Cyber security is putting Perth on the map, in more ways than one. Cyber is set to boost WA’s economy by an estimated $2 billion by 2025 - and cyber heavy-hitters are making their way here, both virtually and in person as a result.
Frank Abagnale, one of the world’s best innovators in social engineering and scams, will provide his insights at the CyberWest Summit on May 15th and 16th. His story was the inspiration for Steven Spielberg’s 2002 film, Catch Me If You Can, starring Leo DiCaprio as Abagnale.
At the CyberWest Summit, he’ll be joining a formidable lineup of industry leaders and cyber security experts providing practical, hands-on cyber education and up-skilling tailored to professionals outside cyber security.
Why Perth is dominating in cyber security
Western Australia has become an international epicentre for cyber security experts, businesses and leaders.
Edith Cowan University is the second-largest cyber training facility in the southern hemisphere and the first Australian member to be included in the International Cyber Security Centre of Excellence since its inception in 2019.
Edith Cowan University alone produces more than 20% of the nation’s cyber security graduates, contributing to the 66,000+ (and growing) number of cyber workers in our country.
More and more international cyber security companies are moving to our city and building their remote teams here.
The local WA cyber security industry is thriving, with over 38 homegrown start-ups calling Perth home, including Hyprfire, Cyber Recruit, Red Piranha and Retrospect Labs.
Australia is a secure and profitable place for business, with 60% of the world’s population within one hour of the Western Australian time zone. There are myriad opportunities the $2 billion economic boost cyber can provide to our economy by the year 2025, which are bolstered by our ranking as the World’s 5th Most Powerful Cyber Nation.
In 2021, the WA Government allocated $25.5 million to expand the state’s cyber security capabilities, including the expansion of the WA Cyber Security Operations Centre to improve the visibility of cyber security threats, vulnerabilities and controls and uplift the cyber security posture of entities across the WA Public Sector. These initiatives complement the Federal Australian Cyber Security Strategy.
CyberWest Summit presents a unique opportunity to tap into this growth and reduce WA’s business risk.
Meet the Cyber Innovators of Perth
With an array of speakers and attendees from across the cyber spectrum making their way to the Pan Pacific on 15 and 16 May, the event features local cyber innovators.
Graeme Speak, leads the cyber security team behind BankVault. Their flagship product MasterKey, unlocks secure, frictionless (passwordless) access to web login portals - increasing engagement, building trust, and reversing login abandonment. More than just a security solution, this is a growth accelerator for SaaS companies.
“The summit is a fantastic opportunity for WA businesses to see the world-class solutions developed locally and test drive or deploy these into their businesses.”
Caitriona Forde, Cyber security Awareness & Culture Expert at caIT is another local success story.
Originally armed with a degree in computing and information systems, upon recognising that cybercrime was devastating business and communities, she completed a Masters degree in cyber security and now provides Cyber security Awareness Programs to businesses across the country.
“Cyber Security has become vital to every business and organisation, but it can appear complex and sometimes overwhelming for many. The Summit provides an opportunity for individuals outside the traditional cyber and IT realms to learn about emerging risks and gain the skills and knowledge necessary to safeguard themselves and the organisations they work for in a fun and welcoming environment,” Catriona says of the summit.
Gohar Rind, founder and Managing Director of Yira Yarkiny Group, a wholly Aboriginal-owned and operated enterprise, also provides a comprehensive suite of cyber services.
Of the Summit he says “We have attended the past 2 editions of the Summit and each year we have had something new to offer but also to learn from industry. After two days of attendance, one always finds a lot of value.”
The cyber conference for people who aren’t in cyber security
It’s startling - and sobering - to realise that 95% of cyber incidents are caused by human error.
With the cost of cyber crime rising (by 14% in Australia in the last year), and ransomware alone causing up to $3 billion in damages to the Australian economy every year - it’s time for everyone to understand the elements of cyber security.
CyberWest Summit on 15 and 16 May 2024, is all about providing jargon-free, hands-on cyber education and up-skilling tailored for all business leaders, not just those with a technology background.
The two-day conference has a particular focus on businesses sitting within critical infrastructure supply chains and government agencies and consists of sessions, hands-on workshops and an exhibition space showcasing the latest in cyber security products and services.
Tickets are available at: https://www.cyberwestsummit.com.au/
