Craig Valli tops IT awards

Edith Cowan University Professor Craig Valli has received the top accolade at the Western Australian Information Technology and Telecommunications Awards.

Prof Valli was recognised with the WAITTA Achiever award, for his work in the field of digital forensics and the development of a product designed to help WA police detect and prosecute a variety of criminals.

The digital forensics tool analyses suspects' computers for illicit or illegal images and uncovers hidden or deleted content.

Other winners included Snowden Technologies, in the Exporter category; the Department of Commerce in the Regional Category, and Fastwave Communications in the Infrastructure category.

A full list of winners and their details are pasted below:

Category - ACHIEVER
Professor Craig Valli
A leader in network security and digital forensics, Craig Valli's work has enabled cutting edge investigations into cyber resilience; tracing large scale misuse.

The SimPLE product designed by Craig and his team, assists WA Police to detect and prosecute a variety of criminals. The digital forensics tool analyses a suspect's computer for illicit or illegal images and uncovers content that may otherwise slip under the radar.

Craig oversees the world's largest and longest running longitudinal study in the field of information security and data remnance, coordinating researchers in Australia, Britain, and USA.

Craig is Professor of Digital Forensics, Head of School, School of Computer and Security Science at Edith Cowan University, and Director of secAU - the internationally acclaimed Security Research Centre based in WA.

Category - EXPORTER
Snowden Technologies for Supervisor
Geologists are able to view simulations of mineral extracts with the Supervisor suite of applications, allowing them to visualise the outcomes of mining ventures. Supervisor is making a big impact in the mining industry by aiding decision making and providing specific and accurate analysis.

Building on extensive experience in resource geology and mining engineering, Snowden specialises in providing mining industry specific solutions and services. Now a subsidiary of the publicly listed Downer EDI group, Snowden employs over 180 experienced staff based in our offices in Australia, Africa, Europe and the Americas.

Category - INFRASTRUCTURE
Fastwave Communications Pty Ltd for OceanStar Marine Environmental Monitoring System
OceanStar provides sensor readings from the sea floor to a desktop within seconds, from anywhere in the world. It will operate in the most remote locations, beyond the range of cellular or radio networks and is enabling environmental data gathering and maritime security monitoring to operate at an unprecedented rate of efficiency.

The company's clients include large offshore energy producers such as Woodside Energy and Chevron; Government organisations such as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and research institutions such as CSIRO.

Category - INNOVATION
Curtin University for The Curtin iPortfolio
Curtin University's iPortfolio brings a whole new meaning to the CV, with unique technological engineering that allow employers, peers and teachers to view and interact with students' work and achievements securely online. The iPortfolio is the first of a new generation of digital portfolios with impressive capabilities that are generating excitement for prospective employees and employers alike.

Curtin is Western Australia's largest university with approximately 41,000 students, nearly 17,000 of whom are offshore and onshore international students. Degree courses at Curtin are offered from within four faculties or centres: Curtin Business School, Science and Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities and the Centre for Aboriginal Studies.

Category - PRODUCT
Greensense for Greensense View®
Research shows that if stakeholders have sustained, real-time feedback on the consequences of their actions, reductions of 10-50% can be achieved. Greensense View® is a dashboard providing real-time energy monitoring that allows businesses to cut their energy usage and promote sustainability.

Greensense is a Perth based sustainability consultancy and technology service provider with particular expertise in the areas of climate change, carbon management, and energy efficiency.
Appointed as a preferred supplier of climate change consulting services to local government (through WALGA), Greensense clients range from state government departments, large multi-national resources companies, to energy utilities and high-profile events such as the Perth 2011 sailing regatta.

Category - REGIONAL
Department of Commerce for Community Emergency Mobile Communications Project
Nannup, Balingup and Quongup locals are reaping the benefits of the Community Emergency Mobile Communications Project, creating vital communication for residents in high risk bushfire areas. Construction of mobile voice and wireless broadband transmission towers along the State's regional highways has resulted in enhanced delivery of government services, mobile and broadband communication and is also narrowing the digital divide in regional WA.

The department aims to create a contemporary, diversified economy that provides for the growth, safety and protection of the community by promoting innovation and science, enhancing capacity and ensuring a world class regulatory environment in the State.

Category - SECURITY
iWebGate Ltd for DMZ in a Box
Everyday Australians are now able to access the same level of security as enterprise and large organisations thanks to iWebGate's DMZ in a Box. Until now, this best practice model has been off limits due to the costs and complexities involved in providing such high protection for everyday computer use. DMZ in a Box removes security issues and hacking threats for all computer users.

This breakthrough has been recognised internationally for having a profound impact on network security AND business capabilities - including a replacement for traditional VPN services.

Category - SERVICE DELIVERY AND TRAINING
Department of Mines and Petroleum for Advancing the government approval processes for the Resources Industry
WA's mining-generated economic prosperity is partly owed to Advancing the government approval processes for the Resources Industry. The DMP has undertaken rigorous steps to integrate a single approval system, allowing WA and major mining groups to capitalise on appropriate opportunities.

The DMP is the State's lead agency in attracting private investment in resources exploration and development through the provision of geoscientific information on minerals and energy resources, and management of an equitable and secure titles systems for the mining, petroleum and geothermal industries.

Category - STUDENT PROJECT (PETER FILLERY AWARD)
Cameron Stubber, Jessica Audino, Curtin University for Amristar Solutions iSent Spatial Consignment Tracking
iSent is an insightful and practical tracking invention that has the potential to influence all Western Australians using postal services. Cameron Stubber and Jessica Audino were highly involved in developing iSent Spatial Consignment Tracking in collaboration with Amristar Solutions, Curtin University and Australia Post. These are two WA students to keep an eye on.