ideal for security leaders, IT professionals, and anyone involved in protecting critical assets from evolving cyber threats.

• What is the role of human behaviour, organisational culture, and thought patterns in protecting essential systems from cyber threats?
• How can organisations tailor awareness and education strategies to address unique risks and operational challenges?
• What approaches foster a security-conscious mindset and elevate cyber security to a strategic priority rather than a compliance task?
• How can organisations measure the success of awareness initiatives and continuously enhance their security culture?
• What insights from real-world case studies can equip teams with the skills and motivation to safeguard critical systems effectively?

Moderator:

Caitriona Forde, Managing Director, caIT Cyber Safe

Panellists:

Marie Knights, Head of Cyber Influence and Education, Ramsay Healthcare

Laura Hartley, Head of Security Culture & Advisory, NAB

Kim Clarke, Senior Analyst – Cyber Education, Awareness & Training, AEMO