Date: Tuesday 18 March 2025
Time: 7–8.30am (AEST time)
Location: UniSC Auditorium, Innovation Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast
Note: no Voucher Code is required. Proceed to Create Booking.
Registration fee:
- UniSC staff and industry members - A$25.00
- UniSC postgraduate business students and alumni - Free
Registrations close: Monday 17 March, 5pm
About the event
In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, cybersecurity is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. Cyber threats are everywhere, and staying ahead of them is crucial for individuals and business leaders navigating the online space. From phishing scams and ransomware attacks, to data breaches, the stakes are high when it comes to protecting sensitive information and maintaining a secure digital presence.
Join us for this engaging and practical session, where you will:
- Identify Common Cyber Risks – Learn how to recognise potential threats and understand the tactics cybercriminals use to target individuals and businesses.
- Implement Essential Security Measures – Discover best practices to safeguard your business, personal data, and professional reputation.
- Build Cyber Awareness in Your Workplace – Understand how to create a culture of cybersecurity by educating your team to spot and respond to cyber threats.
- Navigate Cyber Challenges for Small Businesses – Learn about specific risks faced by small businesses and actionable steps to mitigate them.
Whether you're running a business, preparing to enter the workforce, or managing online projects, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to stay cyber-savvy and secure in this digital era.
Don’t leave your digital safety to chance. Let’s get secure — together!
Join us for this 4556 Chamber, Institute of Managers and Leaders and UniSC networking event where light refreshments will also be available.
Our Panel Members:
Dr Dennis Desmond, Lecturer in Cyber Security (Panel Moderator)
Dennis Desmond, a counterintelligence veteran, brings extensive experience in combating cyber threats to the forefront. His career spans U.S. Army Special Agent, FBI Special Agent assigned to the National Computer Crime Squad specialising in state-sponsored cyber threats, and Defense Intelligence Agency Special Agent. He is a veteran of multiple deployments, including Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Desmond's expertise lies in international cyber threats, particularly from Eastern Europe, and national security-related cybercrime. He established and led a specialised cyber unit for the Department of Defense at Fort Meade. His PhD research focuses on cryptocurrency laundering from a human factors perspective, directly relevant to understanding how cybercriminals operate. This background uniquely positions him to address today's cyber threats, including phishing, ransomware, and data breaches, and how businesses can stay ahead of these evolving dangers.
Victoria Cole - Regional Account Manager at Airlock Digital
Victoria is a passionate advocate for cybersecurity awareness, particularly for non-technical audiences. Her background in politics, sociology, public relations, and marketing, combined with experience in cybersecurity sales, gives her a unique perspective on the human element of cyber threats. She emphasizes the critical need for broader education, highlighting the challenges faced by everyday individuals, especially older generations and small business owners, who often lack the knowledge to recognize and respond to risks. Victoria's engaging presentations use personal anecdotes and industry statistics to illustrate the alarming reality of cyber threats. She advocates for integrating practical cybersecurity knowledge into education from an early age, empowering individuals and fostering a more informed community. Victoria offers actionable insights, inspiring a proactive approach to cybersecurity that extends beyond the corporate world.
Scott Betterridge, Principal Advice Manager (Financial Adviser), Private Portfolio Strategies
Scott, a Financial Advisor with 20 years' experience following a career as an Avionics Technician with the RAAF, understands the critical importance of cybersecurity in protecting client data and investments. His boutique firm, Private Portfolio Strategies, provides tailored investment services and strategic advice, including superannuation, retirement planning, and risk management. Regulated by ASIC, Scott has firsthand experience navigating cybersecurity compliance, beginning with implementing the Essential Eight Maturity Level 1. He's focused on continuous improvement, addressing cybersecurity holistically across staff, clients, and service providers through education, process changes, and technology upgrades. Scott is passionate about sharing his journey, including the challenges and key insights gained, emphasizing the vital role of cybersecurity in safeguarding businesses information and investments – their "diamonds."
Bryton Wishart, Co-founder VINTI Tech; Co-founder Cured Companies
Bryton Wishart, co-founder of VINTI Tech, a company that delivers Microsoft security solutions for various industries, and co-founder of Cured Compliance, a digitized compliance platform for the meat industry, brings practical cybersecurity expertise to the panel. His experience spans diverse sectors, from tech startups to established enterprises. As a tertiary educator in cybersecurity at the University of the Sunshine Coast and a Microsoft technology consultant at Telstra, Bryton bridges theory and real-world application. Holding an MBA and a Bachelor of Education, he possesses a strong understanding of both business needs and effective communication. A Microsoft technologies specialist, he's passionate about automation and developing innovative solutions. Bryton is eager to share his insights on navigating the complexities of cybersecurity and building resilient digital defenses for businesses of all sizes.
Contact
For any inquiries, please contact Dr Melissa Innes by email minnes1@usc.edu.au or Dr Jane Menzies on email jmenzies@usc.edu.au