How does a law student's "gap year" in recruitment turn into a 17-year career leading operations in the defence sector? In this episode, Amelia De Angelis, chief operating officer of Kinexus, shares her journey from industry outsider to co-founding The Future Through Collaboration, a program that has mentored over 600 women. Amelia discusses the importance of "embracing your awkward self" and why the myth of "work-life balance" should be replaced by her "glass balls and bouncy balls" philosophy – learning which priorities are fragile and which are OK to drop. From navigating the steep learning curve of defence to coaching community basketball, Amelia explains how a simple "10 seconds of courage" can define a career and create a lasting ripple effect of leadership. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Stephen Kuper is joined by Robert Dougherty and Bethany Alvaro to unpack major developments in defence innovation, autonomous air combat and shifting alliance dynamics. The discussion begins with the federal government's proposed $500 million co-investment fund aimed at accelerating defence technologies, including artificial intelligence, cyber security, autonomous systems, electronic warfare and quantum capabilities. Attention then turns to the US Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, where Shield AI will integrate its Hivemind autonomy software into Anduril Industries' Fury aircraft. Regionally, the team assesses Indonesia's plan to contribute troops to a Gaza stabilisation force under diplomatic efforts led by President Donald Trump, and what it could mean for Australia's own policy settings. They also discuss confirmation that Papua New Guinea military personnel will receive Australian Combat Assault Rifles made by Thales Australia. The episode concludes with analysis of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's Munich Security Conference speech on allied burden-sharing, before finishing on a lighter note with new military working dog facilities at RAAF Base Tindal. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by journalist Bethany Alvaro to unpack a week spanning government conflict of interest concerns, Defence space capability updates and anti-Israel protests in Sydney. The discussion opens on the scrutiny surrounding Paul Brereton, commissioner of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, and questions over the disclosure of his advisory work with the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force on Afghanistan matters, raising conflict of interest concerns and political criticism. Attention then turns to the ADF's new space operations roles, highlighting the growing importance of satellite communications, cyber capabilities and emerging domains in future force structure. The team also examines the US Department of Defense decision to cut ties with Harvard University from 2026–27, plus the ideological and national security concerns, alongside broader implications for civil–military academic partnerships. Down Under, the pair revisits continuing coverage of the recent Defence Estate Audit report and concerns from the Returned & Services League Australia and Australian Army cadet organisations over the proposed sale of historic sites. The episode concludes with an analysis of protests in Sydney following the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog and allegations of excessive from the NSW Police Force. Enjoy the podcast The Defence Connect team

This week on Cyber Uncut, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft discuss more trouble for Elon Musk's AI empire, the rise of a very active new ransomware group that may not be what it seems, and an alarming discovery while investigating the latest tranche of Jeffrey Epstein documents. The pair kick off with news that French police have raided the offices of X, while Aussie activists call on app stores to ban the Grok AI chatbot over its sharing of sexual abuse material. Croft also looks into Moltbook, the new social media platform for AI agents. In cyber security news, scammers are targeting property investors, with millions of dollars at stake. Other scammers are posing as Australian Federal Police officers to trick victims out of their cryptocurrency, and the brand new 0APT ransomware group has claimed a massive hack of an Australian healthcare provider – but have they really? Finally, Hollingworth and Croft discover something truly strange about just why their names show up in – of all places – the Epstein files. Let's just say the FBI are regular readers of Cyber Daily. Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of The Progress Report, Tash Taylor sits down with Gabby Costigan, a powerhouse leader in the global defence sector and a pioneer for women in STEM. From her early days in the Australian Defence Force to becoming the first female CEO of BAE Systems Australia, Gabby's journey is a masterclass in resilience, career pivoting and leading with purpose. Beyond the boardroom, Gabby discusses the vital role of mentorship and her deep-rooted passion for advocating for defence families, offering invaluable advice for anyone looking to lead with resilience and purpose. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Stephen Kuper is joined by Robert Dougherty and Bethany Alvaro to unpack recent news of Australian industry developments, humanitarian assistance, US domestic unrest and the shifting foundations of global power. The discussion opens with Australian defence industry news, including Ferra Engineering's latest agreement with Boeing to support delivery of the High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapon Capability for the P-8A Poseidon fleet, reinforcing Australia's role within global defence supply chains. Attention then turns to EOS Defence Systems and its evolving international strategy amid concerns over limited domestic support for counter-uncrewed aerial system capabilities, with analysis of the company's growing footprint in Europe and the Middle East through a new partnership with Milrem Robotics. The team also examines the Defence Estate audit, which has confirmed the partial or full divestment of 68 defence sites nationwide. Key locations discussed include Victoria Barracks in Sydney, HMAS Penguin, RAAF Base Williams at Laverton, and several sites across Western Australia and South Australia, alongside debate over reinvestment priorities and future force structure. The panel weighs in too on Australia's announcement of an additional $50 million in aid to Afghanistan, bringing total assistance since 2021 to $310 million. The conversation then shifts to the United States, where recent unrest linked to immigration enforcement has reignited debate around the Insurrection Act, martial law and the limits of federal authority. The team unpacks constitutional constraints, historical usage, media freedom concerns and the potential political ramifications ahead of upcoming US elections. The episode concludes with a broader strategic discussion on what it means to be a "serious middle power" in an era of intensifying competition. The panel questions whether Australia's economic resilience, industrial base, military capability and capacity for power projection are sufficient to sustain its self-image, particularly as the rules-based global order continues to erode. Enjoy the podcast The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, Steve Kuper and Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson are joined by Dr Malcolm Davis, Australian Strategic Policy Institute defence strategy and capability senior analyst, to unpack the strategic shockwaves emerging from the United States' 2026 National Defense Strategy. The trio examine what Washington's shift towards an offshore balancing posture means for Australia, including renewed pressure to lift defence spending, the implications of deterrence by denial along the first island chain, and the risks of assuming unconditional US support in a rapidly deteriorating Indo-Pacific security environment. They also explore the growing assertiveness of China, the fine line between stabilisation and accommodation, and whether Australia is approaching a modern-day version of World War II's "1939 tipping point moment" that demands greater self-reliance, expanded defence industrial capacity, and difficult conversations with the Australian public. Finally, the discussion turns to force structure, autonomous systems, guided weapons, and the hard choices facing government as Australia seeks to balance immediate readiness, AUKUS, and long-term strategic resilience in an era of uncertainty. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

This week on Cyber Uncut, David Hollingworth and Bethany Alvaro discuss the murky world of employee data theft, look at a pair of ransomware attacks – one local, one a touch further afield – and take a look at the new cyber security strategy announced by the NSW government. The podcast opens with research that suggests the new year, and January in particular, is a prime time for employees to make off with important business data, either by accident or accidentally on purpose. In cyber security news, World Leaks has taken responsibility for hacking athletics giant Nike, while the Anubis operation has shared passports and legal documents it stole from a New Zealand law firm. Hollingworth also breaks down a cyber security tabletop exercise he recently took part in, and why they are an essential part of any organisation's cyber resilience strategy. Finally, the eSafety Commissioner is asking people to dob in kids getting around the social media ban, while the pair share some insights from the experts for World Data Privacy Day. Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, the entire team of Stephen Kuper, Robert Dougherty and Bethany Alvaro examines current news surrounding Australia's changing strategic environment: from diplomacy and armoured warfare to intelligence capability to the future of the rules-based global order. The episode opens with the appointment of Greg Moriarty as Australia's next ambassador to the United States. The former defence secretary has drawn broad bipartisan support, while opinions differ on the impact of outgoing Australian ambassador to US and former prime minister Kevin Rudd. Attention then turns to the unveiling of the M1E3 Abrams prototype, signalling the US Army's next step in main battle tank evolution and a definitive link to the Australian defence industry. The discussion shifts to the recent speech from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who has publicly questioned the very existence of a post-war rules-based order. The team also deliberates on the demographic and economic trends rapidly shifting influence towards populous regional states such as Indonesia and India, raising the prospect that Australia may soon face strategic pressure from neighbours it once viewed as junior partners. Next, UK's launch of a fast-tracked undergraduate degree in drone engineering is highlighted as a response to lessons from Ukraine, while the team questions whether Australia risks falling behind. The episode concludes with final confirmation that the Royal Australian Air Force has received its first MC-55A Peregrine intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and electronic warfare aircraft. Enjoy the podcast The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Contested Ground Podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant, Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson, and Steve Kuper discuss the fallout from the US' arrest of Nicolas Maduro, America's claims to Greenland, and the potential for regime change in Iran. The trio unpack the success and complexities of the US' raid in Venezuela and the intricacies surrounding the mission, the fallout of the "Donroe Doctrine" in action, and its relations intersecting with the 2025 US National Security Strategy's emphasis on the western hemisphere. They also discuss the mounting US pressure over Greenland and what is driving US interest in the island nation, which presents a significant risk of rupturing NATO at a time of mounting geopolitical upheaval. Finally, they also discuss the US military build-up surrounding Iran and the potential for decapitation strikes against the Iranian regime, seemingly backed by the ousted shah and implications for broader global security.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Robert Dougherty is joined by Petar Bielovich, general manager of data and analytics at Atturra, to discuss the evolving role of preparedness, decision intelligence, and sovereign capability within Australia's national security strategy. As part of this in-depth conversation, the pair discuss a range of subjects, including: The growing importance of preparedness in Australian defence strategy and how it differs from traditional concepts of readiness. How data analytics and artificial intelligence can deliver a decision advantage across Defence and improve preparedness outcomes. The role of industry in building national resilience, sovereign capability, and supporting the total workforce system. The impact of reducing reliance on consultants and contractors, and finding the right balance to build sustainable capability. How recent Defence reforms, consolidation efforts and delivery agencies may provide clearer signals and improved engagement for industry. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Spotlight team

This week on Cyber Uncut, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft are still talking about Grok's nudity woes, OpenAI's turn to ads, the potential compromise of a major rack hardware maker, and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner's calls for more government transparency. The pair kick things off once again with Grok and its struggles in producing sexual abuse material and OpenAI's move to introduce ads into ChatGPT. In cyber security news, the Everest ransomware group claims to have stolen vital hardware data from ASRock Rack, with the potential for some serious downstream impacts and further cyber attacks. Plus, hackers who have been named and in court, and 2025 in cryptocurrency crime. And finally, some good news – search engine DuckDuckGo says NO to AI, and the OAIC looks to boost government transparency around automated decision making. Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut team

Imagine being told at the start of your aviation career that women simply don't fly jets. Decades later, Sue-anne Munckton is the CEO of the Civil Aviation Academy Australasia and director/founder of Sky Careers and a powerhouse advocate for Australia's aviation future. In this episode, Tash Taylor sits down with the recent Australian Aviation Awards Excellence Award winner to discuss her 35-year journey from student pilot to industry leader. Sue-anne reveals why we must teach children by age 10 to break down career barriers and shape their sphere of influence. Her company, Sky Careers, is opening doors to 30,000+ industry roles – from drone-piloted "SnotBots" that collect whale snot to maritime logistics. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team

In this episode of the Contested Ground Podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant, Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson, and Steve Kuper discuss the Australian government's legislative efforts to combat anti-Semitism, hatred, and violent extremism in Australia. The trio unpack the legislative proposal and political considerations that have shaped the Albanese government's Combating Anti-Semitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026, developed in the aftermath of the terrorist shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, Sydney, which resulted in at least 15 deaths and over 40 injuries on 14 December 2025. The trio also discuss the fine line between balancing national security, freedom, protesting and religious liberties as a democracy and the different requests identified by the opposition, Greens and other minor parties ahead of the debate. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground Team

This week, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft are joined by HR Leader's Carlos Tse to talk about AI in the workplace. We chat about Grok's ongoing issues with sexually abusive content, the Pentagon's move to embrace the platform regardless, and a hack that has compromised the data of every school in Victoria. The podcast kicks off with a discussion on a new partnership between the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) and Microsoft to keep AI in the workplace human-centric, and the US Department of Defence betting hard on Grok to increase its warfighting capacity. In cyber security news, an unknown threat actor has compromised Victoria's Department of Education, impacting every school in the state. Hollingworth and Croft talk about the Everest hacking group's Big Game Hunting tactics and its targeting of a pair of major carmakers. The pair wrap things up with a discussion of Bandcamp's move to ban AI from its platform, and talk about this year's Australian Cyber Awards – nominations are now open, so get yours in! Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Robert Dougherty is joined by Cesar Alvarez, lecturer at Charles Sturt University on terrorism and security studies, to unpack the security, geopolitical and cartel criminal dynamics surrounding recent US military operations in Venezuela. Alvarez worked for Canberra-based national security think tank Australian Strategic Policy Institute and provided technical advice to the Terrorism Prevention Branch of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. He has also served as a consultant and adviser to the Counter-Narcotics Directorate and the Doctrine and Planning Office of the National Police of Colombia. He holds a master of policing, intelligence and counter-terrorism with a degree of master of international security studies from Macquarie University. He also holds a bachelor's degree of government and international relations from Externado University of Colombia. Alvarez is the founder and director of public diplomacy organisation Australia-Colombia Dialogue. During the podcast, the pair discuss a range of topics, including: An overview of Venezuela's evolution into a key hub for transnational organised crime and drug trafficking. The role of the Cartel de los Soles and the deep entanglement between criminal networks and the Venezuelan state. Historical shifts in Latin America's criminal landscape following the fall of the Medellín Cartel, led by Pablo Escobar, and the Cali Cartel, run by the Rodríguez Orejuela brothers. The impact of Colombian coca cultivation, peace processes with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, and unintended consequences of counter-narcotics policy. The strategic, psychological and geopolitical implications of the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Likely internal power struggles within criminal organisations following Maduro's removal. The future of drug trafficking routes across Colombia, Venezuela and global markets, including Europe and Australia. Whether US actions in Venezuela set a precedent for other authoritarian leaders in Latin America. The potential implications for countries such as Cuba, Nicaragua and Colombia amid shifting regional politics. How the most recent changes in US policy may reshape Latin American security dynamics in the coming years. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Daniel Croft and Bethany Alvaro are joined by Australian Aviation's Jake Nelson to discuss AI, before talking about local hacks, NSW Health, and Trump alluding to the use of cyber warfare in Venezuela. Croft, Alvaro, and Nelson first discuss Qantas and its shift towards AI implementation in 2026. The trio then discuss Grok and the dangers of the new "edit image" button that has led to the creation of deepfake child sexual abuse material. Croft and Alvaro then discuss the Australian band Royel Otis and a failed request by the guitarist to obtain the anonymous details of users he said were defaming him. Finally, the two discuss Trump and his hinting that cyber warfare may have been used in the strikes on Venezuela to shut off the lights and create pathways in for US forces. Enjoy the episode, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Robert Dougherty is joined by Salvatore R Mercogliano PhD, Campbell University professor of history in North Carolina and What's Going on With Shipping host, as they discuss US operations in Venezuela, the capture of leader Nicolás Maduro and international maritime implications for "dark fleet" shipping. Mercogliano, a former merchant mariner, holds degrees in military and naval history, maritime history and nautical archaeology, and marine transportation. He previously authored the 2017 book Fourth arm of defense: Sealift and maritime logistics in the Vietnam War. The pair discuss a range of topics, including: An overview of "dark fleet" or "shadow ships" operating outside the rule of law to avoid international sanctions. Implications on global shipping following US operations and the capture of commercial shipping vessels near Venezuela. Historical precedent for the capture of "dark fleet" ships as well as the flight of oil tankers and commercial maritime vessels from Venezuela after US military operations. "Dark fleet" ships operating in other regions, such as the Indo-Pacific, where trade abuses and maritime smuggling activities have previously been linked to North Korea and other actors. Advances being made in military technology mounted on commercial shipping, such as containerised missile systems, containerised drone systems and close-in support weapon systems. The value of these systems in a wartime or blockade settings, with emphasis on the possible invasion of Taiwan by the People's Liberation Army Navy in the South China Sea. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, co-host Steve Kuper and returning co-host Liam Garman unpack the fallout of the American special forces raid in Venezuela. The pair also discuss the broader global ramifications emerging as a result of the American direct action in Latin America, including:  The real motivations behind America's raid and why simple claims of regime change or pursuit of oil may not be as clear-cut as some would have us believe. Ongoing concerns about security and stability in the Middle East following revelations of significant strategic military deployments from the US to Europe and the region.  The sociopolitical challenges facing Australia and allied nations as protests unfold in cities across the world, with political discourse shifting from the Middle East to Venezuela and claims of American imperialism. The ramifications of fraying, sectarian political debates and echo chambers that undermine social cohesion and national stability. Enjoy the podcast,  The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by former commander of US Indo-Pacific Command, Admiral (Ret'd) Phil Davidson, as they discuss the allied efforts to confront a contested Indo-Pacific. As part of this special conversation, the pair discuss a range of subjects, including: The shifting power dynamics emerging across the region and the implications associated with the return of great-power competition. Building and enhancing avenues for interoperability and interchangeability across regional allies in order to build collective deterrence. The importance of building a robust, adaptable and resilient allied integrated air and missile defence network across the region to help underpin regional security. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Spotlight team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Robert Dougherty is joined by the director of the Australian Army's Robotic and Autonomous Systems Implementation and Coordination Office, Lieutenant Colonel Dr Adam J Hepworth, as they discuss emerging artificial intelligence and robotics implications for the Australian Army. LTCOL Hepworth leads the advancement of emerging technology, including robotics, autonomous systems, AI and autonomy for the Australian Army. He holds a bachelor of science in mathematics from the University of NSW, a master of logistics and supply chain management from the University of South Australia, a graduate diploma in scientific computation and a master of science in operations research from the United States Naval Postgraduate School, and a doctor of philosophy in computer science from the University of NSW. He is a visiting fellow at the University of NSW and an expert member of the Global Commission for Responsible AI in the Military. The pair discuss a range of topics, including: An outline of LTCOL Hepworth's responsibilities as director of the Australian Army's Robotic and Autonomous Systems Implementation and Coordination Office. An invitation to join the Expert Advisory Group for the Global Commission on Responsible AI in the Military Domain, on behalf of the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs. A general overview of responsible military AI and irresponsible AI, as well as the benefits achieved with military AI use and challenges from that use, that Australia needs to be aware of. Short and long-term recommendations for governance and regulation of artificial intelligence in the military domain. Work on responsible artificial intelligence in the military domain being completed in Australia. The importance of keeping a human in the loop for AI-based decision making and the evolution of new military technology into the future. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Bethany Alvaro is joined by Jennifer Parker, one of Australia's leading voices on maritime security, to examine the rapidly evolving strategic environment in the Indo-Pacific and what this means for Australia's naval capability, national preparedness and civilian resilience. With more than two decades of service as a warfare officer in the Royal Australian Navy, Parker now serves as an expert associate at the Australian National University's National Security College and works across a number of think tanks and universities, bringing both operational and strategic insight to the discussion. The pair discuss: Recent Chinese naval activity and what Australia should take from it. Naval preparedness in relation to capability, workforce and time. Civilian readiness and if fighting from Australia is plausible. The importance of maritime security for Australia and the civilian way of life. The work to better connect Defence, industry and the public. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

This week, for the last Cyber Uncut of 2025, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft talk about Grok's spreading of misinformation regarding the tragic Bondi terror attack, OpenAI's admission of "high cyber risk", the re-emergence of ShinyHunters with a string of possible extortion attempts, ransomware attacks on medical centres, and important tips for using public Wi-Fi over the holidays. The pair kick things off with reports of how Grok utterly failed to deliver accurate information regarding the 14 December shootings targeting the Jewish community in Sydney. The chatbot utterly failed to meet the moment, leading to multiple instances of incorrect information circulating on X. In cyber security news, ShinyHunters is engaging in a string of extortion attempts that may – or may not be – linked to its breach of data analytics firm Mixpanel. It's a bit of a ride and a fascinating example of how quickly things can change in the cyber crime landscape. Plus, two more Aussie healthcare centres fall victim to ransomware attacks. And finally, some helpful travel advice, a wrap-up of our big moments from 2025, and some things to look forward to in 2026. See you next year The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Robert Dougherty is joined by Dr Levi West, an Australian National University Research Fellow (radicalisation, extremism, terrorism) and former director of terrorism studies at the Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security. The pair take an in-depth look at the national security and counterterrorism aspects of the 2025 Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney. The terrorist attack targeted Jewish members of the public attending a Hanukkah (Jewish festival of lights) event on Sydney's Bondi Beach. Fifteen people, including a 10-year-old girl, two rabbis and a Holocaust survivor, were killed in the attack. Two police officers were shot and injured. The two Islamic State-aligned gunmen were identified by NSW Police as father and son, Sajid Akram, 50 (deceased), and Naveed Akram, 24 (critically injured). The pair discuss a range of topics, including: An initial in-depth assessment of the attack, the police and public response. The actions and bravery of fruit shop owner Ahmed al Ahmed, who disarmed one of the gunmen and seized his weapon before laying down the gun during the incident. A reactive federal and state government pledge to tighten firearms legislation in the wake of the incident. Media reports that both terrorists travelled to the Philippines prior to the incident, possibly to undertake firearms training or engage in a final period of recreation. How the shooting relates to anti-Jewish incidents occurring in Australia since the October 7 attacks in Israel during 2023. What happens next for Australia, analysis of the incident, psychological impact, possible changes in government policy and the likelihood of reprisals or imitative violence. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Andy Keough, managing director at Saab Australia, and Dean Rosenfield, CEO of Nova Systems. The conversation focuses on the collaboration between Saab and Nova Systems in the multi-domain command, control, communications and computers (C4) area, emphasising the need for sovereign capabilities in Australia due to rapidly changing technology and geopolitical challenges. Both companies have a long history of working together, with Saab focusing on command and control systems and Nova Systems on operational test and evaluation and systems engineering. The discussion covers the importance of systems integration, test and evaluation, and digital engineering in the increasingly software-based system-of-systems environment, highlighting the role of investing in people and embracing technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning. Key challenges for the defence industry include security concerns with new technologies like AI and the need for commercial frameworks that support innovation, experimentation and a higher acceptance of risk from Defence. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this solemn episode of the Contested Ground podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant, Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson and Steve Kuper discuss the immediate aftermath of the Bondi Beach terror attack. The trio discuss the terrorist shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, Sydney, which resulted in at least 15 deaths and over 40 injuries. They also tackle the implications of the targeted anti-Semitic attack on Australia's intelligence and law enforcement community. The conversation then shifts to the beginning of the broader national conversations that will now be taking place in Canberra and capital cities around the nation, as the nation and Sydney grieve the loss of national innocence. We would also like to pass on our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers to those impacted by the tragic events. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

This episode discusses the US Department of War's AI "Manifest Destiny", hackers going hard on Aussie victims, and Australia bringing in its brand new social media ban. Hosts David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft kick things off with artificial intelligence, with CommBank trialling a new DevOps agent and the Pentagon launching its new GenAI.mil platform to "dominate" its adversaries. The pair move on to cyber crime, and the SafePay ransomware gang strikes at three Australian victims in a single week. Hollingworth and Croft also discuss the social media ban, which came into effect this week. Finally, the pair look at the Privacy Commissioner's new compliance crusade and a warning that scammers are posing as charities this Christmas season. Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut team

A chance meeting with an astronaut changed Riley Havela's life, diverting her path from medicine straight into the world of aerospace engineering. In this episode of Defence Connect's The Progress Report, host Tash Taylor sits down with Riley Havela, founder of Riley the Aero Girl. She reveals how simply "shooting your shot" opens doors to valuable connections and emphasises that networking and passion are the ultimate fuels for success. The discussion dives into overcoming imposter syndrome, the necessity of personal branding, and how women are shaping the future of aviation by advocating for essential values like work-life balance. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Peter Dean, professor of strategic studies at The Australian National University and within the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre and one of the lead authors of the 2023 Defence Strategic Review, and Hans Tench, senior executive and global AUKUS lead from Leidos Australia, to unpack the rapidly evolving strategic, political and industrial landscape surrounding AUKUS, with a particular focus on the often-overlooked Pillar 2. The conversation follows the first face-to-face meeting between US President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, where President Trump signalled strong support for AUKUS and committed to accelerating the delivery of nuclear-powered submarines under Pillar 1. The trio discuss a wide range of topics, including: The strategic significance of President Trump's reaffirmation of AUKUS and what it means for the Virginia Class submarine deal with Australia. Why Pillar 2 has been lagging and how political cycles in all three nations have slowed momentum. The challenge of balancing defence budgets while pursuing big-ticket capabilities like nuclear-powered submarines alongside emerging technologies. The shift from a "balanced force" to a focused and integrated force, and whether Australia risks drifting back towards old models. The potential of hypersonics, integrated air and missile defence, artificial intelligence, autonomy and the US "Golden Dome" initiative. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson are joined by special guest Dr Ross Babbage, chief executive officer of Strategic Forum and Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments in Washington DC. Together, the trio dive into Australia's rapidly shifting strategic landscape, the pressures shaping the US–Australia relationship, and the risks emerging across the Indo-Pacific as 2026 approaches. The team also tackles the return of a Trump administration in the US government amid rising uncertainty surrounding the People's Republic of China's internal trajectory. A central theme of the discussion is Australia's struggle to prioritise national security in line with allied expectations. The conversation then shifts to the composition of Australia's political leadership and its effect on national preparedness. Finally, the podcast ends with a discussion on military deterrence and insight into needed improvements in national resilience, industrial mobilisation and defence capability in Australia. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper speaks with former US naval attaché to Australia and Leidos Australia international science and technology director Kevin Quarderer and leading naval strategist Dr Jennifer Parker, an expert associate at the National Security College - The Australian National University. The trio, appearing from the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition 2025 in Sydney, discuss a range of factors shaping Australia's accelerating maritime focus and the operational realities of the AUKUS trilateral agreement. Both guests note the sharper strategic tone of this year's event, reflecting Canberra's growing recognition that national security will be shaped at sea. They also discuss advanced training pipelines, force protection, maintenance capacity and the reopening of key ports to support US, UK and Australian submarine operations. Logistics emerges as the decisive factor in maritime readiness, with both guests warning that the depth of Australia's replenishment fleet and supplies could constrain maritime operations, particularly as missile consumption rates continue to rise globally. Autonomy remains a major theme, with Quarderer and Parker highlighting its potential to extend reach, enhance survivability and complement crewed platforms. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Bethany Alvaro talk about the week's cyber security and AI news! Hollingworth and Alvaro get things started by unpacking the Australian government's National AI Plan. Is it actually good governance, or more of a vibe ripe to be abused by the AI giants? The pair then talk about the eSafety Commissioner's warning that smart car systems are being taken advantage of by domestic abusers, and concern over the impact of the looming social media ban might have on queer youth, before looking at a pair of interesting cyber security incidents from the past week. But we end on some good news. Hollingworth and Alvaro share some reactions to the National AI Plan, before talking about a new UK initiative to stand up an e-sports event to promote and sharpen vital cyber security skills. Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Robert Dougherty is joined by business development director for Boeing Attack Helicopter Programs, Terry "TJ" Jamison, as they discuss the changing strategy of attack helicopters in modern warfare and the development of "launched effects". Jamison, a 30-year veteran of the US Army, has previously commanded an air cavalry squadron in Iraq and a combat aviation brigade in Afghanistan. The former Apache attack helicopter pilot retired from US military service as a colonel with more than 5,000 flight hours in helicopters, such as the AH-64D Apache Longbow and CH-47 Chinook. The pair discuss a range of topics, including: The evolving impact of "launched effects" and the uncrewed options for attack helicopters, such as the AH-64E Apache. The changes that the United States military is making to its own attack helicopter strategy, role and capabilities. Modern helicopter warfare examples seen in the Ukraine–Russia conflict and the implications being discussed in the public regarding attack helicopters. Manned and unmanned teaming technology being developed to empower aerial platforms, such as the AH-64E Apache and MQ-28A Ghost Bat. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Dee Lucero and Mohammad Siddique from DXC Technology, where they unpack the intricacies of the Defence Enterprise Resource Planning program and the role of digital systems in supporting the broader transformation. The trio also discuss a range of factors shaping the digital transformation of Australia's defence enterprise, including: Invaluable lessons from the US Navy's own ERP program and the journey the Australian Defence Force is now embarking on. The challenges and opportunities associated with such a complex and comprehensive digital environment transformation. The enhanced capabilities that the proper collection, analysis and dissemination of data in the contemporary battlespaces will deliver for the ADF. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Bethany Alvaro talk about the week's cyber security and AI news! Hollingworth and Alvaro get things started with a warning about a rise in AI-driven holiday scams taking advantage of the silly season. The pair also talk about a recent call from CPA Australia for young Australians to embrace AI to drive their entrepreneurial dreams. And then it's on to cyber security, with parliamentarians in Canberra warned to secure their connected devices ahead of a visit by a Chinese official, and worrying research on how the Chinese AI platform DeepSeek can actively insert vulnerabilities into code when certain "political triggers" are detected. And, sadly, the hacking never stops, with cyber extortionists targeting a pair of Aussie organisations. But we end on some good news. Hollingworth and Alvaro cover the newly announced AI Safety Institute, as well as the very welcome news of sanctions targeting a Russian cyber criminal service provider. Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut team

How do you go from growing up in Ukraine to winning Academic of the Year in Australia? Dr Oleksandra Molloy, senior lecturer in aviation at UNSW Canberra, shares her extraordinary journey. Tash Taylor dives into Oleksandra's courageous move to Australia and her experience pioneering research in emerging technologies, particularly her vital work on drones in modern warfare and the Defence Trailblazer program. Oleksandra details her efforts to inspire the next generation of women in STEM and offers practical insight into managing a high-impact academic career with family life, emphasising that resilience is key to achieving high goals and making a lasting impact in complex and essential industries. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy, as they unpack the major milestones for Defence and defence industry. The pair discuss a range of topics, including: The impact of the SEA 3000 decision and implications for industrial and defence cooperation between Australia and Japan. Progress made on the nation's Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance program, including the breaking ground of the first Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile factory outside of Norway and local manufacturing contracts for a range of guided weapons. The ongoing reform processes designed to improve the efficiency and ease of doing business between Defence and industry. The lessons learned from the 2023 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program and how they will help shape the 2026 plans. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast at the recent Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition in Sydney, host Steve Kuper is joined by Alan Clements of L3Harris Technologies Australia as they explore the shifting dynamics shaping Australia's maritime modernisation and emerging technologies for the Australian Defence Force. They explore: The strong industry momentum at Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition 2025, driven by major Defence investments in the maritime domain, including AUKUS SSN, the evolved Mogami Class decision and broader fleet recapitalisation. L3Harris' role as a critical technology provider across air, land, sea, cyber and space to supply sensors, comms, power, electronic warfare systems and sustainment capabilities essential to Australian Defence Force operations. The scale of Australia's naval transformation, with new classes such as the evolved Mogami, Hunter Class and SSN-AUKUS submarines. These platforms represent a leap from legacy platforms to software-driven, high-tech systems that will reshape how the Royal Australian Navy trains, fights and integrates with joint forces. The challenge of transitioning to nuclear-powered submarines, including industry readiness, workforce uplift, sustainment requirements and close cooperation with US and UK partners. How autonomy, AI-enabled sensing and unmanned systems are expanding the ADF's capability, with L3Harris demonstrating unmanned platforms, passive electronic detection systems and "amorphous" command-and-control architectures at Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025. The Australian Army's growing maritime role through its landing craft modernisation and how naval-to-land integration is evolving as the ADF reshapes for littoral operations. The rising importance of AUKUS Pillar II, particularly autonomous undersea systems, seabed sensing and platform-agnostic C2. The increasing recognition across Defence that no single company can deliver full-spectrum capability and the value in collaborative integration across industry, SMEs and global supply chains. The urgent need for Australia to elevate investment and focus on electromagnetic spectrum control, electronic warfare and self-defence to deliver decisive maritime success. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant, Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson and new co-host, Steve Kuper, detail the intricacies of the proposed Russia–Ukraine peace deal announced by US President Donald Trump. The trio also unpack three emerging security issues: a proposed Russia–Ukraine peace deal, heightened Chinese activity in the northern Pacific, and suspected Russian sabotage operations in Europe. The peace proposal centres on a 30-day ceasefire, prisoner exchanges, and Ukraine conceding or freezing control of occupied territories. Ukraine would permanently renounce NATO membership, cap its military at around 600,000 personnel, and restrict long-range weapons. In return, the US and its partners would offer conditional security guarantees and gradually lift sanctions, with up to US$100 billion in frozen Russian assets used for reconstruction. Chinese maritime activity has intensified, with five survey vessels operating in the north-west Pacific during major US-led exercises. Pacific analysts warn this undersea mapping may support future conflict planning. In the UK, authorities are investigating whether Russia planted an incendiary parcel that ignited in a DHL warehouse, potentially linked to a similar case in Germany, part of a suspected GRU "mayhem" hybrid campaign. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth is joined by Bethany Alvaro to talk about all things Australia and cyber security! The pair kick things off with some AI news. NVIDIA announced record earnings as the AI bubble steadfastly refuses to burst, and ChatGPT's curious new group chat feature. Hollingworth and Alvaro then talk about cyber crime, with scammers gleefully preparing to take advantage of Black Friday sales, Optus getting pinged over falling afoul of anti-scam legislation, and the Brotherhood ransomware group claiming two Aussie hacks in just one day. And we end on some good news. Australia, the UK, and the US have sanctioned a pair of Russian companies for providing a raft of services to hackers, and EU law enforcement actions have taken down more than a thousand malicious servers. Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut team

In this special episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by the co-founder and CEO of Anduril Industries, Brian Schimpf, as they talk about building an allied industrial base and the intricacies involved. Recorded live at Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition 2025, the pair also discuss a range of subjects, including: The mechanics behind developing and implementing a comprehensive industry policy in a developed nation. The lessons of pre-Second World War industrialisation in the United States and the lessons learned through the "New Deal" that helped secure Allied victory. The myths about the role of automation in contemporary manufacturing and the role of skilled humans in and on the loop when it comes to modern, high-end, mass manufacturing. Designing capabilities and technologies from the ground up to be built en masse, via an IKEA-style approach. The scale and scope of Anduril's Arsenal-1 factory, currently under construction in Ohio. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Leighton Freene and Murray Thompson of Kinetic IT as they unpack the mechanics shaping the digital transformation of the Australian Defence Force. The trio also discuss a range of subjects, including: The pivotal role of digital technologies as the backbone of the ADF's shift towards an increasingly information-driven, technology-enabled "integrated, focused force". The growing complexities, opportunities and risks stemming from cloud computing and artificial intelligence – not only in their military and industrial applications but also in how they are exploited by adversaries across all five warfighting domains. Defence's ongoing digital transformation and the sheer scale of what is required to build, secure and sustain the systems that will be critical to preserving Australia's qualitative edge in an era of great-power competition. The rising importance of strong cyber hygiene across Defence, industry and the broader national security community, including disciplined identity management, multi-factor authentication, secure-by-design software development, routine patching, strict access controls and a culture that treats cyber security as a collective responsibility rather than a technical add-on. How strengthening cyber hygiene at every level – from defence SMEs to prime contractors, uniformed personnel to senior decision makers – is becoming essential to hardening the digital backbone of the ADF and safeguarding Australia's most sensitive capabilities from compromise. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth catches up with Proofpoint's chief strategy officer, Ryan Kalember, and vice president of systems engineering for the APJ region, Adrian Covich, while attending the Proofpoint Protect Tour in Melbourne. The three talk about the high-level trends and concerns they're seeing from CISOs both in Australia and abroad and the very real challenges of dealing with a fast-paced and ever-evolving threat landscape. Enjoy the episode, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant, Liam Garman, and Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson unpack two unfolding challenges shaping Australia's strategic outlook, an Iran-linked cyber breach exposing sensitive defence data, and China's latest move to outmanoeuvre Canberra in the Pacific. The discussion opens with the major cyber breach linked to Iran-aligned actors, exposing sensitive information from Australian defence programs through vulnerabilities in overseas contractors. Thompson warns that modern military platforms are now fully digital extensions of the network, and that the Australian Defence Force risks becoming collateral damage without stronger supply-chain defence. The hosts then turn to the Pacific, where China has unveiled a record $86 million aid package to Vanuatu, a direct counter to the Albanese government's stalled security pact. Garman notes the diplomatic setback highlights the limits of Australia's traditional leverage, with Port Vila reluctant to jeopardise its economic ties with Beijing. The conversation also covers China's commissioning of its first fully indigenous aircraft carrier, signalling a major step in Beijing's push for blue-water naval capability. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

What does it mean to lead with honesty, show vulnerability, and embrace your authentic self – even when life feels chaotic? In this episode of The Progress Report, host Tash Taylor sits down with Rebecca Woolnough, area manager - Oceania for SMART Technologies, to unpack what true resilience and self-leadership look like beyond the polished titles and structured systems. From navigating self-doubt and impostor moments to learning how to "be the hurricane", Bec shares a refreshingly raw and honest reflection on leadership, motherhood, and maintaining identity amid constant pressure. The conversation explores everything from women's evolving roles in Defence to the mental load of balancing career, family, and self-worth. Through laughter, humility, and insight, Beck opens up about the moments that nearly broke her – and how those same moments built her into the leader she is today. She reminds us that progress isn't about perfection or control, but about showing up fully as yourself, even when the storm hits. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Tim West, John Hillsdon and Mohammad Siddique from DXC Technology to unpack the digital transformation of the Australian Defence Force.  Together they discuss a range of topics, including: The central role of digital technologies as the backbone of the increasingly information and technology-driven "integrated, focused force" that the ADF is becoming. The complexities, opportunities and challenges emerging from cloud computing and artificial intelligence both in friendly and adversarial use across the five warfighting domains. The digital transformation of Defence and the scale and scope of what will be fundamentally essential to enhance and maintain Australia's qualitative edge against adversaries in the era of great-power competition. Enjoy the podcast,  The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Lumify Work's lead cyber security instructor, Louis Cremen, for a talk about all things AI, from how best to protect sensitive data to managing AI governance. The pair start things off with a discussion about how AI is rapidly transforming workplaces and how organisations must prioritise governance to protect data integrity and output decisions. Cremen and Garman follow that up with a look at how attackers are leveraging AI to create highly personalised phishing, multilingual scams, convincing deepfakes and AI-assisted malware. The pair finish up talking about the challenge of implementing fine-grained access controls, data provenance checks, and model testing and monitoring to detect prompt injection or poisoning. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Robert Dougherty sits down with PentenAmio executive co-chair Matthew Wilson to discuss the rapidly evolving world of secure communications. The pair examine the redefined world of sovereign capability in secure mobile communications, artificial intelligence-enabled cyber defence and electronic deception technologies. In the lead-up to the Military Communications and Information Systems Conference 2025 and the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition 2025, the pair assess the need to embrace mobile-first resilience and depth of collaboration between industry, government and Defence to strengthen national strategy. They also discuss: The historic merger of Penten and Amiosec earlier this year and the company's new strategic position. Secure Mobility and its critical role in today's government and defence industry context. How effective collaboration between government, defence and industry can deliver sovereign, usable solutions that meet emerging national security challenges. Finally, the pair close out the podcast announcing a commemorative sculpture installation at the Defence Force School of Signals, in recognition of the fine work performed by Australian Defence Force signals personnel. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Zac Smith of Leidos Australia and Dr Malcolm Davis of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute to unpack the role of AUKUS Pillar 2 and the future of the Australian Defence Force. The trio discuss a range of topics as they navigate the still murky world of AUKUS Pillar 2 and what it means for the future of the Australian Defence Force, including: The need for AUKUS partners to focus their efforts in supporting the commercialisation of novel technologies to accelerate the delivery of critical warfighting capability. The role of competitive pressure from potential adversaries as they seek to develop and field next-generation capabilities across the warfighting domains. The impact of the US Global Posture Review and its impact on Australia's defence industry and the future of the ADF in the era of great-power competition. Future predictions about the trends that are shaping both allied and adversarial defence and technology developments. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Daniel Croft and David Hollingworth talk about the latest AI news, the week in cyber crime, Tasmanian government breach woes, and Australia signing an important UN cyber crime treaty. The pair kick things off with some AI news, including OpenAI opening up about how many of its users talk about their mental health challenges with the bot, and the company's latest move to create AI music. Hollingworth and Croft then move on to cyber crime in Australia. A breach linked to vocational student management platform VETtrak has gotten several Tasmanian government agencies caught out, Anubis ransomware continues to be a horrible group of people, and the AFP stands up two new cyber crime taskforces. Finally, some good news: the Australian government has said it will carve out protections for Australian artists wanting to protect their work from ravenous AI companies, and the UN has established a new cyber crime treaty.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Bethany Alvaro speaks with Isaac Ohlin, general manager of policy and services at RSL NSW, about the establishment of the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission – launched on 29 September 2025 in response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide (2021). The pair discuss the commission's purpose, challenges and impact on Australia's defence and veteran communities, including: The commission's role in providing independent oversight of the government's response to more than 100 royal commission recommendations. The urgency of addressing veteran suicide, with over 1,800 deaths since 1997, and the need for transparent, systemic reform. Barriers to timely action, including the complexity and sensitivity of suicide prevention within the defence ecosystem. The importance of cultural and systemic change within the ADF to promote help-seeking behaviour and improve wellbeing. The critical transition period for veterans leaving service – identifying gaps in support, responsibility between Defence and the Department of Veterans' Affairs, and the role of ex-service and community organisations in bridging those gaps. Measures of success for the commission, such as progress on recommendations, stakeholder engagement and, ultimately, a reduction in suicidality rates. Ways the broader community and employers can support veterans through understanding, inclusion and employment opportunities. Ohlin concludes that while the commission's creation is a positive and necessary step, "the hard work is still ahead", requiring collaboration across government, ex-service organisations and the wider public to deliver meaningful change. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Ever wondered what it takes to lead with resilience while balancing life, career and wellbeing? In this episode of The Progress Report, Tash Taylor sits down with Marisa Branscombe, head of marketing communication at Atturra, to talk about leadership, resilience, and the human side of managing teams in high-pressure environments. Marisa shares how her career evolved from rural media to leading people-focused initiatives across male-dominated industries, and how her passion for supporting others has shaped her approach to leadership. We dive into topics like creating supportive workplace cultures, navigating burnout, and how COVID-19 reshaped our understanding of connection and mental health at work. From developing mental health initiatives across dispersed teams to finding balance between career and family, Marisa offers grounded, thoughtful insights that remind us that progress isn't just about performance – it's about people. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Mark Gainsford and Matt Dodds of Systematic to discuss the digital transformation shaping the Australian Defence Force. The trio also examine how, in an era of renewed great power competition, the ADF must adapt to warfare defined by data, speed and contested information environments. They highlight that the pace of technological and operational change demands tools to cut through "information noise" and deliver decision superiority. Artificial intelligence and analytics can help achieve this, but only when paired with strong training and trust. Moving on, they discuss the importance of testing and refining AI through realistic digital simulations, enabling adaptation to changing conditions without the cost or risk of live training. They also talk about the role of digital infrastructure in preparing warfighters for degraded and contested communications environments, where jamming and disruption are common. Investing in resilient, upgradeable systems ensures the ADF maintains operational tempo and confidence in complex conditions. Finally, they discuss investing in sovereign digital infrastructure, trusted AI and realistic simulation today so the ADF can build the integrated, information-led force needed to out-think and outfight its adversaries – mastering in training what must never be learned in combat. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, special returning host Liam Garman is joined by Lockheed Martin's Josh Woodward and Wayne Harrison to discuss the transformational impact of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System for the Australian Defence Force. The trio discuss the range of ways HIMARS will serve as a significant transformation in Australia's approach to littoral and long-range strike warfare. They also discuss how HIMARS, when armed with precision-guided munitions such as the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System and the longer-range Army Tactical Missile System – and soon to be integrated with the Precision Strike Missile – enables land forces to engage high-value targets at ranges exceeding 500 kilometres. This blurs traditional boundaries between land and maritime domains, allowing the Army to contribute meaningfully to joint strike missions once reserved for the Air Force or Navy. Finally, they discuss how HIMARS is more than an artillery platform – it represents a strategic enabler within an integrated joint fires network. When linked with persistent surveillance, space-based sensors, and command-and-control systems, HIMARS provides the ADF with a flexible, scalable, and responsive strike capability. Enjoy the podcast,  The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Daniel Croft and David Hollingworth talk about the latest AI news, the week in cyber crime, an important Aussie merger, and how a Hollywood actor is reclaiming his identity. The pair kick things off with some AI news, including Wikipedia woes, OpenAI's Atlas, and Yelp's new AI travel offering. Hollingworth and Croft then move on to the latest in cyber crime on Australian shores, but not before exploring the merger of AUCyber and 5G Networks. Hollingworth also has an update on the Collins Aerospace hack, with the threat actor making some outrageous claims about what the company knew and when. Finally, some good news, as actor Bryan Cranston wins a victory over OpenAI's use of his virtual likeness. Enjoy the episode, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Daniel Croft and David Hollingworth touch on the latest in AI and how state governments are regulating its use, the Qantas leak and the 5 million people impacted, and we chat about major cyber attacks with SolarWinds CISO Tim Brown. Croft and Hollingworth begin by discussing the fight that CBA has ignited with the Finance Sector Union and former staff after they botched an AI rollout. The pair then discuss the massive Qantas hack, the 5 million people affected and the identity of the hackers behind it. The podcast then cuts to a chat between Hollingworth and SolarWinds' CISO, Tim Brown, who provides a deep insight as to what it's like being in the middle of a major cyber attack. Finally, the two discuss the social media age ban once again, with the government now having launched an education campaign. Enjoy the episode, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by returning guest Heston Russell – a public speaker, author and former Australian Special Forces officer – to discuss the 2025 Veteran Games and the recent grand finals held on the Gold Coast (11 and 12 October). Russell has previously served in 2nd Commando Regiment as a commando platoon commander, was deployed to four combat operational deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, served in Iraq as a Special Operations joint lead planner within the Special Operations Joint Task Force and completed a year-long exchange within the United States Special Operations Command. He holds a bachelor of arts from UNSW Sydney, majoring in history and Indonesian. The pair discuss a range of issues, including: The finale of the 2025 Veteran Games Grand Finals in Queensland, course obstacles and the triumph of winning team Brisbane Veterans Rugby League Football Club. The newly signed defence agreement between Australia and Papua New Guinea, the possibility of up to 10,000 Papua New Guineans serving with the Australian Defence Force and the formation of the new Papua New Guinea Chiefs professional rugby team. The challenges in Australian Defence Force recruitment and what it takes for veterans to recommend their own journey as a career path to young people. Russell's thoughts about the "military fitness standards" speech delivered by US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to US generals and flag officers at Quantico in Virginia in September. The new era of drone warfare and Russell's personal experiences facing early drone and drone-dropped explosives during deployment in the Middle East. They round out the podcast discussing the evolution of politics in Australia and potential for new political leadership from first responders and the veteran community. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Tony Rogers, Brian Weinstein and Scott Keane of Stantec to discuss the role and importance of naval infrastructure to modern navies. The group discuss a range of subjects including: The global pressures being felt by contemporary Western naval infrastructure and the growing demands placed on physical infrastructure to support increasingly capable navy surface and submarine fleets. The importance of not just building for the now but for the future, citing the examples of American naval infrastructure dating back to the earliest days of the republic to next-generation naval infrastructure currently under construction at Pearl Harbor. The lessons Australia can learn from America's shipbuilding and naval renaissance when it comes to designing and developing our own naval infrastructure requirements. The importance of ensuring that the nation has a reliable pipeline of trained and qualified workers, not just to build the ships and submarines of the Royal Australian Navy, but also to maintain, sustain and upgrade them well into the future. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Daniel Croft and David Hollingworth touch on the latest in AI and how state governments are regulating its use, the Qantas leak and the 5 million people impacted, and we chat about major cyber attacks with SolarWinds CISO Tim Brown. Croft and Hollingworth begin by discussing the fight that CBA has ignited with the Finance Sector Union and former staff after they botched an AI rollout. The pair then discuss the massive Qantas hack, the 5 million people affected and the identity of the hackers behind it. The podcast then cuts to a chat between Hollingworth and SolarWinds' CISO, Tim Brown, who provides a deep insight as to what it's like being in the middle of a major cyber attack. Finally, the two discuss the social media age ban once again, with the government now having launched an education campaign. Enjoy the episode, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Mike Pezzullo, former secretary of the Department of Home Affairs, and Ross Babbage, CEO of Strategic Forum and a Non-Resident Senior Fellow of the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, to discuss Australia's role and challenges in the deteriorating global order. The trio discuss a range of issues facing Australia and the broader Western alliance network at a time when authoritarian powers are on the march across the globe, including:  The triumph and importance of American power in securing a peace deal between Israel and Palestine that has continued to rage since 7 October 2023.  Predictions about Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's first official bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump. Mounting political and public concern about Australia's lack of economic complexity and industrial capacity and its impact on national security and sovereignty. Real world examples of reindustrialisation in action across the United States and other like-minded nations that can provide models for Australia to emulate. Policy measures our leaders can implement to facilitate the rebuilding of Australia's industrial base and enhance our national security.  Enjoy the podcast,  The Defence Connect team

Imagine being part of a group that no one ever wants to join – a community born from loss, but one that becomes a lifeline. On this episode of The Progress Report, running in time for War Widows Day on 19th October, Tash Taylor sits down with war widows Jenny Ware, Lynne Boyd and Wendy McKean, who have turned grief into friendship, laughter, and resilience. Through candid stories, they reveal how shared experiences of military loss forge bonds that help navigate grief, isolation, and life's challenges. From the "Friendship Line" connecting widows across the country to "Sad Sunday" lunches, rural support networks, and acts of everyday care, these women show how community and companionship sustain them. They share laughter, tears, and invaluable life lessons – on honouring loved ones, embracing life after loss, enjoying simple pleasures, and showing respect and empathy to others. Their stories are a testament to courage, connection, and living fully despite adversity. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper sits down with Tim Grabert and Chris White to discuss the increasing importance of Australia's test and evaluation capabilities. The trio discuss the importance of contemporary test and evaluation (T&E) capabilities as outlined in the government's 2023 Defence Industry Development Strategy and the role it will play in shaping the future of Australia's defence capabilities. They also discuss: The opportunities AUKUS Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 will present for Australia's T&E community. The critical role of workforce development, standardisation and professionalisation to keep pace with the modernisation of the Australian Defence Force. The range of challenges emerging as a result of the suite of next-generation technologies already transforming the "joint force". Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Daniel Croft and David Hollingworth walk through the latest in AI news, with Deloitte paying money back to the NSW government for an AI report, hacking news, with a deep dive into just who Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters might be, and the Qilin ransomware gang taking responsibility for the Asahi hack. Croft and Hollingworth begin by talking about AI hallucinations stinging Deloitte, flood victims getting caught up in a ChatGPT data breach, and a first-of-its-kind fine levied against an Australian creator of deepfake pornography. The two then cover the week in cyber crime, tallying up some of the latest victims of Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters, the shadowy links between that group and another "new" hacking group, and more cyber woes for Western Sydney University. Good news is thin on the ground this month, but Croft and Hollingworth find some in the fact that Asahi Japan is bringing its processes back online, as the Qilin RaaS operation takes responsibility for the attack. Enjoy the episode, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant, Liam Garman, and Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson unpack how Australia's shifting information and economic environment is deepening social rifts and reshaping national security. Tarrant opens with the housing debate, questioning whether allowing buyers into the market with just a 5 per cent deposit strengthens opportunity or fuels instability. Garman warns that financial strain on younger Australians could erode national unity. The conversation turns to data sovereignty and AI infrastructure, and how Australia must strengthen data protection and build infrastructure capable of expanding a sovereign AI industry. The hosts also explore the evolving information and cyber domain, warning that influence operations and online manipulation are amplifying social division, examining a number of online influence campaigns. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Daniel Croft and David Hollingworth touch on the latest in AI and how companies are prioritising it over staff, a brutal new ransomware operation publishing the data of young children, and the Department of Home Affairs looking to fill the new Cyber Incident Review Board. Croft and Hollingworth begin by discussing the latest educational AI at the University of New England. The pair then discuss the threat to their favourite podcast beer, Asahi, which has halted production in Japan following a cyber attack. Croft and Hollingworth then discuss the ongoing Jaguar Land Rover cyber attack and the car maker's long-awaited restoration of manufacturing. Finally, the two discuss the Cyber Incident Review Board, which is currently looking for members. Enjoy the episode, The Cyber Uncut team

A truly hard-hitting discussion of challenges and triumphs in the Defence community. In this episode of The Progress Report, Defence Connect's Tash Taylor sits down with Families of Veterans Guild CEO Renee Wilson, board chair Tricia Hobson as well as board director and interim deputy chair Jennifer Collins. The group takes a look back at the roots of the establishment of War Widows Guild in NSW in June 1946 and how support for veterans and their families has progressed since then. They also unpack the personal stories behind supporting serving personnel and their families. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Daniel Croft and David Hollingworth talk about NSWEduChat, a virtual Charlie Kirk, the impact of a cyber incident disrupting airports across Europe, and how Australian not-for-profits are getting a new tool to face a rising tide of ransomware attacks. Croft and Hollingworth open proceedings with Instagram's new AI age assurance checks then talk about the new AI tool being rolled out to NSW public school students and how promising it looks. The pair also discuss the ramifications of creating a deepfake of Charlie Kirk to address packed crowds at US megachurches in the wake of his murder and about a data leak on a website set up by American conservatives to out anyone speaking ill of Kirk. They also share an update on the Jaguar Land Rover hack which is still disrupting production in the UK and walk through a ransomware attack that has crippled a string of major European airports. Finally, Hollingworth and Croft find some good news, with NSW enacting legislation to tackle harmful deepfakes and a service offering cyber attack simulations to the not-for-profit sector, which has experienced a surge in malicious activity so far this year. Enjoy the episode, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, managing editor Steve Kuper speaks with Andrew Henderson, director of AgSecure and a leading voice on agricultural resilience, biosecurity, and national preparedness. Together, they explore the recently released National Food Security Strategy discussion paper, the importance of critical inputs like fuel and fertiliser, the implications of trade disputes, and the growing need to integrate food systems into defence planning. The pair also discuss why food security is no longer just an agricultural issue – it's a national security imperative. With global supply chains under pressure, climate risks mounting, and adversaries willing to target agricultural systems through biosecurity breaches or even agroterrorism, Australia faces a complex challenge in safeguarding the nation's food and fibre production. From the risks of varroa mite and foot and mouth disease to the opportunities of regional self-reliance and biotechnology, Henderson outlines why food security must be elevated to the same level of priority as Australia's defence posture – and why a secure Indo-Pacific is, ultimately, a well-fed one. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode, host Steve Kuper sits down with Benjamin Rice, managing director at Coherics, to unpack the critical role of training and simulation in preparing the Australian Defence Force and its allies for the challenges of modern warfare. From the vast live-fire exercises of Talisman Sabre to the increasingly vital domains of cyber, space and multi-domain operations, the conversation explores how realistic training environments are evolving to keep pace with technological change and operational demands. Drawing on his extensive Air Force career and industry expertise, Rice provides unique insights into the blending of live, synthetic and constructive training, and the importance of innovation in getting capability into the hands of the warfighter faster. Together, they examine the future of training – from gaming-inspired immersion and augmented reality to tailored, on-demand learning solutions designed to accelerate readiness – and the cultural and institutional shifts required to make it all possible. This is a deep dive into the future of defence training and simulation and how Australian industry is driving solutions that will keep our people sharp, adaptable and ready for the battlefield of tomorrow. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Daniel Croft and David Hollingworth touch on the latest in AI and its incorporation in Australian education, the latest from ransomware operators targeting Australian organisations, and the alleged retirement of Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters. Croft and Hollingworth begin by discussing UNSW and its partnership with OpenAI, which will see 10,000 licenses rolled out to students. The pair then discuss new and older ransomware gangs, with a new sophisticated ransomware operation called The Gentlemen coming out of the gates strong, while Kairos continues to harm Australian businesses. Croft and Hollingworth then discuss the ongoing Jaguar Land Rover cyber attack, which has led to increased factory operation delays. Finally, the two discuss action by eSafety to introduce new safeguards in the popular online game Roblox to protect children from predators, a move that Roblox seems to be complying with. Enjoy the episode, The Cyber Uncut team

What happens when a woman with the "how hard can it be" gene takes on the male-dominated world of cyber and national security? In this episode of The Progress Report, Defence Connect's Tash Taylor sits down with Niru Verma, partner at Excelium, to unpack the twists and turns of her career – from 11 years in the APS to launching her own business, to leading teams in one of Canberra's fastest-growing cyber firms. With candour and warmth, Niru shares how Post-it notes on her wall shaped her career goals, why authenticity matters more than conformity, and how mentorship can change the trajectory of women's careers in STEM. This is a story of resilience, problem-solving, and redefining leadership in the technical industry. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Peter Behrendt, managing director of defence for Serco Asia-Pacific, to unpack the role of Serco in supporting the Royal Australian Navy. They discuss the countdown to Indo Pacific 2025, with much of the spotlight falling on Australia's maritime capabilities – particularly with the recent announcement of the evolved Mogami Class frigates and the impact these advanced vessels are expected to have as the future backbone of the Royal Australian Navy. They also discuss Serco's contribution across Australia and New Zealand. With a workforce of around 2,500 employees spanning 85 sites, Serco delivers critical services for the Australian Defence Force, from logistics and training to medical support. The company also plays a direct role in supporting the RAN across major bases, including Darwin, Cairns, Stirling, and Garden Island in Sydney. In this episode, we also dive into: Serco's operation of the Nuyina, Australia's cutting-edge Antarctic icebreaker, and the discussions around a potential second vessel. Opportunities for enhanced collaboration in maritime security, including with partners like the US Coast Guard. The adoption of emerging technologies – from AI and machine learning to additive manufacturing – in supporting the ADF. The game-changing potential of autonomous systems, such as Serco's USX-1 Nomars unmanned vessel. The importance of building a pipeline of young Australians into defence careers, with service framed as community contribution.As Australia looks to bolster its sovereign industrial base and prepare for an increasingly contested maritime environment, Serco's integration of technology, innovation, and trusted services offers valuable insight into the path ahead. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Daniel Croft and David Hollingworth touch on the latest in AI news, concerning developments in the world of cyber crime, and recommendations by the Law Council of Australia regarding the next phase of the nation's Cyber Security Strategy. Croft and Hollingworth begin by discussing eSafety and changes made to the Online Safety Act to ensure that young children are less vulnerable to the dangers of sexually explicit and other AI chatbots. The pair then discuss the dramatic increase in ransomware attacks worldwide and in Australia, as well as the Australian Cyber Security Centre's alarm over a year-old vulnerability being exploited against Australian organisations. Croft and Hollingworth then discuss the ongoing Jaguar Land Rover cyber attack, with data now confirmed compromised and an impact that could last until at least next month. Finally, the two discuss the Law Council of Australia's recommendations for Horizon 2 of the Australian Cyber Security Strategy, which suggest that small businesses should have their cyber security subsidised. Enjoy the episode, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by the Honourable Andrew Hastie MP, shadow minister for home affairs, for a hard-hitting discussion on the shifting nature of Australia's national security challenges. No longer confined to conventional defence or counter-terrorism, the security debate now spans economic sovereignty, industrial security, and social cohesion. Against the backdrop of recent revelations of Iranian espionage attempts on Australian soil, Hastie warns that hostile foreign actors are probing Australia's vulnerabilities, not only in cyber space and critical infrastructure, but in the trust that underpins our diverse society. Throughout the conversation, Hastie shares how his perspective has sharpened since stepping into the shadow portfolio following his time as shadow minister for Defence. He outlines the emerging contest for resilience – whether in defending supply chains, protecting advanced technologies, or insulating the national economy from coercion. Kuper presses Hastie on the domestic implications of foreign espionage operations, particularly the way they threaten multicultural harmony and fuel social division. Hastie stresses that Australia must be proactive in countering influence operations, strengthening intelligence partnerships, and reinforcing trust across society. The discussion then broadens to the strategic importance of resilience, a whole-of-nation approach that prepares Australians not just to respond to crises, but to withstand them. Hastie points to key policy gaps, from weak industrial capacity to fragmented national planning, and calls for a more integrated framework that links defence, economy, and society into a coherent security posture. As Australia navigates an increasingly contested world, this episode challenges listeners to rethink what security really means. The conversation offers sharp insights into how Australia can adapt to a new era of threats and why resilience must sit at the heart of any credible national security agenda. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Andrew Forbes, chief growth officer, and Cher Min Teo, campaign director for capability assurance, training and simulation at QinetiQ Australia, to discuss the role of Australia's sovereign test and evaluation capabilities and the role it plays in sharpening Australia's defence capability. With Australia at a pivotal moment in its defence evolution – shaped by the 2023 Defence Strategic Review, the 2024 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program, and the Defence Industry Development Strategy – the conversation explores how test, evaluation, and mission rehearsal environments are becoming central to future force readiness. Together, Forbes and Teo unpack the role QinetiQ Australia is playing in advancing sovereign capability, with a particular focus on the Phoenix uncrewed aerial system. Originally developed as a training target, Phoenix has evolved into a versatile platform supporting the Army, Navy, and Air Force in simulating threats, validating combat systems, and refining tactics. Having successfully completed its 500th flight, the system is not only a story of Australian design and manufacturing success, but also of international collaboration, with users spanning Singapore, New Zealand, Thailand, Korea, and Germany. In this episode, the discussion also highlights how lessons from Phoenix feed directly into broader programs, from guided weapons to autonomous systems, ensuring the ADF remains prepared for the challenges of a fast-changing global security environment. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft discuss the latest AI news, some worrying trends in cyber crime, and this year's largest supply chain hack, impacting hundreds of companies worldwide. Hollingworth and Croft kick things off by looking at the NSW government embracing AI and the federal government's timely move to ban deepfake "nudify" apps that are being used to bully and harrass. The pair then catch up with the latest cyber crime news, from the wide-ranging Salesloft Drift hacks that have impacted companies like Zscaler and Palo Alto Networks, to a brazen local hack that's seen delicate health data published online by unscrupulous ransomware operators. Hollingworth and Croft wind things up with some mostly good news, with an AI stethoscope potentially a game changer for heart health, and an international operation to take down a fake ID marketplace. Enjoy the episode, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, Phil Tarrant, Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson and Liam Garman unpack the escalating role of information warfare in today's conflicts. From the mobile phone's transformation into a weapon to the blurred lines between propaganda and "information operations", the team dissects how truth itself has become contested ground. The conversation explores the challenges of navigating a "post-truth" world dominated by political tribalism, misinformation, and the weaponisation of narratives. The hosts reflect on conflicts such as Gaza, where competing lobbies and real-time social media footage shape global perceptions. They also examine Australia's role within the Five Eyes alliance, including revelations of restricted intelligence sharing around the Ukraine peace talks – a development that could reshape international cooperation and Canberra's strategic outlook. The team rounds out the discussion with broader geopolitical and domestic challenges, from US talk of military action in Latin America to Australia's housing affordability crisis – all underlining the reality that contestation extends far beyond the battlefield. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by the Australian Defence Industry Awards' Female Defence Leader of the Year (SME), Sarah Bailey, to discuss the nature of leadership, courage, and opportunity as the chief executive of PentenAmio Australia. Bailey has previously held senior leadership roles at EY, Australia Post, and National Australia Bank and has served on the advisory board of the University of Canberra. The pair discuss a range of topics regarding the defence industry, including: Bailey's experience winning the Female Defence Leader of the Year (SME) award and the acknowledgement of the entire defence industry at ADIA in Canberra. Her philosophy on leadership and conflict resolution, as well as the challenges of managing the merger of Penten and Amiosec in May this year. Business life as a female CEO in a traditionally male-dominated sector of business, such as the defence industry. Bailey's mentors and the people who have inspired and helped along the way. The pair wrap up the podcast discussing personal challenges and plans for the future. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

How do you forge a trailblazing path and rise to leadership in the Australian Defence Force? In this episode of The Progress Report, Defence Connect's Tash Taylor sits down with Rear Admiral Letitia Van Stralen, head of Military Personnel for the Australian Defence Force. ADML Van Stralen shares how her 30-year journey began with a law degree, which led her to being one of the first women on a Navy destroyer, evolving into senior leadership roles shaping the future of the ADF. From mentoring young women, navigating deployments, and building supportive networks to advocating for diversity and inclusion across the force, ADML Van Stralen opens up about the resilience, determination, and opportunities that have defined her career. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft discuss a pair of lawsuits targeting ChatGPT's maker, cyber crime news, and one US politician's novel solution to combat hackers. Hollingworth and Croft kick things off by addressing a pair of lawsuits targeting OpenAI and the tragic case of a teenager who was allegedly aided in their suicide by ChatGPT's advice. The pair then catch up with the latest news: from a string of cyber attacks that targeted Western Sydney University to Google's warning of increased Iranian cyber attacks and a round-up of this week's local ransomware attacks targeting Aussie businesses. Hollingworth and Croft end the podcast discussing Australia's "right to disconnect" laws and the bold plan of one American politician to bring back the Age of Sail's letters of marque to recruit cyber privateers. Enjoy the episode, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Heston Russell – a public speaker, author and former Australian Special Forces officer – to discuss the 2025 Veteran Games and the recent regional heat held in Darwin on 22 August and later this year on the Gold Coast (11 and 12 October). Russell has previously served in 2nd Commando Regiment as a Commando Platoon commander, was deployed to four combat operational deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, served in Iraq as a Special Operations joint lead planner within the Special Operations Joint Task Force and completed a year-long exchange within the United States Special Operations Command. He holds a bachelor of arts from the University of NSW, majoring in history and Indonesian. The pair discuss a range of issues, including: The Veteran Games, veterans support services and why Russell founded the games in 2022 in response to findings from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. Returning home and the reality of living in Australia as a military veteran, the challenges associated with reacclimatising to civilian life and how the defence industry can help veterans return with life of purpose outside the Australian Defence Force. Russell's own experience navigating media scrutiny after service and his recommendations to other veterans in their interactions with journalists. His experience as a young veteran in relation to traditional support associations in Australia. The pair also look at whether these organisations have the draw and support needed to attract younger veterans. The podcast wraps up by discussing the need to improve Australian leadership, take a bigger role in peacekeeping operations and how Australia can be a force for good in peacekeeping across the globe. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, Kane Dury from Discover Buyers Agency and Liam Garman, editor of Smart Property Investment, tackle the property questions that Australian Defence Force members can't afford to ignore. They explore how the Reserve Bank of Australia's latest rate cut could impact borrowing capacity and why understanding these shifts early gives Defence buyers an edge. The duo emphasise the power of expert guidance – from mortgage brokers who compare multiple lenders to accountants and buyer's agents who know how to avoid costly traps. Dury also sheds light on the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme (DHOAS) entitlements, explaining how both active and Reservist members can use them to unlock new investment opportunities. From the growing popularity of rentvesting to upcoming changes in first home buyer schemes, the episode equips ADF personnel with strategies to balance lifestyle and long-term wealth creation. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty sits down with Harry Hickling, managing director at APV Corporation, to discuss the importance of rigorous testing and evaluation in the evolving landscape of defence and automotive industries. Hickling takes listeners behind the scenes, sharing how the company runs laboratory tests on military and civilian-focused vehicles, ensuring automotive equipment doesn't compromise safety systems. The podcast also focuses on APV Engineering and Testing Services' (APV-T) use of advanced simulation technology to run thousands of virtual test scenarios, reducing development costs and time to market. The pair also discuss the broader implications of simulation in defence, where it's helping to de-risk expensive and challenging testing scenarios. APV is growing its international presence and the company's expanding its staff to meet the increasing demand for simulation expertise. The episode wraps up with an invitation for engineers and technicians to join APV in its mission to enhance safety across industries, especially military and automotive sectors. With their cutting-edge work, APV is setting new standards for testing and safety. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft discuss CommBank's use of AI to stop scams, local hacks and international cyber news, creepy AI toys for kids, and the alarming fact that what we know about ransomware attacks is just the tip of the iceberg. Hollingworth and Croft begin the podcast with two Commonwealth Bank stories: CBA rolling back its job cuts after AI chatbots fail to keep up with customer demand, and the bank's novel use of AI to stymie scammers. The pair move on to a story with some incredible twists and turns after an Israeli cyber security specialist working for the government was arrested in Las Vegas for a shocking alleged crime, the iiNet hack that saw more Aussie data compromised by cyber criminals, and attacks on Australian institutions by pro-Palestine hackers. Hollingworth and Croft round things up with a creepy tale of two AI-powered toys designed to cut down on screen time for children, but which actually sound like a nightmare in their own right. Enjoy the episode, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by the Australian Defence Industry Awards' Rising Star of the Year, Gitarth Vaishnav, to discuss the inspiring award and his efforts as a software engineer in the sensor fusion team at DroneShield headquarters in Sydney. The University of Technology Sydney graduate, who was recognised as the AI Rising Star of the Year at the Australian AI Awards in 2024, has completed a bachelor of computing science (honours) and holds a major in artificial intelligence and data analytics. The pair discuss a range of topics regarding the defence industry and engineering, including: Vaishnav's experience winning the Rising Star of the Year award and the acknowledgement of the entire defence industry at ADIA in Canberra. His thoughts regarding the evolution of drone and counter-drone technology internationally and domestically. His keen interest in programming and microcontrollers during high school and a chance meeting with DroneShield leadership while he was studying at UTS in Sydney. Vaishnav's mentors and the people who have inspired and helped along the way at DroneShield. The pair wrap up the podcast discussing personal challenges and plans for the future. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

What does it really take to find your place in one of Australia's most niche industries – and how do you turn curiosity into a meaningful career? In this episode of The Progress Report, Defence Connect's Tash Taylor sits down with Mary Pillay, a space and robotics engineer and ambassador of the Australian Space Diversity Alliance. Mary shares how her journey began with a chance industry night at university, her experience cold emailing companies to land her first internship, and the mentorship that helped her grow into a confident professional. From being thrown into the deep end during her first week to guiding students and young professionals into the space sector, Mary opens up about the importance of putting yourself out there, seizing opportunities, and surrounding yourself with supporters who believe in you. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team

In this episode of Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Liam Garman sits down with Sibel Aktim, a Macquarie University graduate and intelligence officer, to explore postgraduate courses that are available to assist people with their careers in defence and law enforcement. Inspired by a lecturer, Aktim pursued a master of intelligence, finding a practical bridge between academic study and real-world intelligence work. The pair discuss major international experiences undertaken during the course of study at Macquarie University, including research in Fiji and the United States. They also discuss one of the biggest professional takeaways from postgraduate study, the principle of "BLUF" – bottom line up front – which focuses on concise, decision-ready intelligence without unnecessary "fluff". Closing out the podcast, Aktim credits Macquarie University's intelligence program with preparing her for the demands of front-line intelligence work, from managing biases and working collaboratively with international peers to providing clarity under pressure. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson, Phil Tarrant and Liam Garman dissect the forces shaping Australia's national security in an increasingly volatile world. From the shortage of tradespeople to the sustainability of the nuclear submarine program, the team explores how domestic economic realities – including the property market – intersect with defence capability.  The conversation turns to the AUKUS arrangement, as Thompson questions whether Australia's defence budget can support the ambitions of the trilateral pact with the United States and the United Kingdom. The hosts unpack the risks of over-prioritising certain branches of the ADF and debate whether political change would have altered the trajectory of defence spending. The team then discusses the recognition of Palestinian statehood – with conditions excluding Hamas from governance. They assess the potential impact on relations with Israel – a nation that has long shared intelligence and counter-terrorism support with Australia – and on Canberra's role in Middle Eastern geopolitics. The discussion also delves into public sentiment, with Tarrant highlighting the humanitarian toll of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, and the difficulty of separating moral imperatives from strategic realities. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by the Australian Defence Industry Awards' Executive of the Year, Tim Walmsley, to discuss the momentous award and his leadership of the BenchOn global resource and supply platform. The retired Australian Army Major has completed two master's degrees – in capability development and acquisition and project management – and has worked as an executive in both government and industry for more than 20 years. The pair discuss a range of topics regarding the defence industry, including: Walmsley's experience winning the Executive of the Year award and the acknowledgement of the entire defence industry at ADIA in Canberra. His thoughts regarding service with the Australian Defence Force and a comparison with working in the defence industry. Walmsley's mentors and the people who have inspired and helped along the way at BenchOn. The pair wrap up the podcast discussing personal challenges and plans for the future. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Liam Garman sits down with Dr Gary Eves, principal technology officer at CAE, to explore how cutting-edge training and simulation are reshaping the way the ADF prepares for tomorrow's battles. The discussion dives into CAE's Integrated Learning Environment, a platform that unites instructors, simulators and analytics into a single, adaptable framework capable of accelerating skills development while reducing attrition. Eves also unpacks how modern recruits have become digital natives, with high expectations for flexible, engaging learning and are driving transformation in training delivery, and why embracing contemporary learning science is vital for resilience, scalability and team performance in a rapidly evolving defence landscape. Whether it's fast-tracking pilots, optimising submarine crews or honing high-performance teams, this conversation offers a glimpse into the future of warfighter preparation and the technology making it possible. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft discuss the future of AI and copyright in Australia, ShinyHunters and their relationship to the Scattered Spider hacking collective, and a new ransomware operator targeting small businesses in the ANZ region. Hollingworth and Croft kick open things up with a discussion on the Australian Productivity Commission's suggestion that AI regulations in Australia should be eased, an idea that the pair are not impressed by. After a short chat on the latest developments with Elon Musk's Grok AI, Hollingworth and Croft discuss the latest wave of Salesforce-related hacks and the possible links between two hacking groups, ShinyHunters and Scattered Spider. The pair wrap things up with the emergence of a new ransomware operation that has already targeted businesses in Australia and New Zealand. Called PEAR, the group focuses purely on data theft over encryption, which seems to be an emerging trend in ransomware operations. Enjoy the episode, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson and Phil Tarrant are joined by Simon Bergman, CEO of M+C Saatchi World Services, to unpack the evolving landscape of grey zone warfare and the role of creative industries in modern conflict. Drawing on decades of operational and commercial experience, Bergman explores how advertising expertise is being harnessed to support government information operations: crafting narratives, influencing audiences, and shaping perceptions in the contested information environment. Thompson and Bergman discuss the cultural and operational divide between government and industry, and how M+C Saatchi World Services is bridging this gap through a hybrid team of former military personnel and creative professionals. Together, they examine how this model can enable faster, more effective responses in the grey zone. The conversation also turns to the impact of artificial intelligence on information warfare. While acknowledging AI's ability to enhance speed and reach, Bergman stresses the irreplaceable value of human insight in crafting authentic, effective messaging. Finally, the team reflects on Australia's information warfare capability, with Thompson calling for greater investment and deeper collaboration with industry to keep pace with adversaries operating below the threshold of open conflict. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by naval warfare expert Jennifer Parker to discuss the recent decision by the Australian government to select the advanced Mogami Class frigate, manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding, for the $10 billion SEA 3000 General Purpose Frigate program. Parker is an adjunct fellow in naval studies at UNSW Canberra, expert associate at the National Security College, Australian National University and has previously served for more than 20 years with the Royal Australian Navy. The pair discuss a range of details regarding the recent general purpose frigate decision, including: Why the advanced Mogami Class frigate was considered to be the preferred platform for the Royal Australian Navy's future fleet of general purpose frigates over the German TKMS bid of the MEKO A-200 frigate platform. The early rumours surrounding the commercial contest and the diplomatic considerations of choosing a Japanese manufactured frigate. Frigate capabilities and personnel characteristics, such as vertical launch systems and possible mine warfare systems. Speculation that Department of Defence personnel preferred the MEKO A-200 frigate design and why that may have been the case. Discussion around the press conference jab from Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy that the government would be "learning a lesson from the previous Coalition government" by not making major changes to the design. Predictions about how the new general purpose frigates will perform against a wave of newly built warships from the People's Republic of China. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

What does it really take to build strength and community when your family is moving at a moment's notice – and how do you turn that experience into creating meaningful support for veterans and their spouses? In this episode of The Progress Report, Defence Connect's Tash Taylor sits down with Julie Hall who comes from a proud family with deep roots in the Australian Defence Force. As a passionate advocate for veteran families and the driving force behind the CommBank for Veterans program, Julie shares how her own connection to service inspired her mission to support those who give so much. From juggling life across multiple cities and military moves to launching initiatives that help veterans start businesses and find financial security, Julie opens up about the challenges faced by defence families and how resilience becomes part of their DNA. From sacrifices made to tight-knit communities that form, together they unpack what it means to work with heart, build networks, and champion ideas that change lives. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft discuss the Commonwealth Bank and Atlassian laying off staff to make way for AI, new developments in the Qantas hack, and Ukrainian hackers targeting Aeroflot. Hollingworth and Croft kick things off with some worrying AI news: one of Australia's largest banks and Atlassian announce staff layoffs as the two companies invest in artificial intelligence. Is AI finally coming for our jobs? The pair then move on to local news, with the possibility that the Qantas hacker has now been identified – and it might not be the hacking collective everyone's been thinking of, but rather a group called ShinyHunters, a group named after the Pokéman series of video games. The podcast concludes with a discussion of a successful Ukrainian hacking campaign that disrupted the services of Russian airline Aeroflot, causing flight cancellations across the country. Enjoy the episode, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson, Phil Tarrant and Liam Garman unpack the Cambodia–Thai military confrontation and Australia's economic landscape.  Tarrant and Thompson begin the podcast reflecting on Exercise Talisman Sabre, highlighting how the biennial drills continue to grow in scale and strategic significance with the involvement of multiple partner nations, the live-fire deployment of HIMARS systems, and the strengthening of interoperability between allied forces. The conversation then turns to rising regional tensions, specifically, the flare-up on the Cambodia–Thailand border. Garman explores the historical context behind the clashes and the implications of leaked diplomatic communications, offering a broader perspective on the fluid and often volatile nature of Southeast Asian geopolitics. Zooming out further, the hosts examine internal shifts within the Chinese military. Thompson analyses the recent purges of senior People's Liberation Army figures and what these changes might signal about Beijing's strategic posture in the lead-up to the widely discussed 2027 timeline regarding Taiwan. Finally, the team brings the conversation back to Australian shores, with Tarrant raising concerns over domestic defence priorities while Garman shares his concerns over the national security implications of Australia's sluggish economy.  Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, co-hosts Kane Dury from Discover Buyers Agency and Liam Garman, editor of Smart Property Investment, dive into two of the most overlooked but critical aspects of property investing: opportunity cost and due diligence. They unpack the hidden cost of waiting too long to invest and how analysis paralysis or emotional decision-making can leave defence personnel behind in rising markets. Dury shares real-world examples of missed opportunities, and why timing the market perfectly can sometimes do more harm than good. The duo also stress the importance of detailed due diligence, looking beyond the surface appeal of a property. From flood zones and bushfire overlays to public housing density and infrastructure plans, defence investors are walked through the essential checks before signing on the dotted line. Whether you're looking to build a portfolio or buying your first investment property, this episode is packed with hard-won insights to help ADF members maximise returns and minimise risk. To listen to Kane Dury's interview with Mark Donaldson VC, click here. To see how you can avoid bad property advice, click here.

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft discuss Donald Trump's use and support of AI, the Genea fertility and Qantas hacks, and the United Australia Party hanging its members out to dry in the wake of a data breach. The pair open up with news of Trump's posting of an AI rendition of Barack Obama being arrested in the Oval Office, and his suggestion that AI developers shouldn't have to worry about copyright when building their AI models. Hollingworth and Croft then move on to local news, with Genea going through the process of contacting its patients with confirmed news of the data impacted by its hack earlier in the year. The Qantas hack continues to make news, as court documents reveal its communications with the hackers behind its data breach, and the pair then discuss Microsoft's woes over a dangerous vulnerability in its SharePoint platform. The podcast concludes with a discussion of the United Australia Party's poor form following a hack that compromised the personal data of up to 80,000 members. Enjoy the episode, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, host Liam Garman, editor of Cyber Daily, is joined by Kostas Siourthas, founder and CEO of TomorrowX; Rob Parker, partner at Deloitte; and cyber security leader Dr Marcus Thompson for an in-depth discussion on the future of data protection and innovation in the digital age. The episode was recorded at Deloitte's Sydney headquarters, where the panel explored how TomorrowX is reimagining cyber security by focusing on the movement and protection of data – rather than traditional infrastructure or application-centric models. Siourthas unpacked how Tomorrow X's data-centric platform enables organisations to apply security policies at the packet level and even add multifactor authentication to legacy systems – a task that was previously resource-heavy and complex. Parker elaborates on the limitations of conventional network security in today's encrypted world, and how TomorrowX's composable, low-code architecture empowers business analysts to better manage data flows without relying on developers – reducing deployment timelines from months to weeks. Thompson shares real-world context around legacy system risk, referencing the recent superannuation credential stuffing attacks, and outlines how TomorrowX provides a cost-effective pathway to modernise outdated systems without full replacement. Finally, the trio reflect on what's next for cyber security, why edge-case vulnerabilities remain one of the industry's biggest risks, and why now is the time for proactive, data-first strategies. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by the Australian Defence Industry Awards' Academic of the Year, Dr Oleksandra Molloy, to discuss the momentous award and her research into the use of drones in the war in Ukraine. The University of NSW senior lecturer has conducted significant research into advanced air mobility and uncrewed systems with organisations such as the Australian Army Research Centre and collaborations with CAE Australia on two research projects, supported by funding from the Defence Trailblazer. Molloy has a PhD in aviation (science) from UNSW, Australia; an MSc in human factors (engineering) from the University of Nottingham, UK; a master of education and linguistics (humanities) from the Central Ukrainian State Pedagogical University, Ukraine; and a diploma in aviation safety from the International Air Transport Association (IATA, Canada). The pair discuss a range of topics regarding the defence industry, including: Molloy's experience winning the Academic of the Year award and the acknowledgement of the entire defence industry at ADIA in Canberra. Her thoughts about being acknowledged individually by the British high commissioner to Australia, Dame Sarah MacIntosh, on the night of the ADIA. Molloy's experience working with the Australian defence industry, Australia's development and usage of drones. Uncrewed aerial systems, unmanned ground vehicles and drone development in Ukraine, as well as Molloy's own projects and plans for the future. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, host Liam Garman, editor of Cyber Daily, is joined by Kostas Siourthas, founder and CEO of TomorrowX; Rob Parker, partner at Deloitte; and cyber security leader Dr Marcus Thompson for an in-depth discussion on the future of data protection and innovation in the digital age. The episode was recorded at Deloitte's Sydney headquarters, where the panel explored how TomorrowX is reimagining cyber security by focusing on the movement and protection of data – rather than traditional infrastructure or application-centric models. Siourthas unpacked how Tomorrow X's data-centric platform enables organisations to apply security policies at the packet level and even add multifactor authentication to legacy systems – a task that was previously resource-heavy and complex. Parker elaborates on the limitations of conventional network security in today's encrypted world, and how TomorrowX's composable, low-code architecture empowers business analysts to better manage data flows without relying on developers – reducing deployment timelines from months to weeks. Thompson shares real-world context around legacy system risk, referencing the recent superannuation credential stuffing attacks, and outlines how TomorrowX provides a cost-effective pathway to modernise outdated systems without full replacement. Finally, the trio reflect on what's next for cyber security, why edge-case vulnerabilities remain one of the industry's biggest risks, and why now is the time for proactive, data-first strategies.

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, hosts Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson and Liam Garman unpack the latest news and events contributing to national security in Australia. They begin the podcast discussing Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, including how important these kinds of joint military training activities are for the interoperability between Western nations and the certainty of covert surveillance being carried out by adversaries. The pair then discuss the recent visit to the People's Republic of China by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the geopolitical tightrope he must be walking between trading with the PRC and the AUKUS military commitments with the United States. They wrap up the podcast discussing the recent and very public Qantas hack, as well as the potential flow-on impacts of the cyber security breach. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Miles Chambers, senior vice president of international business development at EDGE Group, to discuss how the United Arab Emirates established and manages its own defence prime to work collaboratively with government, provide leadership in industry and coordinate defence exports. Chambers, with more than two decades of experience in the defence sector, leads EDGE Group's international growth strategy, overseeing export sales and global partnerships. He holds a bachelor of commerce degree in information systems and a bachelor of commerce (honours) degree in information systems from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. The pair discuss a range of issues, including: EDGE Group's recent achievements in defence projects since it's establishment in 2019 and the acquisition of Estonian robotics company Milrem Robotics and Swedish VTOL company Anavia. How the company effectively coordinates its separate branches and more than 35 entities across the differing environments of land, sea, air, space and cyber. The increasing focus on the importance of domestic manufacturing ability in the UAE, compared to traditional acquisition of externally produced international defence technology and vehicles. Initiatives to help UAE citizens enter or work in the defence industry, as a foundation principle of the company. EDGE Group's market-leading strategy in prioritising domestic research and manufacturing of drones, artificial intelligence and uncrewed robotic systems. Corporate strategy and defence priority projects into the future, such as uncrewed aircraft and automation. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

What do a high school teacher, a psychologist, and a mother of two have in common with a space tech founder? In this episode of The Progress Report, Defence Connect's Tash Taylor sits down with Sheila Maria Gough Kenyon – co-founder of Starbound Space Solutions and national committee member of the Australian Space Diversity Alliance – to explore what it really looks like to carve out a career in the space sector on your own terms. From juggling PhDs and newborns to co-building a company with a mission to rewire how we see knowledge, Sheila shares the power of late diagnosis, leading as a neurodivergent woman, and why inclusion isn't just about talk – it's about tangible, structural change. Together, Tash and Sheila dive deep into the invisible barriers many face in defence-adjacent industries, the realities of masking, and how true progress lies in designing for everyone – not just the usual suspects.  The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts.  Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Mike Franklin, Australian cyber security lead at Protecht, to discuss the current cyber security landscape, the importance of top-down cyber security culture, and the impact of AI on cyber security. Garman and Franklin begin with a discussion on the current cyber security landscape, such as the importance of risk management and the evolving techniques used by malicious actors. The pair also discuss the importance of differentiating IT risk, such as product availability and other operational issues, and cyber risk. Franklin then highlights the importance of understanding and prioritising an organisation's critical assets and the need for a strong top-down cyber security culture. Finally, Franklin discusses the impact of AI on cyber security and how the role of the technology is quickly evolving from both a defence and an offence perspective. Enjoy the episode, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson explore Australia's readiness to meet its military needs and examine the country's role amid a rapidly changing global landscape. They kick things off with a discussion on Commonwealth funding, before exploring the AUKUS agreement and whether its long-term success is at risk, especially in the context of political volatility in the US. Turning their attention to the Middle East, they unpack recent strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Israel's evolving strategy, and what it all means for Western unity. The episode wraps up with a reflection on Australia's waning strategic influence and how generational change in Washington could challenge the long-standing Australia–US alliance. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Simon Olsen, chief executive officer and co-founder of Arkeus autonomous optical systems, to discuss the changing world of drone warfare and what Australia is trying to achieve in the uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) strategic space. Olsen, the commercial-savvy CEO of Arkeus, has more than a decade of experience working with autonomous optical systems and the overall defence industry. Drawing on experience working with the Australian Defence Force, US branches and other international militaries, Olsen starts the podcast with the origins of weaponised drones from their use of optical cameras in Afghanistan and Iraq. The pair examine the strengths and weaknesses of UAV systems, as well as their use in denied environments and electronic warfare-impacted areas. Exploring the cost-to-benefit ratio of current drones in Ukraine, Garman and Olsen discuss drones using off-the-shelf technology and their persistent use in military operations. Olsen shares his experience of working with front-line personnel and its impact on successive contracts with the Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force. Finally, Olsen reveals the company's goals for the future, AUKUS and his thoughts on upcoming events shaping the overall defence industry in Australia. Enjoy the episode, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft are joined by Australian Aviation's Jake Nelson to talk about the Qantas data breach before our usual suspects talk up the latest AI news, followed by some alarming local hacks. AI is the topic for Hollingworth and Croft as the pair start with a chat about News Corp's new drive to integrate AI into journalists' workflows and the media giant's decision to train AI on the content produced by its writers. Plus, US Senator Bernie Sanders has a fantastic idea about what to do with all the time saved by AI – give it back to the workers! The pair then discuss a pair of successful investigations that have led to the hackers being arrested – one in France that appears to have put the final nail into BreachForums' coffin as both ShinyHunters and IntelBroker are now behind bars, and another here in Australia, as the infamous Western Sydney University hacker was revealed to be an ex-student. Now arrested herself, she started out looking to cheat the university's parking fees, but quickly went straight to the dark side. Hollingworth and Croft finish up with some updates on the Australian government's social media age assurance trials and whether or not YouTube should be part of the ban, and return to an old friend, War Thunder, as another angry gamer has posted restricted material to prove a point. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Michael Shoebridge, Strategic Analysis Australia director, to unpack the debate about Australia's level of defence spending and a host of other topics. The pair discuss a range of issues, including: Responding to calls for Australia to shake off the "shackles" of the Australia–US alliance to pursue a truly "independent" foreign and defence policy and posture. The costs and challenges associated with pursuing such a doctrine, particularly when the government is already balking at lifting spending beyond 2 per cent. The ongoing challenges facing the Australian Defence Force and its capacity to acquire the minimum level of capability required to defend the nation. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of The Progress Report, Defence Connect's Natasha Taylor sits down with Rachel Falzon, founder and national president of the Women in Defence Association, to explore the power of mentorship in shaping meaningful careers. From informal guidance over coffee to a groundbreaking, free national mentoring program, Rachel shares stories of women who have found confidence, navigated transitions from active service to industry, and earned promotions thanks to dedicated mentors. Listen as they unpack the unique challenges women face in defence, the importance of community, and how mentorship is driving retention, leadership, and gender equity across the sector. Join Natasha and Rachel to discover why no woman should navigate this journey alone. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Nova Systems chief executive officer Dean Rosenfield to explore the increasing importance of the defence industry to the nation's security and why it's time for an Australian "prime" contractor. Rosenfield, a highly experienced senior business leader, has more than two decades of defence industry experience and moved from London to Adelaide to take the helm as Nova Systems' CEO. He has previously served as senior vice president of Saab AB, group managing director Saab UK and led businesses in Singapore, the UK, Australia and New Zealand. The pair begin the podcast with a snapshot of the current defence industry environment, its strengths and the challenges it will face. They also discuss the potential role of an Australian prime in shaping national security, sovereignty and clarifying major defence policies. Rosenfield shares some advice for small-to-medium enterprises navigating the defence industry landscape, funding opportunities and government policy. Looking backward, the pair assess how corporate Australia navigated defence industry changes during World War II. Finally, looking forward, Rosenfield reveals his priorities and predictions for the next 12 months.

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft talk about good and bad AI use cases, dramatic hacker arrests in Australia and France, printer vulnerabilities, and why War Thunder is a national security risk. AI is the topic for Hollingworth and Croft as the pair start with a chat about News Corp's new drive to integrate AI into journalists' workflows and the media giant's decision to train AI on the content produced by its writers. Plus, US Senator Bernie Sanders has a fantastic idea about what to do with all the time saved by AI – give it back to the workers! The pair then discuss a pair of successful investigations that have led to the hackers being arrested – one in France that appears to have put the final nail into BreachForums' coffin as both ShinyHunters and IntelBroker are now behind bars, and another here in Australia, as the infamous Western Sydney University hacker was revealed to be an ex-student. Now arrested herself, she started out looking to cheat the university's parking fees, but quickly went straight to the dark side. Hollingworth and Croft finish up with some updates on the Australian government's social media age assurance trials and whether or not YouTube should be part of the ban, and return to an old friend, War Thunder, as another angry gamer has posted restricted material to prove a point. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, Victoria Cross recipient Mark Donaldson joins host Kane Dury to explore the parallels between service life and strategic property investment – and why calculated risk-taking is second nature for Australian Defence Force personnel. Donaldson shares how his military mindset, forged in some of the most demanding operational environments, has shaped his approach to wealth building. While many ADF members may feel disconnected from the property market due to constant relocations or limited financial background, Donaldson's story demonstrates how tactical thinking, resilience, and seeking expert support can unlock powerful long-term gains. The discussion covers lessons learnt from missed opportunities and how military discipline can be transferred to investment planning. Donaldson opens up about how buyer's agents, defence housing benefits like Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme and Home Purchase Assistance Scheme, and trust structures can play a critical role in accelerating portfolio growth. The episode also offers practical advice for young service members: start early, stay disciplined, and don't be afraid to ask for help. With the right mindset, property investment becomes not just achievable, but a potent vehicle for securing financial independence after service. For lessons in property investment from one of Australia's most decorated veterans, listen to Mark Donaldson's story below. Want more tactical insights into building wealth while serving? Catch our previous episode on how relocations can become property opportunities here.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Douglas Abdiel, think tank author, Marine Corps officer and now global vice president - defence at Advanced Navigation, to explore how assured PNT is shaping the future of autonomous capability across land, sea, and air. The discussion begins by unpacking the meaning of assured position, navigation, and timing in a contested environment, and why it has emerged as a strategic priority for modern armed forces in an era of GPS-denied operations. Abdiel shares how his military background has uniquely positioned him to understand and respond to the evolving demands of the battlespace, and how that insight is helping Advanced Navigation redefine resilience at the tactical edge. The pair then deep dive into Advanced Navigation's proprietary AI-powered deterministic fusion models – capable of achieving up to 10x greater accuracy – and the operational advantages they offer for defence primes and front-line users alike. Abdiel provides insights into the company's successful integration efforts with leading defence primes and how their approach is tailored for mission-critical scenarios. Finally, they examine how a veteran-led team gives Advanced Navigation a critical edge in responding to the unique requirements of military customers, and what's next for the company's US expansion strategy. 🎙️ Join us for a conversation at the forefront of Australia's defence innovation – and catch Douglas Abdiel live at AUSA. 🔗 Join us at AUSA Enjoy the episode, The Defence Connect team Disclaimer: The views expressed are the speaker's own and do not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Navy, the US Marine Corps, or the U.S. Government. The speaker's participation and appearance in any private or public events, sponsored or otherwise, or references, including external hyperlinks, to non-federal entities do not constitute or imply Department of Defense, Department of the Navy, US Marine Corps, or U.S. Government endorsement of any company or organization.

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft discuss military AI, cyber warfare in the Middle East, the week in cyber security, and why the Pope is coming out swinging against AI. Hollingworth and Croft kick things off with AI news, including AI tech bros earning a military commission in the efforts to build battlefield AI and creators in the UK being told their art can, in fact, be used to train AI models. The pair then discuss the uptick in cyber activity due to the current conflict between Israel and Iran, as hacktivists on both sides take up digital arms. The discussion then moves on to the takedown of a prominent darknet drug market, and some of the big Australian hacks of the week. Hollingworth and Croft wind up with some good news, including the Pope siding with workers and creatives against the rise of AI, and some good AI news as USNW researchers work to develop a chatbot for hospital emergency departments. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this renewable energy and environment-focused episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Felix Bowman-Derrick, Assistant Secretary of Environment and Engineering in the infrastructure division of the Department of Defence's security and estate group. Bowman-Derrick holds a bachelor of environmental science (environmental management, honours) from Deakin University and an executive master of public administration from the Australia and New Zealand School of Government. He has previously worked with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. The pair discuss: Bowman-Derrick's perspectives on how the Australian Defence Force and Defence are improving their renewable energy usage and environmental sustainability under the Net Zero Strategy and Future Energy Strategy. Australia's need to balance these crucial policies with military resilience and lethal capability. The importance of contributing to Australia's emissions reduction target of 43 per cent by 2030 and net zero by 2050, through the Defence estate. Initiatives being implemented and developed, such as energy resilience with large solar farms and the upgrade of lighting and heating systems, to recycling uniforms and tyres into new materials. Defence's priorities for environmental management and policy into the immediate future, examples being displayed at Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 and how industry partners can get involved in the journey along the way. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

What do you do when you walk into your first defence event in your early 20s, wearing a bright pink suit … and realise you're the only woman in the room? In the premiere of The Progress Report, Defence Connect's Natasha Taylor sits down with Olivia Agate – president of Women's Defence Connection and HR partner at Navantia – to unpack what it really takes to show up, speak up, and stand tall in a still male-dominated industry. From rainbow dresses at 6am breakfasts to the quiet power of allyship, Agate and Taylor trade stories of imposter syndrome, backing yourself (and each other), and how simply saying yes can change the entire trajectory of your career. Listen in as two women pull back the curtain on what's working, what's not, and what still needs to change across Australia's defence industry. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Duncan Milne, managing director of aviation and critical services at Babcock Australasia, and Pierre Basquin, chief executive of aviation and CEO France at Babcock International Group, to discuss further expansion into the military aviation industry to meet customer requirements. The conversation begins with a deep dive into the company's efforts to support critical aviation missions in Australia such as medical evacuation and search and rescue. They explore partnerships with small-to-medium enterprises in Australia as part of the wider goals of Babcock's global strategy regarding aviation. Finally, the trio unpack the greatest challenges facing the military aviation industry in the short and long term. Enjoy the episode, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft talk about furry hacking collectives, a spree of ransomware attacks targeting Australian healthcare organisations, and good news for farmers. Hollingworth and Croft start their chat by catching up on a defacement campaign targeting a website administered by the US Department of Health and Human Services. AI-generated images of furries suddenly appeared overnight on the site, with the identity of the hackers – and whether or not they're furries themselves – currently unknown. The pair then get more serious as they discuss the rapid rise of a new ransomware operation and its attacks on Australian healthcare providers. Global only started operating in June but already has three Aussie victims. Hollingworth and Croft discuss who the hackers might be and what their plans are for the future. Finally, the pair talk about some good news, with free new cyber security education resources being made available to Aussie farmers and the ACMA's push to make telcos more supportive of the victims of domestic violence. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this Australian Space Summit & Exhibition 2025 episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by ambassador of Ukraine to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko. The pair discuss: Myroshnychenko's perspectives on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and critical support being provided by Australia to assist against Russian forces. Recent military actions in Ukraine and a massive Russian attack using 300 drones and 17 missiles launched into Ukrainian territory. Speculation that Russia will only negotiate in peace talks when it is sufficiently weakened and brought to the table. Australia's strategic position in the Indo-Pacific region and Russia's growing presence in Australia's area of influence. A need for Australia to bolster its sovereign defence capabilities and possible Ukrainian assistance in achieving this endeavour through battle-hardened expertise, innovation and technology. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Tony Rogers, market leader - defence, and Louisa Bloomer, director of digital technology (Asia-Pacific) at Stantec, to discuss the complexities of managing dislocated design teams in classified defence settings. The conversation begins with a deep dive into data policy and artificial intelligence, including how robust data frameworks impact design workflows. They explore data management and permissions and how Stantec approaches these challenges through their federal enclave architecture. Finally, the trio unpacks the unique challenges of leading design teams in classified environments and looks to the future – including the role of robotics in asset maintenance. Enjoy the episode, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft are joined by special guest Robert Dougherty of Defence Connect to talk about a Ukrainian hacking operation, ransomware attacks on Australian companies surge after a quiet spot, and a popular hacking forum returns. Hollingworth and Croft kick things off with Dougherty as they discuss an offer from Ukraine to assist the Australian Defence Force with integrating AI into combat operations, the uses of AI on the battlefield, and a daring Ukrainian cyber operation that targeted one of Russia's most important builders of military aircraft. Cyber Daily's two journalists then catch up on a busy week for Australian companies trying – and failing – to protect themselves from ransomware attacks. As it turns out, the quiet period talked about in the last episode was just a blip. The hacks, sadly, are back, and they continue to be disruptive, as Fire Rescue Victoria is continuing to learn following a 2022 cyber attack. Finally, the pair wrap up the podcast with news of BreachForum's resurrection, and a welcome move from two IT security giants to clean up the realm of threat actor attribution. Names matter! Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this Australian Space Summit & Exhibition 2025 episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Scott Morrison, Space Centre Australia chair and former prime minister. The pair discuss: Morrison's keynote speech during the Australian Space Summit & Exhibition and his discussions with space industry representatives throughout the event, in particular, his unique perspective since being in politics and now in the corporate space industry environment. The newly announced Space Centre Australia launch site in Queensland and the opportunities it represents for greater space industry collaboration. Australia's relationships in the Indo-Pacific with Japan and South Korea as well as countries in Europe and representatives from the United States of America. The results and his observations about the recent Australian federal election. The increasing calls for the Australian government to lift its GDP percentage spend on defence from 2.3 per cent to at least 3 per cent. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant, Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson and Liam Garman unpack the latest from Ukraine and the ongoing conflict in India-Pakistan, and how diaspora groups are expanding conflict beyond country borders. They begin the podcast discussing Australian schoolteacher Oscar Jenkins, who was sentenced to 13 years in prison by Russia. The trio then discuss the India-Pakistan conflict, and how it has drawn in regional powers and diaspora groups.  They wrap up unpacking a European-Australian defence pact, and whether it will be sufficient to support Australian stability in the Indo-Pacific. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft talk about Meta moving to use user data to train its AI, cyber attacks on local legal firms and boards, and new regulations requiring mandatory reporting of ransomware payments. Hollingworth and Croft kick things off with the news that a German data watchdog has been unable to stop Meta from using user data to train its new AI model. As they say, if the product is free, the product is you – and your Facebook posts. The pair then discuss the latest cyber attacks targeting Australian organisations, with both a Queensland law firm and the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia falling victim to ransomware attacks, as well as The Salvation Army getting listed on a darknet leak site. Hollingworth and Croft also discuss how attacks seem to have slowed down in the last month. Is it a trend or just a blip? Finally, the two wrap up the podcast with a discussion on a new Australian law coming into effect requiring organisations to report paying a ransom and its possible impact on the ransomware economy. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Agsecure's Andrew Henderson to unpack the recent Australian Strategic Policy Institute food security green paper developed by Henderson and Dr John Coyne. The pair discuss a range of topics outlined in the food security green paper, including: Food security fragility: Australia's food system heavily relies on critical imports (e.g. glyphosate, phosphate), with potential disruptions leading to rapid breakdowns. Central coordination, local delivery: Proposes centralised planning (e.g. via agriculture) but decentralised execution, empowering local actors and reducing red tape. Ecosystem perspective: Suggests a holistic "food security ecosystem" approach, connecting producers, processors, distributors and critical inputs. Structured risk assessment: Recommends systematic identification and mitigation of vulnerabilities using structured frameworks, with private sector engagement. Urgency and national security: Highlights immediate action needs due to geopolitical tensions and environmental risks, including building domestic production and resilience. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, co-hosts Liam Garman and Kane Dury, director and lead buyer's agent at Discover Buyers Agency, explore the unique challenges and advantages Australian Defence Force (ADF) members face in property investment as they often relocate. Due to frequent relocations, ADF life complicates traditional home ownership but also offers exposure to various markets nationwide, with the duo suggesting that investors begin with clear investment goals and use available defence benefits like the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme (DOHAS) and Home Purchase Assistance Scheme (HPAS). ADF members also benefit from rental assistance, making ownership more financially viable than it may be for civilians, while flexibility in relocation allows them to target emerging property markets. Dury said that a common strategy involves buying a home, living in it to meet benefit requirements, then converting it into a rental when posted elsewhere. The duo stresses the value of professional advice to navigate complex deals and optimise outcomes, suggesting ADF members take action, leverage their benefits, and invest strategically to build wealth through property. For more key strategies to build a successful portfolio, listen to Kane Dury here. Do you need more information on the market conditions surrounding Australia's largest defence bases? Listen to our last episode here.

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Thomas Fikentscher, CyberArk's head of ANZ operations, to explore the company's international business, cyber security trends, the importance of privileged access, and the importance of taking cyber security seriously. Garman and Fikentscher begin with a discussion on CyberArk's international operations and recent trends regarding how businesses are looking at their networks and what's essential to keep their operations running smoothly. The pair then discuss the importance of understanding and implementing privileged access to data and how that can keep critical infrastructure secure. Fikentscher talks about the recent blackouts in Spain and the challenges of introducing AI agents into workflows. Fikentscher discusses why modern privileged access management (PAM) must extend beyond traditional admin controls as organisations scale across cloud and AI environments. He explains it now needs to secure both human and machine identities, manage ephemeral access and integrate seamlessly into DevOps workflows. Finally, he emphasises the importance of a 'security by design' approach - embedding security into the architecture of systems and processes from the start to strengthen resilience and compliance, but also to help prevent security lapses that can disrupt business operations and impact bottom lines.   Enjoy the episode, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft have a chat about everything, from the NSW government's new drive to use AI to solve the housing crisis to deepfake takedowns, who may or may not be behind the hacking campaign targeting big-name UK retailers (still!), security issues at the Australian Taxation Office, and the relaunch of HaveIBeenPwned. Hollingworth and Croft start off with positive AI-related news, starting with the Trump administration's decision to enact new laws regarding deepfake and revenge porn, before swivelling to the NSW state government's plan to use AI to help address a housing construction backlog and grow the workforce. Then it's straight into cyber crime, with more twists and turns from the highly disruptive hacking campaign targeting UK retailers. The pair discuss why one chain is leaking money like a sieve as it tries to rebuild, and why another is getting back on its feet. It's a lesson everyone can learn from. Hollingworth and Croft wrap up this section of the podcast with a discussion of the ATO's issues with identity theft following revelations that hackers had compromised some individual accounts and stolen funds. The pair wrap things up with news of one of their favourite research tools – HaveIBeenPwned – launching a V2 of its website, and how useful it is for average consumers and researchers alike. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Dr Ross Babbage, CEO of Strategic Forum and senior non-resident fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. The pair discuss a range of subjects following Babbage's recent trip to the United States, including: Australia's need to prepare for a more direct involvement in kinetic regional conflict in the Indo-Pacific – including recognising that we are no longer on the periphery of geopolitical competition. The multidimensional depth and facets of the challenges being posed by the People's Republic of China: Babbage emphasises that China's strategy includes economic coercion, hybrid conflict and soft power, and that Western assumptions about China's integration leading to liberalisation have proven wrong. How Western governments have failed to effectively communicate the strategic risks to their populations: Babbage argues that public awareness is essential for national resilience and policy support, and that many in the public are willing to act once properly informed. Australia's urgent need to expand and rethink its defence and industrial capabilities to meet the growing expectations of the new US Trump administration. Enjoy the Podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Lee Shelford, sales engineering manager and cloud lead at Genetec, to explore how the company uses cutting-edge technology to help law enforcement agencies combat crime and build safer communities. The conversation begins with Genetec's recent success in completing its IRAP assessment – a critical milestone in demonstrating the company's commitment to cyber security and data protection. From there, Shelford shares how Genetec is working alongside some of the world's leading law enforcement organisations to develop next-generation security solutions. Shelford dives into Genetec Cloudrunner, a powerful tool that enables law enforcement to track vehicles across vast distances – significantly aiding investigations and contributing to a reduction in criminal activity. The discussion then shifts to the Genetec Community Connect Program, which brings together a network of CCTV systems from various partners to provide real-time, integrated surveillance feeds to police and emergency services. Finally, Shelford explains how Genetec ensures the security and integrity of these systems, maintaining strong protections across all connected networks. Enjoy the episode, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft get into a deep ethical discussion after an AI-generated deepfake of a murder victim, untangle the deeply confusing saga of the DragonForce ransomware gang's latest evolution, the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) breaches itself, and the insane back and forth between the People's Republic of China and the CIA. Hollingworth and Croft begin with a robust discussion about a new AI development – using the technology to generate a deepfake video of a murder victim to be played in a US court as a victim impact statement. It's a complex issue, and the pair try to find common ground – but they agree it's a complex issue. The pair then get into the weeds, sorting out the truth regarding the DragonForce ransomware-as-a-service operation, which may or may not be taking over the RansomHub gang. Or maybe the gang is joining DragonForce? It's all very confusing, and Hollingworth and Croft do their best to get to the bottom of a very confusing situation. They also discuss more details that have emerged from behind the scenes of the LockBit gang, and an accidental data breach at the Australian Human Rights Commission. Things get wrapped up with the CIA's bizarre move to recruit Chinese spies, and the rather interesting response of some very dedicated and upset Chinese netizens. It's spycraft in the 21st century, but not as you know it. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, hosts Liam Garman and Robert Dougherty explore the recent spiking of international conflict with cross-border attacks between India and Pakistan, Russia's Victory Day parade and a US presidential visit to the Middle East. The pair discuss a range of topics, including: The recent clashes and weaponry being deployed by Pakistani and Indian military forces in the disputed region of Kashmir and along the Line of Control. The cyber attacks by state-sponsored actors against both countries, as well as the larger "West versus East" alliances at work behind the scenes. Russia's 80th anniversary of the Victory Day parade in Moscow as well as key diplomatic moments and new equipment seen during the commemoration. The Ukrainian government's innovative launch of a new online defence tech marketplace to bridge the gap between military units and defence industry products under a first-of-its-kind "Brave1 Market" online platform. The final wrap-up of US President Donald Trump's whirlwind visit to the Middle East and some of the backroom negotiations being done there. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Tim Knight, author of the recently released book Gallipoli Soup, to discuss the Gallipoli campaign and how Knight used narrative to bring to life the challenges faced by both Australian and Turkish soldiers in World War I. The pair begin the podcast unpacking Knight's research methodology, and how a passion for understanding led him to write Gallipoli Soup. They discuss how the book was written in a narrative format, with some fictional characters based heavily on memoirs and diary entries from soldiers, to shine a light on the conditions in Gallipoli. Knight shares some of his key lessons of the campaign, including the geopolitical and political events that led to Gallipoli. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Christian Gutierrez, vice president of Hivemind Engineering at Shield AI, to unpack next-generation drone capabilities and the latest advancements into AI–drone teaming. The pair begin the podcast discussing Shield AI's Hivemind Enterprise, and how AI-enabled software solutions are enabling next-generation drone capabilities to achieve their mission objectives. The pair then discuss the evolution of drone warfare in Ukraine, and how modern drone systems are being built to withstand electronic warfare capabilities. Gutierrez and Garman wrap up unpacking Shield AI's recent growth in the APAC region, and why it is looking to expand into the Australian market. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft discuss Meta's newly launched AI that will be powered by Facebook, DeepSeek is back in the news, a horror week of hacks for some massive UK retail chains, LockBit, and the wonderful day and night that was last week's Australian Cyber Summit and Australian Cyber Awards. Hollingworth and Croft begin by talking about the latest in artificial intelligence news, with Meta announcing it will be building its next AI based upon information shared on the social network by its users, and China's revelations that it will be using DeepSeek to help develop its next generation of fighter aircraft. The pair then run down the week in cyber crime, with ransomware gang DragonForce potentially being behind a string of disruptive attacks on some big UK retailers, including Harrods and Marks & Spender – and maybe even behind hacking once dominant ransomware giant LockBit. Hollingworth and Croft also discuss Spectrum Medical Imaging's continuing investigation into its January data breach. The pair wrap things up with a recap of the Australian Cyber Summit and Australian Cyber Awards, held last week. It was a great day and night. The two journalists talk about the importance of giving something back to Australians' network defenders and quality of content presented during the day. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Jeremy Kenealy – director of growth and air defence at Anduril Australia – joins host Liam Garman to unpack how Anduril has developed an open architecture counter-unmanned aerial system and counter-intrusion capabilities, merging a number of traditional and new sensors to enhance situational awareness on tomorrow's battlefield. They kick-off the discussion by exploring the modern battlefield, where small, low-cost drones are creating strategic operational-level impacts. The conversation then dives into how advancements in drone technology, such as swarms, AI and automation have prompted a rethink. Kenealy explains how some sensors, like traditional radio frequency sensors, are becoming less effective in this environment, and how Anduril's Lattice system harnesses a network of collaborating sensors to deliver a clearer, real-time picture of the battlespace. The episode wraps up with a look at how these capabilities are supporting ground defence operations – and includes an update on the much-anticipated Ghost Shark program. Enjoy the episode, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Lumify lead cyber security instructor Louis Cremen and cyber security lead Jeremy Daly. Together, they unpack the essential cyber security skill sets different organisations need - and how businesses can ensure their teams stay ahead of evolving threats. The discussion kicks off with the value of cyber security training and the most in-demand skills among Australian organisations. Cremen and Daly then explore the ongoing debate between certifications versus hands-on experience - and how to strike the right balance. The episode wraps up by questioning whether businesses are investing enough in their people, even as they spend heavily on tools and platforms. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty discusses military tradition and domestic firearms manufacturing with Robert Borsak, regional communities advocate, NSW Legislative Council member and Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party chairman. The pair take an unconventional, "outside the Canberra bubble" look at national defence readiness, including: The traditional and now evolving role of agricultural communities as key populations for the recruitment of Australian Defence Force personnel, who are already familiar with firearms use and horse riding. The continuing discussion regarding the domestic manufacture of defence weaponry in times of conflict, rather than reliance on international supply chains. Borsak's perspectives on the current federal election and the possibility of current US government strategy making its way to Australia. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, co-hosts Liam Garman and Kane Dury – director and lead buyers agent at Discover Buyers Agency – unpack how to identify shady property operators and protect yourself from poor property advice. They kick-off with a warning for listeners about groups who pretend to act in the best interest of property buyers but instead pocket undisclosed commissions from third parties - sometimes as high as $50,000 - on top of upfront fees paid by the buyer. Dury then dives into the world of house and land packages, explaining why their oversupply can limit long-term investment potential. Finally, the pair explore the key factors investors should consider to ensure strong future growth in their property purchases. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Daniel Croft and Liam Garman sit down to unpack whether the federal government's social media age restrictions really address the risks young Australians face online and how governments are looking to create backdoors into social media and tech giants. They begin the podcast by discussing Meta's AI-enabled age verification on Instagram and whether it will actually keep children safe online – before examining alternative social media use cases and the risks they pose for young Aussies. Croft and Garman then discuss the recent cyber incident against UK retail giant M&S and its (lack of) communication strategy. The pair wrap up by discussing how Florida lawmakers are pushing to pass a social media backdoor bill and other examples where this has been floated around the world. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Daily team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, hosts Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson, Phil Tarrant and Liam Garman discuss the application of cyber and information in the modern threat environment, and how the White House is changing voting behaviours across the West. They begin the podcast by unpacking Thomas Rid's Cyber War Will Not Take Place, discussing the intricacies of cyber operations and how cyber continues to adhere to the Clausewitzian principles describing the political and physical dimensions of conflict. The conversation then moves across the cyber spectrum to information operations and how cyber is a carriage of information that can be used to destabilise populations. MAJGEN (Ret'd) Dr Thompson and Tarrant unpack Australia's response to global political uncertainty and the threat of tariffs, and how the White House administration is impacting elections across the globe. The podcast wraps up looking at how democracies can use truth as a competitive advantage in the information space. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this special defence aviation episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Robert Dougherty catches up with Cliff Kyle, Sikorsky Australia general manager and former Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm aerospace engineer, on the sidelines of the Avalon Australian International Airshow. The pair discuss the modernisation of the Australian Defence Force's rotary aircraft fleet, including: Uplift in the Australian Army's UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter capability. The servicing and operations of the Royal Australian Navy's MH-60R Seahawk helicopter fleet. Kyle's perspectives on workforce growth, apprenticeship plans, training and sustainable infrastructure. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft talk about Chris Krebs' extraordinary decision to step down from SentinelOne in order to fight the Trump administration, an array of hacks both global and local, and the importance of funding the essential CVE Program. And China has made fascinating claims about US activity against the Asian Winter Games earlier this year. Hollingworth and Croft kick things off with Chris Krebs, who announced his resignation from SentinelOne this week following the signing of an executive order revoking his security clearance. He doesn't want to distract from SentinelOne's work, and he plans on taking this fight to the US government. Croft and Hollingworth then catch up on the week in cyber crime, with the 4chan message board getting hacked by a rival board, car rental giant Hertz Australia confirming it was caught up in a global Hertz data breach, and local outfit TMA Group of Companies falling victim to Sarcoma ransomware attack. The podcast wraps up with the pair talking about funding uncertainty involving the vital vulnerability-tracking CVE Program and how important the program is as a frontline tool against hackers and nation-state actors. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson discuss how businesses can build a culture of security in the modern work environment, protecting critical business IP.  They begin the podcast with a short book review of Stephen Gapps' Uprising: War in the colony of New South Wales, unpacking conflict in colonial Australia – and in particular, the Second Wiradyuri War of Resistance. The conversation turns to information security and the regulation and legislation that guides the storing of personal data by businesses. The hosts then unpack how businesses can develop a culture of security through the development of systems and procedures to protect business IP.  Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this special defence aviation episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Robert Dougherty catches up with Honeywell Aerospace Technologies senior director Lee Davis on the sidelines of the Avalon Australian International Airshow. The pair explore aspects of the changing regional defence landscape in Australia, including: Changes in the Australian defence industrial base and a big picture approach to the AUKUS trilateral defence partnership between Australia, the US and the UK. The continuing discussion regarding servicing and operations of Royal Australian Air Force F-35 aircraft and the broader Asia-Pacific F-35 fleet. Honeywell's perspectives on the current geopolitical and defence landscape, and what that might mean more practically for technology providers. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft chat about emissions, credential stuffing attacks targeting Australian super funds, a ransomware attack on a luxury Sydney hotel, and more Donald Trump chaos. Hollingworth and Croft kick things off with some interesting research that estimates the carbon costs of various AI platforms, with Grok AI coming out on top as the least environmentally punishing chatbot, while ChatGPT generates more than four grams of carbon per prompt. The pair then move on to an alarming week of cyber incidents impacting Australian organisations, from the superannuation hacks that saw both data and retirement funds compromised, Western Sydney University admitting that the data of 10,000 students had been accessed by a hacker, and The Fullerton Hotel Sydney confirming it had been the victim of a ransomware attack last month. Hollingworth and Croft wrap things with a discussion of the impact of AI-based threats that could impact the Australian election, lessons learned from last year's US election from SentinelOne's Chris Krebs, and the news that Krebs earned the ire of the US President and having his security clearance removed. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, hosts Steve Kuper and Rob Dougherty discuss fall out from Avalon 2025, budget week and the federal election. The pair discuss: The industry sentiment, rumours and scuttlebutt heard around the traps of the 2025 Avalon Airshow and Exhibition. The lacklustre defence spending commitment by the government announced during the federal budget. The tight-lipped, coy response from the opposition and its plans for the nation's defence spending. Priorities and focus points for defence and national security in the election campaign. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Dr Andreas Schwer, managing director and chief executive of Electro Optic Systems, joins host Liam Garman to discuss modern counter drone systems including high-energy laser systems and remote weapons stations. The pair begin the podcast with the success of EOS' Slinger weapons system, particularly in Ukraine, where it can connect with radar and automatically engage drone targets in seconds. Schwer then turns to high energy laser systems as a solution to drone swarms, as they can reduce the cost of an engagement to just $1 and automatically destroy up to 20 drones a minute. They then turn to the future of drone and counter-drone warfare, and how this rapidly evolving area is requiring a rethink to business as usual – including the need for kinetic capabilities to bolster electronic warfare as an increasing number of drones contain onboard computing and AI. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft discuss local hacks and the rise of a whole new ransomware evolution. Clayton Utz's Brenton Steenkamp and Debevoise & Plimpton's Luke Dembosky also join in to talk about executive risk and governance. Hollingworth and Croft kick things off with a discussion of a fascinating example of data exposure involving a major Australian taxi company and catch up on the local threat landscape. The pair then talk about the continuing fallout of a very unserious Trump administration and how one of the most important officials serving the White House is using his personal email for important government business. Finally, Hollingworth welcomes two guests to the podcast. Luke Dembosky has been a US federal prosecutor, diplomat in Moscow, and Department of Justice deputy chief. Alongside Clayton Utz partner Brenton Steenkamp, the trio explore emerging executive risks and the challenges of the modern cyber security landscape Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, hosts Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson and Phil Tarrant discuss the heroic actions of Australian soldiers in World War II, before turning to the big issues in the upcoming federal election. The pair begin the podcast discussing Joan Beaumont's book, Gull Force, and the treatment of Australian prisoners of war on the islands of Ambon and Hainan. They then discuss the role of Australia's Reserves in warfare, before unpacking the fundamental importance of seizing and holding ground in warfare. Thompson and Tarrant then turn to the upcoming federal election, unpacking some of the big issues facing Australian society, including housing policy and building forward-looking infrastructure for Australia's financial future. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Advent Atum CEO Andy Wilson joins host Liam Garman to discuss how the company has helped the Armed Forces of Ukraine revolutionise their air defence capabilities. The pair begin the podcast unpacking the evolution of Ukraine's air defence systems, and how Advent Atum is helping to automate the country's 60-year-old air defence capabilities. Wilson then unpacks how the HORAS threat, detection and engagement system is automating the kill chain, including detecting, tracking and neutralising threats. They wrap up the podcast examining how kinetic kill capabilities are increasingly important as drones can undertake onboard computation, thus mitigating the effectiveness of electronic warfare – and Advent Atum's upcoming product showcase in France. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Dr Sanjay Mazumdar, executive director of Defence Trailblazer, joins host Liam Garman to unpack their new combat systems engineering micro-credentials. They begin the podcast by discussing the suite of six courses covering introductory studies to radar systems and C2 to C4ISREW, defence systems and mission engineering. Mazumdar then discussed why micro-credentials are fundamental for upskilling Australia's industrial base to support the Australian Defence Force and the journey to making the micro-credentials. The podcast wraps up by looking at the future vision for the combat systems engineering course, including developing an award-level qualification in combat systems engineering. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, host David Hollingworth and journalist Daniel Croft talk about Apple backdoors, Facebook bans, the disastrous Signal chat that exposed the highest levels of the Trump administration as less than security-minded and how we report on exposed databases. Hollingworth and Croft get the ball rolling with a news wrap-up focusing on malware posing as Chinese chatbot DeepSeek, Papua New Guinea's new trial Facebook ban, and behind-closed-door deliberations on the UK's efforts to get a backdoor into Apple devices. After a short break, the pair get to the biggest story of the week – a leaked Signal chat between senior Trump administration officials that somehow had an American journalist added to the chat. Hollingworth and Croft talk about the security implications, the proper use of apps like Signal, and the alarming revelation that JD Vance may have been the smartest person in the room. To round things out for the week, Croft talks about a recent database exposure suffered by a popular Australian hardware chain, why reporting on data leaks and breaches can be a difficult thing to cover, and why not all data leaks are equal. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team.

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Raj Samani, senior vice president and chief scientist at Rapid 7, joins host Liam Garman to unpack how nation-state threats are actively targeting Australian organisations – and how we can proactively prepare for future attacks. They begin the podcast by looking at those groups that are most actively targeting Australian organisations and how their strategies are different from traditional cyber crime. Samani then unpacks some of the most common mistakes he sees from Australian organisations that are leaving them vulnerable to ransomware, before diving into the operating models of these threat actors, from negotiations and double extortion tactics. The pair then wrap up the podcast by looking at how companies can improve their post-breach response and resilience and the actionable steps they must take to stay ahead of emerging risks. To listen to Samani's previous appearance on the Cyber Uncut podcast, click here. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, James Moorhouse, director of wargaming at Atturra, joins host Liam Garman to explore the crucial role of wargaming in helping soldiers, sailors and aviators engage with the kill chain in a fail-safe environment. Throughout the podcast, also available on YouTube, Moorhouse and Garman delve into how wargaming serves as a platform to experiment with various strategies in an educational and analytical setting. Key discussion points include: The history of wargaming and how an investment during the Obama administration revolutionised military professionals' understanding of the kill chain. Moorhouse introduces Atturra's Battle Chess, a game designed to illustrate how capabilities can interact and influence one another in a domain-agnostic environment. The duo further explores how Battle Chess helps professionals understand the layering of capabilities, strategic conundrums and military dilemmas. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Matt Martin, Senior Manager Business Development at CAE USA, joins host Liam Garman to discuss how Defence forces can drive proficiency in joint operations and how synthetic technologies underpin modern training environments. The podcast begins by discussing those critical skills that enable individuals, teams and units to become successful in joint operations. Martin then unpacks the benefits of synthetic training in mission rehearsal and operations, and the role of data and analytics in the modern training environment. They wrap up the podcast examining how live virtual-constructive training exercises can enhance interoperability and training for joint operations. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, 4walls founder and managing director Nik Devidas sat down with host Liam Garman to discuss the technological knowledge gap between company boards and strong cyber security and how 4walls is closing it. The podcast starts by outlining how boards can be overwhelmed with technical language and information when dealing with cyber security. The pair then discuss the concept of maintaining and updating an understanding of cyber security to keep up with an ever-evolving landscape. Speaking of a changing landscape, Devidas and Garman finish up by weighing up the impact of AI on the cyber security landscape and how organisations are adopting the technology without introducing protective controls. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, hosts Steve Kuper and Robert Dougherty explore the recent wave of international announcements, such as the Ukraine 30-day ceasefire, USA tariffs and Australia's future role in the global order. The pair discuss a range of topics, including: The newly announced tariffs of 25 per cent on all imported steel and aluminium into the United States and Australia's absolute horror at not attaining an exemption. The continuing discussion regarding the US-led peace deal in Ukraine, Ukraine's acceptance of the US proposal and a look at US President Donald Trump's endgame for the negotiations and minerals remuneration. The global shifts in international power, the emerging "large over small country" global order and Australia's role in a new sphere of influence strategy. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Aaron Bugal, field chief technology officer at Sophos, sits down with host Liam Garman to talk about the fight against ransomware, the growing threat to Australian businesses, and what can be done to tackle the problem. The podcast opens with a discussion of ransomware trends and how cyber criminals choose their targets based on vulnerability and opportunity. Bugal then expands on how AI is a tool both for malicious actors and cyber defenders and explains how Sophos is deploying AI to help businesses better protect themselves from an array of threats. Garman and Bugal wrap up the podcast with some practical advice for Australian businesses and how they can prepare to face a critical cyber incident. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, hosts Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson, Phil Tarrant and Liam Garman unpack the risk of alliance abandonment in the face of moves from the White House and their implications for a changing Asia-Pacific region. The podcast begins with an analysis into how fears of alliance abandonment have led to renewed commitments to national security collaboration between European powers. They then unpack whether "deal making" is a strong enough consideration to overcome ideological and philosophical partnerships in the competition for global power. Dr Thompson, Tarrant and Garman wrap up the podcast looking at hedging and balancing strategies in the Indo-Pacific, and whether realpolitik will take centre stage as nations continuously manoeuvre their alliance structures. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by former secretary of home affairs, Mike Pezzullo, to unpack the precedent established by Beijing's naval taskforce circumnavigating Australia and how to deal with more in the future.  The pair discuss a range of issues, including:  The government's response to, and the timeline behind the notice of the Chinese naval taskforce's live-fire training exercises in the Tasman Sea.  The tactical and strategic ramifications and shortfalls on display in the Australian Defence Force and government's response to the taskforce.  A suggested crash course program to rapidly accelerate Australia's level of tactical and strategic preparedness within the next term of Parliament.  Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Graeme Bick and Ray Bright of QinetiQ Australia and Chris White of Australian Maritime College to discuss the importance of test and evaluation in the era of autonomous systems. The group discuss a range of timely matters, including: The experience and lessons gathered by QinetiQ and AMC in developing the policies, procedures and knowledge base through T&E across traditional defence platforms through to the advent and proliferation of autonomous systems. The history of the collaboration between QinetiQ and AMC and their history of advancing state-of-the-art T&E over a long period of time. The accelerating pace of technology, which has heightened Defence's emphasis on rapidly introducing new capabilities. The emergence of challenges and opportunities as a result of the integration of various military systems with increasingly complex AI-enabled autonomous systems. Balancing the need for faster testing while maintaining the same level of assurance remains a critical challenge. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, host David Hollingworth and journalist Daniel Croft talk about AI in Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), a horrible week for Aussie healthcare organisations, and unspeakable deepfake videos. Hollingworth and Croft begin by catching up on a report from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute on the possible dangers posed by Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers adopting DeepSeek for in-car AI. The pair then run down the latest news in Australian cyber crime, with three healthcare organisations – including the fertility clinic Genea – getting targeted by hackers, and discuss the implications of medical data going public and the very real dangers it poses to patients. Then, to round out the week, Hollingworth and Croft try not to cry while talking about a ludicrous AI-generated video illustrating Donald Trump's holiday resort fantasy for Gaza and a horrifying deepfake of Trump and Elon Musk in an awkwardly intimate encounter. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Andrew Hastie, shadow minister for defence, to discuss the government's response to the recent "gunboat" diplomacy by China. The pair also discuss the following: Is the government trying to keep the Australian public calm by talking down the actions of the Chinese naval task force currently off the east coast of Australia? Does the Australian Defence Force have the tools and resources it needs to stand up to a great power adversary, particularly following the changes in posture and focus by the US government? What are the steps we need to take in order to make Australia less susceptible to coercion by a great power and build our resilience and make sure that Australia isn't compromised in the event of conflict in the region? Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, host David Hollingworth and journalist Daniel Croft discuss the week that was with DeepSeek versus South Korea, the latest ransomware news, and two malware campaigns spreading their payloads via video games. Hollingworth and Croft open with what is becoming a regular chat about the trials and travails of Chinese AI DeepSeek, which this week violated South Korean data privacy laws. The pair also discuss Elon Musk's attempt to buy out OpenAI and his efforts to ban chat-up Signal on his X platform. Hollingworth then discusses how ransomware-as-a-service operations are driving a sharp increase in ransomware attacks. The pair then discuss some of the more alarming Australian hacks this week: the Australian National University and IVF clinic Genea. Finally, it's time to talk video games, with game distribution platform Steam pulling a game that was spreading an info stealer, and a seemingly Russian campaign that was installing crypto-mining malware via torrented games. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, host Liam Garman welcomes Cyber Daily's David Hollingworth, a cyber security expert and Cyber Uncut podcast host, to unpack the latest in hacking and cyber security in the new era of grey-zone warfare and nation-state cyber attacks. They begin the podcast examining real world examples of warfare-motivated hacking, threat actors for hire, the impact of cyber threats and incidents for nations around the world. They then discuss the differences between "smash-and-grab" ransomware attacks with persistent and embedded state-sponsored cyber attacks. The podcast wraps up examining the increasing speed, accuracy and impact of cyber attacks on industry and government infrastructure across international lines. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Jennifer Parker, expert associate at the National Security College - Australian National University and a former Navy officer, to discuss the future of the Royal Australian Navy's surface fleet. The pair discuss the recent debate about the utility of small missile boats in the Australian context and their applicability for the Royal Australian Navy. The pair also discuss: China's recent deployment of a surface action group, currently operating 150 nautical miles off the coast of Sydney, and the challenges the Royal Australian Navy currently faces in responding to these subtle provocations. The growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific and increasing competition in our region, placing mounting pressure on the RAN to secure Australia's critical sea lines of communication and maritime trade. What options and avenues are open for the next Australian government to rapidly increase the Navy's capability while avoiding the trap of "silver bullet" capabilities that may leave us with a lopsided force. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, James Digges, Strategy and Growth - Naval at CAE Australia, joins host Liam Garman to discuss Australia's need for operational readiness and how training is fundamental to achieving the objectives laid out in the National Defence Strategy. They begin the podcast unpacking how to enhance operational readiness and how training must keep pace with the demands of integrated multi-domain warfare. Digges then dives into the world of interoperability and interchangeability in the modern defence environment, and how to deliver consistent training standards to address compatibility issues and grow a larger force. The podcast wraps up looking into the integrated and networked training environment, and how improved training can overcome constraints experienced by modern defence forces. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, host David Hollingworth talks about all the latest AI and cyber news with journalist Daniel Croft - more local ransomware attacks, more data breaches, and scams to watch out for. Hollingworth and Croft open once again with all the latest AI news, from more bans of the Chinese chatbot DeepSeek to Elon Musk and a whole bunch of venture capitalists wanting to buy OpenAI to Sam Altman's promise that AI will inevitably get cheaper over time. The pair then discuss the week of cyber attacks against Australian organisations. From medical imaging data of Aussies being posted to the dark web to a ransomware gang taking responsibility for hacking an Australian university, it's been a grim week in cyber crime. Finally, it's Valentine's Day, and scammers will be out in force, so Hollingworth runs through some common scams to watch out for. Croft then discusses a win for Australian investigators against a Russian hosting service facilitating hackers targeting local companies and individuals. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, hosts Steve Kuper, Robert Dougherty and Liam Garman unpack the latest developments on the global stage. The trio discuss a range of topics including:  The fallout following new US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's trip to Europe and the prospects of a US shift away from Europe to focus on the Indo-Pacific.  Europe's declining national resilience and its dependence on the United States.  The likelihood of a US-led peace deal in Ukraine and revelations that both US and Russian presidents have committed to mutual visits and a de-escalation of the tensions between the two nations. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, host Liam Garman quizzes Cyber Daily's deputy editor, David Hollingworth, on geopolitics, cyber crime reporting, and the latest hacking news. Garman and Hollingworth begin with a discussion about DeepSeek and its geopolitical implications, as well as its biases and possible advantages over other GenAI products - and the fact that it probably cannot be trusted. Hollingworth then goes into a deep dive about cyber crime reporting: why it matters, how companies should include media response as part of their planning for attacks, and some of the ways companies can do better when handling that first phone call from a journalist planning on writing a story. The pair finish up by talking about North Korean hackers using LinkedIn to lure their victims into installing a swathe of malware and a general look at the state of cyber politics. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, hosts Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson, Liam Garman and Phil Tarrant unpack the latest in the AI race, and how the United States is seeking to use tariffs to regain the economic edge. They begin the podcast examining the DeepSeek phenomenon, why Nvidia share prices took a hit, and looking under the hood to see if the tech is as good as advertised. They then look at the recent threats and imposition of tariffs and how this will impact the US, and whether a strengthening US dollar is indicative of growing consumer optimism. The podcast wraps up examining the relationship between foreign aid and national security and moves in the US to suspend aid. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Steve Kuper, Robert Dougherty and Liam Garman unpack the fast moves and overall strategy being employed by the new US administration, led by returning US President, Donald Trump.   The podcast commences with an analysis of the opening salvo of US tariffs on Canada, Mexico and Panama under America's new "carry a big stick" policy. Kuper, Dougherty and Garman then differentiate fact from fiction in the new US President's economic and international strategy. The podcast wraps up with a brief look on internal policies being undertaken, the border control in relation to national security and possible outcomes under Trump's reinstallation of the America first, last and always approach. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, hosts David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft look back on their week reporting on cyber crime in Australia and abroad. Croft opens the show with a round-up of the biggest story of the week - Chinese AI platform DeepSeek. From how it works, why it's trashed NVIDIA's stock, and the very real security concerns, DeepSeek is going to be a story for some time. Hollingworth then looks at the recent spate of ransomware posts made by the Clop gang - it promised last year that it had stolen a lot of data via vulnerabilities in Cleo's file transfer software, and over the weekend, the gang posted the details of 60 victims, including three Australian firms. Finally, after talking about the dangers of mistaken identity in cyber crime reporting, the pair talk about infamous hacker IntelBroker and his decision to retire from the role of admin on a popular hacking forum. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

As the global economy and political environment continue to become increasingly unpredictable, hosts Phil Tarrant, Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson and Liam Garman unpack what's in store for 2025 using diplomacy, information, military and economic (DIME) analysis. This podcast represents the second of two episodes, where the hosts provide insight into the latest military and economic events, and how they impact us at home in Australia. The trio begin examining the recent appointment of Pete Hegseth as the US Secretary of Defense and how the incoming administration will shape the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific. They then look at the global economy, and whether the US economy will undergo a resurgence with a strengthening US dollar and an ambition to reduce the government's $36 trillion debt. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper speaks with Rachel Falzon, founder and national president of the Women in Defence Association, to discuss the important role women play in boosting outcomes for defence and defence industry. The pair also discuss:  Falzon's inspiration for launching the Women in Defence Association and the challenges facing women involved in boosting representation in Defence and defence industry. The rapid growth of the association and its ambition to engage with women across the nation who are interested in supporting national security. The benefits provided by boosting diversity across defence industry, in the boardroom and throughout the process regardless of the role. Enjoy the Podcast,  The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, the team from Defence Connect travel to Victoria to sit down with Graeme Bulte, chief executive officer and founder of Aquaterro. They discuss developing a sovereign uniform and load carriage capability, and how Aquaterro is delivering for Defence and law enforcement. The podcast then turns to unpacking the latest innovations in small arms, in particular, the new innovative range of SIG Sauer weapons and how this will impact sovereign readiness and combat capability. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, hosts David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft look back on their week reporting on cyber crime in Australia and abroad. Croft and Hollingworth talk about a hack that really wasn't - the 2023 Dymocks data breach is commonly resold on hacking forums, and Croft has found another instance of an enterprising type trying to make money from a previous compromise, and it did not end well for them. Finally, the pair discuss how hacktivists crave publicity in return for very little actual hacking and Hewlett Packard Enterprise's (HPE) most recent investigation into another alleged data breach, before talking about the state of cyber crime reporting in the first month of 2025. Buckle in; it's going to be one heck of a year. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

As the global economy and political environment continue to become increasingly unpredictable, hosts Phil Tarrant, Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson and Liam Garman unpack what's in store for 2025 using diplomacy, information, military and economic (DIME) analysis. This podcast represents the first of two episodes, where the hosts provide insight into the latest diplomatic and information events, and how they impact us at home in Australia. The trio begin by examining the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, and whether it will likely hold in the current environment. They then turn to the Ukraine War and Britain's 100-year pledge. They then look at the incoming White House's approach to TikTok, and whether information should be considered a military domain. Stay tuned for the next episode, where the trio unpack military and economic power. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by travellers and entrepreneurs Frank van der Linde and Kerry Leach. The pair are the new owners of two decommissioned Royal Australian Navy minehunters - HMAS Norman and HMAS Hawkesbury. The former military vessels have been towed more than 3,800 nautical miles from Newcastle, Australia, to Cebu, Philippines, as they prepare for a new lease on life as private superyachts. The trio discuss: The origins of the two minehunter vessels, how the sale was completed and some complications along the way. The challenges of using former military equipment in the commercial industry and documenting their journey via the YouTube channel, Living the Oneironaut Life. The plans for the vessels and the construction efforts still to come. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by the Honourable Matt Keogh MP, Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans' Affairs, to discuss the latest developments shaping the Defence workforce.    Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans' Affairs Matt Keogh MP to discuss the latest developments shaping the Defence workforce.  The pair also discuss: The major milestones in the government's efforts to build the uniformed Defence workforce through 2024, including the release of the 2024 Defence Workforce Plan and Strategic Review of the Australian Defence Force Reserves. The key work done to overhaul Defence recruiting and ensure that the recruitment process is fit for the contemporary labour market and to the standards expected by Australian taxpayers. The life-long training and professional development opportunities available with a career in the Australian Defence Force, and the efforts being made to ensure that veterans have a seamless transition into the broader economy when they leave the ADF. Enjoy the Podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, hosts David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft take yet another look back at a year of cyber incidents and talk about how 2024 saw incidents rise by almost half again. The pair also look at a hacktivist group targeting Australian websites, the still ongoing UnitedHealth saga, a dangerous hacking that may be on the horizon, and the latest in ransomware attacks on Australian organisations. Hollingworth and Croft kick off the chat with Check Point Software Technologies' look back at the year that was, with 2024 seeing 44 per cent more cyber incidents than the previous year. The pair talk about how that matches their expectations, from nation-state actors to hacktivists and, of course, ransomware and cyber crime. Croft then goes into his own investigations into the RipperSec hacktivist group, while Hollingworth looks into vulnerabilities impacting a popular firewall device that has been extensively exploited in the past and could well be about to be hacked en masse again. Finally, Croft looks at the latest chapter in the UnitedHealth hack from last year and some rather disturbing allegations that the giant insurance company is not entirely being above board with its reporting. The pair then look back at the week that just passed and the nearly half-dozen ransomware attacks targeting organisations in the ANZ region. It's been a busy start to the year. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

How might the recent threat from US President-elect Donald Trump impact practitioners in this space? In this recent crossover episode of the Contested Ground podcast, Jerome Doraisamy, editor of Lawyers Weekly, sat down with The Shipping Lawyer, Alison Cusack, to discuss the shipping law landscape in 2024 and what was learnt from that year, the recent threat from Donald Trump to take back control of the Panama Canal and the history of the canal (and lessons from the Suez Canal experience). Cusack also discusses the frequency with which shipping lawyers have to adapt to geopolitical shifts and navigate client expectations. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Liam Catterson, business development manager Integrated Air and Missile Defence Lead, Rotary and Mission Systems at Lockheed Martin Australia, joins host Liam Garman to lift the hood on AIR 6500. The two Liams begin the podcast discussing how the Joint Air Battle Management System (JABMS), AIR 6500 Phase 1, will protect Australia's shores and what's been delivered on AIR 6500 to date. They then unpack how Australian industry capability fits into AIR 6500 and the benefits that it will offer the Australian Defence Force. The pair then turn to what next-generation technologies the JABMS will utilise to provide air and missile defence to the Australian Defence Force, and what the end game looks like. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, hosts David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft wonder if they can fill a podcast with just four days of news in the new year, and of course, they can. From a hacker with a habit of going after big political targets to some of the big numbers of the previous year to geopolitics and terrorist data breaches, 2025 has kicked off with a bang. Hollingworth starts things off with notorious hacker Natohub's latest exploits – leaking the recruitment data of around 42,000 recruitment forms belonging to the United Nations' International Civil Aviation Organization. It's far from the hacker's first rodeo, so Hollingworth and Croft go over some of past exploits as well. Croft talks up the curious case of the hacker who managed to breach the terrorist organisation ISIS. Meanwhile, Hollingworth goes over some cyber incident statistics from 2024, including the fact that Europe was the most hacked region on the planet, mostly driven by the war in Ukraine. The pair also discuss a Ukrainian success story following the total disruption of a Russian ISP by Ukrainian hackers. The pair round things up with a playful look at a recent case of the European Union fining itself over a GDPR violation, and some exciting news for the Cyber Daily website. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and Liam Garman are joined by Momentum Media's senior defence and national security analyst and government relations manager, Steve Kuper, to discuss the latest geopolitical developments. The trio discuss the key developments over the Christmas and New Year period that are setting the scene for a truly transformative midway point for the 2020s. They also discuss: Ongoing diplomatic efforts by the incoming Trump administration to resolve the Russia–Ukraine war and the situation on the ground. The Boxing Day revelation of apparent sixth-generation fighter aircraft by the People's Republic of China and Beijing's ambitious ship commissioning schedule for 2025, which will dramatically reshape the balance of power. The implications of the incoming Trump administration on the global geopolitical and economic environment. Enjoy the podcast,The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect ADSTAR series, Dr Carolyn Patteson, Chief Science Strategic Planning & Engagement within the Defence Science and Technology Group, and DSTG's Dr Mike Wilson sit down with host Liam Garman to discuss the unique opportunities that lie ahead for young Australians studying STEM. Dr Patteson begins by unpacking her own employment history, and how a love of maths kick-started a career that spanned cyber security, cryptography and even modelling for traditional warfighting. The podcast continues with Dr Wilson unpacking how Defence is engaging the next generation to encourage a career in STEM and showcase the exciting pathways that await them. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, Phil Tarrant, Major General (Ret'd) Marcus Thompson and Liam Garman discuss the fall of Bashar al-Assad and the ongoing Israel–Hamas war. They begin the podcast debating whether the unfolding Israel–Hamas conflict will have the same level of strategic significance for Israel as the Yom Kippur War or the Six-Day War. Tarrant, Thompson and Garman then discuss how the conflict has altered the balance of power in the Middle East, severing Iran's crescent of influence by weakening Hamas and Hezbollah, coupled with the fall of Assad. They wrap up the podcast examining what nations, if any, might assume the role of a security benefactor in the Middle East with a weakened Iran, and emerging open-source intelligence (OSINT) collection vectors. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

Understanding the dynamics of regional areas in Australia can offer lucrative opportunities for investors. In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, co-hosts Liam Garman and Discover Buyers Agency's Kane Dury sit down with Morgan Oliver, director and sales agent of JMO Property Group, to unpack the ins and outs of property investment in the town of Gatton. Gatton, in regional Queensland, is poised for economic growth with major infrastructure projects underway, such as a medium-security prison and a high-speed rail, creating thousands of stable government jobs, which the trio highlight as appealing for property investors. The group also discusses how investors in the defence sector can focus on regional areas to grow their portfolio by buying property at each posting, leveraging grants like Home Purchase Assistance Scheme (HPAS) and Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme (DHOAS) to gain financial benefits, and then rent-vest to foster cash flow and long-term portfolio growth.

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, hosts David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft take a look back at some of the biggest and most intriguing stories of the year, from CrowdStrike's outage and amazing response to the takedown of ransomware giant LockBit. Croft kicks off with the epic story of the Change Healthcare hack, which saw the data of about a third of the population of the United States compromised. But it wasn't just the scale of the hack; it was also the behind-the-scenes manoeuvering between greedy ransomware-as-a-service operators, hacker affiliates just wanting to get paid, and a company realising that it really does have to pay an exorbitant ransom. The pair then discuss the takedown of ransomware giant LockBit and the remarkably sassy response of the law enforcement agencies behind the operation, before looking back at another ransomware operation that turned out to be nothing but an extensive scam. Lastly, Croft and Hollingworth look back at July's CrowdStrike outage, both its wide-ranging impact and what turned out to be an excellent and comprehensive response from CrowdStrike itself, before turning the gaze forward to wonder what they might see in 2025. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by the newly confirmed federal president of the Navy League of Australia, Mark Schweikert, to discuss the proud history of the league in supporting the mission of the Royal Australian Navy. The pair discuss the long-standing history of the Navy League and its earliest days supporting public interest in and engagement with the Royal Australian Navy dating back to its foundation in 1901. They also discuss: The services the league provides to current and former naval personnel, including the opportunity to discuss and deliberate on the issues facing the nation's sea power. The importance of the Royal Australian Navy and naval sea power for Australia and critical capabilities worth considering further development on, including fixed-wing naval aviation. The role the league plays in working with Defence and naval cadets to encourage more Australians into the Navy. Schweikert's long history of association with the Navy and the league and his ambitions for the future of the league. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, Phil Tarrant, Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson and Liam Garman discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine and the future of warfighting in the information domain. They begin the podcast unpacking major national security developments for 2024 and how global powers have continued to exploit the grey zone, before unpacking an absence of ownership of the information domain in Australia when examining the DIME construct – diplomacy, information, military, and economic. The trio then discuss Ukraine's exploitation of the information environment, and how the modern battlefield nevertheless reflects the Clauswitzian notion that the nature of war never changes. Tarrant, Thompson and Garman then predict how the incoming US administration will impact the conflict. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, James Heading, director of Programs, Strategic Capabilities Office, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, joins host Liam Garman to provide an update on the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise (GWEO), and what the enterprise's next steps might look like after the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) production. Heading and Garman begin the podcast looking at the Guided Weapons Production Capability Risk Reduction Activity and Strategic Partner Services contracts, and how they will build a robust and resilient supply chain to protect Australia's national sovereignty. They then discuss the Lockheed Martin–Thales teaming agreement overseeing solid rocket motors and warheads, and how the GWEO's success lies in leveraging partnerships from SMEs to academia and through to global primes. The pair wrap up the podcast discussing what the logical progression for GWEO is after achieving GMLRS production. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect ADSTAR series, Stephen Moore, First Assistant Secretary AUKUS Advanced Capabilities, and Dr Nigel McGinty, Defence Science and Technology Group Chief Technology Officer – Science Strategy, Communications and International Engagement, join Liam Garman to unpack how technology sharing arrangements improve our collective AUKUS security. Moore and Garman begin the podcast discussing the strategic rationale for AUKUS Pillar II, and how sharing insights into AI, electronic warfare, undersea warfare, hypersonics, quantum and cyber make the AUKUS alliance stronger than the sum of its parts. They then discuss how the three governments are enabling technology transfer, including International Traffic in Arms Regulations reform and improved governance frameworks, before analysing efforts on how the three nations can energise their combined industrial base. Dr McGinty wraps up the podcast detailing how AUKUS Pillar II provides unique asymmetric advantages for the Australian Defence Force, and in particular, the role of cyber and information on the modern battlefield. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, hosts David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft discuss a widespread hacking campaign by a network of hacktivist groups and an alleged data breach impacting United States Marine Corps personnel. The pair also catch up on the evolving case of the apparent assassination of UnitedHealthcare's CEO and talk about the threat of Chinese espionage operations against telecommunications companies. Hollingworth and Croft begin by breaking down a campaign by a raft of pro-Russian and pro-Palestine hacktivist groups that recently targeted more than 60 Australian organisations, taking websites offline, defacing others, and even getting into a handful of operational technology environments. Croft then breaks down an alleged data breach that saw the personal details of thousands of US Marine Corps personnel leaked on a popular hacking forum. He also goes into some detail about the challenges of reporting and investigating data leaks. Finally, Hollingworth and Croft catch up on the latest developments in the case of the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and then share stories from a pair of recent discussions with experts from CrowdStrike and BlackBerry regarding the insidious threat of Chinese espionage efforts in the telecommunications sector. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, special host Steve Kuper is joined by co-host Major General (Ret'd) Marcus Thompson and AMP's chief economist, Shane Oliver, to discuss the latest economic data and what it means for the nation's economic and national security. The trio discuss the recently released Australian gross domestic product figures and the impact of Australia's ailing economy on national security. They also discuss: Australia's collapsing productivity and the growth of record government spending on the national economy and the baked-in, long-term structural deficits that will characterise the future fiscal outlook for the country. The need to boost economic complexity and diversity to better prepare the nation to face the mounting geopolitical and "whole-of-nation" efforts being leveraged against Australia in this new multipolar world and how best to deliver such a monumental change. The urgent need for a serious national debate with the Australian public about the future of the country and its economic future and the intersection of national security. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by John Storey, director of law and policy at the Institute of Public Affairs, to discuss the third of the IPA's Defence of Australia report series.  The pair discuss the significant collaborative research being conducted by the Institute of Public Affairs and Strategic Analysis Australia to stimulate conversation and debate about the need to urgently accelerate the nation's defence and defence industry capabilities.  The pair also discuss:  Core suggestions around reforming the existing Defence procurement processes and procedures that are hindering our acceleration of capability acquisition.  The urgent need to begin stockpiling critical war stocks, including ammunition, liquid fuel, pharmaceuticals and other critical resources that would otherwise leave the national economy unable to function. The creation of an Australian Industry Mobilisation and Resilience Council to plan for how Australia's non-defence sectors can be mobilised in case of war. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Andrew Balmaks, defence and national security industry lead at Atturra, joins host Liam Garman to discuss enterprise risk management for Defence. They begin the podcast discussing how Defence is managing risk at a group and enterprise level, before unpacking how Atturra leverages its unique expertise from resources and other sectors to support Defence. The pair then discuss the impediments to effective risk planning and management, and why things go wrong even when risk management systems are in place. They wrap up the podcast unpacking what "good" looks like in developing leading risk frameworks. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, hosts Liam Garman and Daniel Croft discuss recent changes in Australian cyber policy and recent cyber crime activity. The two debate the controversial social media ban and the use of AI in university assessments, before discussing a website defacement case that could be the start of something much bigger, as well as the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The podcast begins with a discussion of Sydney University's move to allow students to use AI tools for assessments, one that Croft believes could prepare students for a future AI workplace, while Garman thinks it deprives students of higher, critical thought. The two then debate the recently passed social media age ban, what it means for young people's mental health on and offline and the way it was approached by the government. Croft then outlines a case of website defacement on an Australian disability service provider, which could be the start of a wider campaign, as the threat group has begun forming alliances with other cyber criminals, all with their sights on Australia. Finally, Garman and Croft don their tinfoil hats to speculate on theories as to why the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, which had suffered a massive ransomware attack this year, was gunned down in New York. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, special host Steve Kuper is joined by Jennifer Parker, expert associate at the National Security College, Australian National University and a former Navy officer, to discuss the growing need for an Australian Coast Guard. The pair discuss the mounting level of hybrid and grey zone warfare in the maritime commons and economic exclusion zones across the Indo-Pacific and Southeast Asia, which has prompted a radical shift among regional nations seeking to secure their maritime interests. The pair also discuss:   The impact on the naval surface fleet as it is increasingly called upon to engage in maritime border patrol and security missions across Australia's vast maritime area of responsibility. The regional trend towards establishing a formalised Coast Guard to ease the burden on regional navies and a variety of models available for Australian consideration. The history of Australia's push towards developing a Coast Guard and the opportunity to provide an additional contributing capability for national security in the event of conflict in the region. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Chris Deeble AO CSC, Deputy Secretary, Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG), as they unpack the formative year that has been for Australia's burgeoning defence industry. The pair discuss the significant work currently underway to reform Australia's defence capability acquisition and procurement ecosystem, including: The key lessons for CASG through the engagement, development and now delivery phases of the government's Defence Industry Development Strategy. How Australia is working with like-minded nations, in particular the United States and the United Kingdom, and their efforts to modernise their own defence industrial bases. The key priorities central to delivering the next stage of the Defence Industry Development Strategy over the next 12 months. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Andy Wilson, CEO of Advent Atum, and Vasyl Myroshnychenko, Ukrainian ambassador to Australia, where they unpack the transformation of the modern battlefield by artificial intelligence (AI) in Ukraine. The trio discuss a range of topics, including: The role Australian artificial intelligence company Advent Atum plays on the ground in Ukraine, through the integration of advanced AI capabilities into the Ukrainian air defence network. The scale and scope of AI innovation currently transforming the modern battlefield and providing Ukraine with a potent asymmetric warfare capability and levelling the playing field against the larger Russian forces. Lessons for Australia regarding the proliferation of advanced AI capabilities and the powerful role it can play in easing the manpower requirements for small militaries like Australia. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, hosts David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft break down the last week in the cyber world. We talk politics, policy, and the truly terrible legislation that is the social media ban, before moving on to talk about recent ransomware attacks and data breaches impacting Australian businesses. The podcast begins with Croft unpacking the new Cyber Security Act that passed into law this week, before both joining in for a discussion with Hollingworth about the social media age ban that is being more or less rammed through Parliament. The pair lay out their objections to the legislation, the harm it might do the children it is trying to protect, and how it might be enforced. Croft then outlines a data breach that may be impacting up to 47,000 Telstra employees, while Hollingworth launches into some background on a new ransomware gang, SafePay, that has been targeting Australian businesses. Finally, the pair wrap up with a general discussion on some of the pitfalls of cyber security reporting. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson, Liam Garman and Phil Tarrant unpack findings from the Australian Signals Directorate's (ASD) Annual Cyber Threat Report 2023-2024 and the challenge of building a governance framework that disrupts the purveyors of disinformation.  The trio unpack findings from the ASD, in particular the ongoing risk Australia's critical infrastructure providers face at the hand of adversarial nation-state actors, and how Australia must prepare for this growing risk.  They then discuss what governance frameworks the government can implement to disrupt the proliferation of disinformation and misinformation online, while being careful to protect liberal values such as freedom of expression.  Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Pat Conroy MP, Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, to discuss the year that was 2024 in defence industry. The pair discuss: The key lessons for the minister behind the process of the Defence Industry Development Strategy, National Defence Strategy, Integrated Investment Program and Surface Fleet Review. The key highlights for Minister Conroy throughout the year 2024. The impact of recent major announcements, including the downselect of the general purpose frigate program, the reprioritisation of funding for JP 9102 and Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise Plan. What to expect in the year ahead for Defence, defence industry and national security. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Defence Connect ADSTAR series, Defence Science and Technology Group acting chief of platforms Dr Greg Bain and DSTG Director General Future Land Warfare, Land Capability Division, Brigadier James Davis join host Liam Garman to discuss the evolving role and importance of trusted autonomy in a changing battlespace. They begin the podcast discussing the past 12 months of development on trusted autonomy by Defence and opportunities the DTSG has used to further their autonomy research. Bain then describes DTSG's involvement in testing environments such as Autonomous Warrior and the collaborative assistance of international partners. The podcast then turns to the rise of uncrewed aerial systems and their usage in military forces, such as the Australian Defence Force. They wrap up the podcast with BRIG Davis examining the strategic importance of directed energy and trusted autonomy systems in the changing battlespace. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, independent cyber security executive Tony Vizza and Lumify lead cyber security trainer Louis Cremen join host Liam Garman to discuss whether boards truly understand cyber security risks – and whether they are doing enough to manage them. They begin the podcast by unpacking how boards can have a greater understanding of the risk of cyber incidents to organisations and how they differ from other elements of risk that face businesses. Vizza and Cremen then discuss whether board members are told the full story by management and whether they should undertake their own cyber security training. The podcast wraps up by analysing the security implications of AI and how businesses can prepare their incident response plans. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Genetec's Asia-Pacific sales engineering and services manager, Lee Shelford, joins host Liam Garman to discuss the world of physical security and how Genetec's software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution is keeping public and private organisations safe.  The podcast begins analysing the evolution of physical security, from rudimentary alarm systems to today's SaaS-enabled physical control solutions.  Shelford then discusses how this solution keeps businesses safe: from using data analytics to streamline access control to automating endpoint cyber security.  The pair then discuss the myth of the airgap, and the company's expansion into the Australia-New Zealand market, with Australia proving to be a world leader in this technology. They wrap up by discussing how Genetec helps businesses on their journey, whether they want cloud-enabled physical security devices or on-premises capabilities.  Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, co-hosts Kane Dury from Discover Buyers Agency and Liam Garman unpack the top 10 common property mistakes made by military personnel – and what lessons listeners must learn to achieve financial freedom. The podcast covers a range of areas, from developing a holistic investment plan to navigating the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme and how to research the property market between postings. Dury and Garman then discuss three crucial tips for the discharging and veteran community for their long-term success – including understanding entitlements and how to align their investment strategies with their long-term goals. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, shadow minister for communications and federal member for Banks David Coleman joins host Liam Garman to discuss the recent misinformation bill that will leave free speech and political discourse in Australia. They begin the podcast with a recap of what's in the bill, including how the government will determine what constitutes misinformation or disinformation. Coleman and Garman then unpack some unforeseen consequences of the bill, including how it may impact religious freedoms and genuine political discourse. The podcast wraps up discussing the government's push to remove under-16s from social media. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Mike Pezzullo, principal author of the 2009 Defence White Paper and former secretary of the Department of Home Affairs, joins host Steve Kuper to unpack how the Australian Defence Force can meet the demands of the nation's uncertain security environment. The pair begin the podcast by looking at the alternative global order, including an emerging Eurasian bloc that is seeing North Korean troops deployed in Russia and BRICS' alternative financial system. They then examine geopolitical fractures between BRICS members and whether China is in an economic position to become a global hegemon. Pezzullo then analyses how Australia's force structure is designed to overcome low-level threats and why the country needs a new base level of Defence spending. Kuper and Pezzullo wrap up by discussing efficiencies in domestic manufacturing and how technology can expedite the production of large-scale naval assets. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect ADSTAR series, Liam Garman sits down with Dr Robert Hunjet, program leader Australian Defence Science and Universities Network, to discuss how ADSUN is driving innovation across industry and academia. They then unpack the need for a national approach to information, security and technology in light of the National Defence Strategy and concept of asymmetry, before discussing the recently released IS&T Strategy. The podcast then wraps up with a live recording from ADSTAR on how industry, academia and Defence can better collaborate as part of the IS&T Strategy's 10-year vision, featuring: Sumen Rai, director for the Defence Innovation Partnership. Professor Rob Fitch, director of the Defence Innovation Network. Associate Professor Toby Murray, director of the Defence Science Institute. Stu Blackwell, director of the Queensland Defence Science Alliance. Michele Clement, director of the Defence Science Centre. Dr Robert Hunjet, program leader, ADSUN. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, IT Strategy Hub's Hrvoje (Hal) Hančević-Grabić joins host Liam Garman to discuss how Australian organisations – both private and public – are leaving sensitive data and intellectual property at risk as they move to AI. The pair begin the podcast discussing how employees are uploading sensitive information to large language models, which are then trained on the new data sets. Hančević-Grabić then defines how sovereign and private AI can provide a solution to this problem, with locally domiciled data centres and closed AI models. They wrap up the podcast examining IT Strategy Hub's AI toolkit, which helps businesses embrace AI safely. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Aaron Bugal, field chief technology officer at Sophos, to unpack how businesses can keep themselves safe in the face of an ever-evolving threat environment.  The pair begin the podcast by examining recent research from the company's X-Ops division and how professionals should prioritise disrupting criminal networks with a reminder that ransomware is merely a means to an end for attackers.  They then examine how AI is being used to detect threats and the need for businesses to adopt zero-trust security modes. Bugal and Garman then wrap up by looking at the evolving characteristics of ransomware and how businesses can employ geo-blocking.  Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect ADSTAR series, Liam Garman sits down with Brian Schimpf, co-founder and CEO of Anduril Industries, and David Goodrich OAM, executive chairman and CEO of Anduril APAC, to unpack how government can facilitate successful defence innovation. They then discuss why it's important to let capabilities fail fast, and how the company is investing in Australia to become an R&D and manufacturing hub.  Schimpf and Goodrich then unpack the Australian–US alliance and how we are accelerating global capabilities, before analysing what Defence can learn from the tech industry in accelerating global technology.  The podcast then wraps up with a live recording from ADSTAR on innovation, featuring:  Dr Clare Murphy, assistant secretary, strategy and business operations at the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator.  Brigadier Hugh Meggitt, AM, CSC Director General, Special Operations, modernisation. Group Captain Jesse Laroche, Director, Jericho Disruptive Innovation. Captain Dean Battilana, Director Undersea Warfare and Data. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this special ADSTAR series of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Liam Garman sits down with Andrew Seedhouse, chief of space, intelligence, national security and cyber division at Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), and Andre Luiten, co-founder and managing director of QuantX Labs, to examine the world of quantum technology. Throughout the podcast, the trio discuss how quantum technology works, before explaining how it can be used to revolutionise the future battlefield from radio frequency (RF) sensing to precision navigation and timing (PNT). They then discuss how Australian researchers have become world leaders in this field and how we can expand the quantum industry. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Foresight and a resourceful approach are two traits that soldiers embody, and translate seamlessly into property investment success. On this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, co-hosts Phil Tarrant and Discover Buyers Agency's Kane Dury are joined by Major Ben Vitale, whose property investment journey started when he served alongside Kane in the Australian Defence Force. Ben discusses the keys to success around property investment in the military, highlighting that planning ahead and strategic rentvesting can enable soldiers to build a robust portfolio even when moving from post to post. The trio also highlight the importance of making use of the grants available to ADF members, and how additional grants and rental assistance can be used all at once to maximise a property portfolio.

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Dawn Cappelli, head of OT-CERT at Dragos, joins host Liam Garman to unpack how governments and the industry are responding to current and emerging ICS/OT threats. The pair begin the podcast by examining how operational technology is becoming more interconnected with the digital world and what emerging vulnerabilities providers should be aware of for the future. Cappelli and Garman then look into whether government regulations are keeping pace with evolving threats and whether artificial intelligence is transforming the world of operational technology. They wrap up the podcast by discussing some pertinent case studies, zero trust, and what the landscape of operational technology security will look like over the next decade. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, Liam Garman is joined by senator for Queensland Matthew Canavan to discuss resource and food security, international politics and Australian domestic policy. The pair begin the podcast discussing voting trends in Australia and the results of the recent Queensland election. They then examine the need for a robust policy platform that supports Australia's resources industry, protecting national sovereignty, delivering jobs and economic growth. Senator Canavan and Garman then unpack the economic impact of trade embargoes on Australia's finances, before examining the need for effective biosecurity legislation to protect Australian farmers. Finally, the pair discuss the intersection between resources and building a skilled workforce. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this special ADSTAR series of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Liam Garman sits down with Australia's chief scientist, Dr Cathy Foley, to discuss quantum technology and how we can facilitate the growth of quantum in Australia.  Dr Foley begins the podcast defining quantum – and how this dual-use technology will revolutionise healthcare, energy and even sports science.   The pair then look at quantum in a national security context, and how it can be employed to understand the impact of disinformation on the human brain, before wrapping up with an analysis of the National Quantum Strategy. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the ADSTAR podcast series, host Liam Garman is joined by Dr Sanjay Mazumdar, executive director of the Defence Trailblazer, to discuss the commercialisation of research to strengthen Australia's sovereign defence capabilities. The pair then discuss key focus areas for the Defence Trailblazer and their achievements to date, before examining some challenges they've faced along the way. The podcast will then showcase a live discussion from ADSTAR on accelerating innovation, featuring: Karl Hanmore, first assistant director-general mission capability and chief technology officer at the Australian Signals Directorate. Dr Rick Muller, director of the US' Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity. Jay Dryer, director of the US' Strategic Capabilities Office. Professor Emily Hilder, head of the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator. Dr Sanjay Mazumdar, executive director of the Defence Trailblazer. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Sadiq Iqbal, sales engineering lead and evangelist, office of the CTO at Check Point Software, joins host Liam Garman to discuss platformisation in cyber security and the importance of interoperability for cyber security tools. The pair begin the podcast by looking at recent developments in cyber security and why businesses continue to be breached despite the wide range of cyber security solutions available today. They then examine how to ensure that third-party tools can collaborate to provide holistic security and how Check Point's Infinity platform can keep users safe. They wrap up the podcast by discussing how Infinity can ensure regulatory compliance and how Check Point has been able to leverage lessons from its reverse engineering department to support clients. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this special ADSTAR series of the podcast, Defence Connect partnered with Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) to shine a spotlight on the groundbreaking research undertaken by industry and academia in collaboration with Defence. In this episode, Defence Connect editor Liam Garman sits down with Professor Emily Hilder, Head of Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA), and Dan Bennett, co-founder of Salus Ventures, to provide invaluable advice to start-ups and small businesses on how they can make a difference in the world of defence and dual-use technologies. The podcast then showcases the ASCA Pitch Day presentations as recorded live from the conference. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by returning guest, former Australian prime minister Scott Morrison. Morrison, non-executive vice chairman of American Global Strategies, has recently announced a new role as chairman of Space Centre Australia, a planned spaceport in far north Queensland. He has also recently concluded a lecture at the Yomiuri International Economic Society in Tokyo in September. The pair discuss: The Australian government's priorities for space policy and support of the domestic space industry, and comparisons to the current defence industry outlook. The sudden blooming of interest in space innovation and its increasingly contested environment between international players. The AUKUS and QUAD alliances in regard to the Indo-Pacific. The upcoming US presidential election on 5 November and forecasts for Australian policy under a Republican or Democratic victory. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this special ADSTAR series of the podcast, Defence Connect partners with the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) to shine a spotlight on the groundbreaking research undertaken by industry and academia in collaboration with Defence. In this episode, Defence Connect editor Liam Garman sits down with Professor Tanya Monro, Australia's Chief Defence Scientist and head of the DSTG, to unpack the Innovation, Science and Technology Strategy which lays out a 10-year vision for the Defence IS&T ecosystem. Following the interview, we share Professor Monro's discussion with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles on why the strategy is critical for Australia's national security. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Liam Garman sits down with Rodney Cottam to discuss his work with Invictus Australia and his 560-kilometre run in seven days. The pair unpack Cottam's military service and injury which left him with brachial plexus palsy. They then discuss the support offered to Australia's veteran community by Invictus. Cottam wraps up unpacking his approach to resilience and veteran wellbeing. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Seamus Lennon, vice president of operations for EMEA at ThreatLocker, joins host Liam Garman to unpack why businesses need to strengthen their endpoint security and implement a zero-trust strategy in today's security environment. The pair begin the podcast by looking at today's cyber security environment, unpacking why businesses have overlooked endpoint security and the need for zero trust. They then examine ThreatLocker's future innovation and how it will continue defending businesses amid increasing sophistication from threat actors, including current ransomware trends. They wrap up the podcast by discussing the company's continued Australian growth, including helping local organisations implement the Essential Eight. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, co-host Liam Garman is joined by Steve Kuper, senior analyst and government relations manager at Defence Connect, to unpack deepening social tensions in the United States ahead of the US election. The pair begin the podcast discussing whether modern journalism, with a focus on opinion over reporting, has worsened the political divide in the US. Kuper and Garman then discuss Russian interference during the 2016 election and give insight into the Senate's findings on how protest movements were exploited to achieve Russia's political objectives. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Sean Pereira, CEO of AI powerhouse Analytical Progression, to unpack and demystify the misconceptions surrounding AI and its future in Defence industry. The pair discuss a range of topics, including: Breaking down some of the misconceptions surrounding the AI revolution and how it is changing the ways in which AI will impact not only our daily lives but reshape the way in which data analysis in defence will be transformed. Focusing on the way in which AI will be used as a complementary tool that empowers decision makers to analyse vast amounts of data and make time-sensitive decisions with a high degree of confidence. The role AI will play in helping to secure critical technology and data sovereignty at a time when cyber attacks are rapidly increasing in both frequency and complexity. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Michael Mestrovich, chief information security officer at data security firm Rubrik, joins host Liam Garman to examine the nature of modern cyber security threats, how much easier it is to become a cyber criminal, and keeping up with changing regulations. The pair begin the podcast with a discussion on the evolution of ransomware and the intersection of state financially motivated cyber crime. Mestrovich and Garman then examine the role of zero trust as the backbone of cyber security and the importance of cyber resilience. The podcast wraps up with a deep dive into data security posture management and looks at some of the challenges the sector will to face in the coming years. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, Phil Tarrant and Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson are joined by Dr David Kilcullen, former diplomat and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency senior research scientist, to discuss the moving evolution of conflict, tactics and military technology. The trio begin by discussing elements of complex warfare, how predictions change over time and the differences in warfare over the last 25 years. They also discuss the tactics and technologies of past and current conflicts, including those in use in Europe and the Middle East. Finally, they discuss the nature of resilience, innovation and technological expertise in current soldiery within defence forces and greater society. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by former Australian Army leader and former Commander Forces Command, MAJGEN (Ret'd) Gus McLachlan. McLachlan previously attended Royal Military College - Duntroon and the University of NSW, while completing a 37-year career with the Australian Army. He retired as Major General in December 2018.   The pair discuss: The reignition of intense military conflict in the Middle East, drawing on McLachlan's previous service as a UN peacekeeper in southern Lebanon. The reliance of Israel's military forces on modern fighter jet aircraft, use of explosive pagers and what the nation's military objectives might be. The possible implications of the conflict for Australia and Western allies. The Australian Defence Force's new recruitment campaigns and ends with a rapid-fire quiz about current issues. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, hosts David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft detail multiple Australian hacks, theft of frequent flyer points, LockBit striking back, and the launch of the Australian Cyber Network. Croft gets things started with a rundown of Australia's first standalone cyber security legislation before outlining a recent insider threat incident that saw the passports of Qantas customers potentially exposed in a scheme to steal frequent flyer points. Hollingworth then follows up with the LockBit claiming a new Australian victim and the rise of a new ransomware gang, Sarcoma – which has already listed three Aussie companies and one Kiwi firm. Finally, the pair discuss the Australian Cyber Network's launch and the importance of growing our cyber security workforce, before finishing up discussing a new Russian attempt to ban gaming chat platform Discord. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, we are joined by Yehuda Lahav of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to discuss the growing synergies identified in Australia's Defence Strategic Review.  We discuss the company's ambitions and opportunities for the Australian enterprise, particularly given the nation's increased focus on integrated air and missile defence capabilities.  We also highlight the way IAI is operating in Australia and the company's emphasis on supporting the development of Australia's Sovereign Defence Industrial Capability Priorities and the broad ambition of the Defence Industry Development Strategy.  Finally, we discuss what sets Israeli defence innovation and industrial capacity apart from its Western counterparts and the methodology, processes and capacity that provide Israel with a qualitative edge over potential adversaries.   Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, hosts David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft detail multiple recent law enforcement operations that have made a considerable dent in criminal and cyber criminal activity around the world. Croft opens the podcast with the most recent developments in law enforcement's efforts to tackle the LockBit ransomware gang, with four arrests made and sanctions placed against one of the gang's major affiliates. Hollingworth then details the incredible story of the Australian Federal Police's Operation Kraken, an investigation into the Ghost criminal messaging network, which it turns out was – allegedly – run by an Aussie! He's now been arrested, and a lot of other criminals besides. The pair wrap up with news of charges being laid by the US Department of Justice against Iranian hackers, and they offer some simple but important advice as part of Cyber Security Awareness Month. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, Phil Tarrant, Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson and Liam Garman unpack the recent escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah and how state actors disrupt their non-state adversaries. The podcast begins with an analysis into the fragility of supply chains, examining the pager attack, and how adversaries can conduct espionage through acquisition. They then discuss strategies at disrupting non-state adversaries, including whether a decapitation strategy would work for Hezbollah in spite of its failure to disrupt irregular forces elsewhere. The podcast also examines the division that this represents in Australia, with announcements that the Australian Federal Police will go after those waving Hezbollah flags. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Scott Hargreaves, executive director of the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA), to discuss two recently released reports commissioned by the IPA.  The pair begin the conversation by discussing the IPA's recent independent poll into Defending Australia's Way of Life, which focused on the sentiments of the Australian public from the ages of 18 to 65-plus and their attitudes toward serving the nation.    They also unpack some of the key findings across each of the demographics polled and discuss some of the reasons they believe young Australians are losing faith in and their willingness to defend the country.    Finally, the pair discuss the IPA's multi-part series, The Defence of Australia: A Blueprint for the Next Government, developed in conjunction with the expert team from Strategic Analysis Australia and some of the key findings in the report thus far.

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, hosts Liam Garman and Daniel Croft unpack new "safe habour" protections unveiled by the federal government, before looking into some recent hacks and controversy surrounding artificial intelligence. The pair begin the podcast examining the new "safe harbour" protections unveiled by Minister for Cyber Security Tony Burke, and how it will help information gathering for law enforcement agencies. They then examine the recent Total Tools breach, before diving into the risk of credential stuffing. Croft and Garman wrap up the podcast discussing poor AI implementation in business following the Melbourne mayor's AI-generated imagery fiasco. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, hosts Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson and Liam Garman invite Major General (Ret'd) Gus McLachlan back for a follow-up podcast, unpacking irregular warfare, information operations and military modernisation.  They begin the podcast discussing Russia's "little green men" during the invasion of 2014, and how Russian units were able to take over swathes of Eastern Ukraine.  MAJGEN (Ret'd) McLachlan then unpacks his priorities in uniform in modernising the Australian Defence Force. The podcast then examines how two Russian nations were charged with laundering money to spread disinformation ahead of the US presidential election.  Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, recorded live from Land Forces 2024, host Steve Kuper is joined by the chief executive of Land for Babcock International, Tom Newman, to discuss the evolution of land warfare. The pair discuss: The pair discuss the latest announcements and key focus points for Babcock at the 2024 Land Forces exhibition and Chief of Army Symposium and the key narratives shaping the conversation. They also discuss the UK's current Strategic Defence Review process implemented by the newly elected Labour government and what that means for the British Army in the context of broader geopolitical and strategic challenges in the European theatre.  Finally, they discuss the rapid proliferation of advanced technologies on battlefields in Ukraine and the Middle East and the role of innovation in shaping defence capabilities and delivering them at scale and quickly to our warfighters. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Downer Professional Services' Rachel Hatton, General Manager - Mission Engineering, and Connie Heaney, General Manager - Advisory & Technical Services, join Liam Garman to discuss what Defence's Digital Engineering Strategy means for Australia, offer insights on digital and mission engineering approaches, and provide real world examples. The podcast begins by illuminating how the DE Strategy relates to the National Defence Strategy, and how it directly addresses the challenges that traditional capability life cycle processes have keeping up with technological advancements. Hatton and Heaney then unpack the strategy's five strategic goals and talk about its potential to revolutionise the Australian workforce and innovation within the capability development system. They wrap up the podcast discussing what this means for industry, from transitioning to a digital environment, more pilot projects to test DE tools, and greater collaboration across Defence, industry and academia. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, Joe Hockey, former Australian ambassador to the United States, joins hosts Phil Tarrant, Major General (Ret'd) Marcus Thompson and Steve Kuper to discuss the continued importance of the Australia–US relationship. The trio begin by discussing the fallout of the latest presidential debate between contenders, former president Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, touching on the implications for the bilateral relationship. They also discuss the role of grey zone warfare and information warfare efforts in the upcoming election and how they may shape the outcome. Finally, they discuss the importance of the partnership in helping Australia reindustrialise and build a truly sovereign defence industrial base, with a pathway forward to establishing an integrated Australian prime. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of Cyber Uncut, host David Hollingworth is joined by Daniel Croft to unpack the week in cyber security. From hacks abroad and closer to home, the changing tactics of the once prolific LockBit ransomware gang, to new Australian laws introduced to protect our privacy and stop the spread of misinformation, the pair cover a lot of ground and try to find a bright spot in the Australian Federal Police (AFP) looking to mentor neurodivergent into a career in cyber security. Croft talks about a disclosure by the third-largest cyber security firm in the world, Fortinet, with the company revealing that a malicious actor accessed a third-party repository, while closer to home, the RansomHub gang posts a trove of customer data stolen from a New Zealand accounting firm. The pair also discuss sneaky new "data duplication" tactics being used by LockBit, where it takes an old leak and threatens victims a second time. Then Hollingworth and Croft discuss new government regulations boosting the powers of the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) and the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) while pondering the scope of coming to grips with the social media giants before closing a brighter note, praising the AFP for its neurodivergent mentoring program. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, Andrew Hastie MP, shadow minister for defence and shadow minister for defence industry, joins hosts Phil Tarrant and Liam Garman to discuss how Australia must develop sovereign capability amid growing geopolitical uncertainty. The trio begin the podcast discussing how Australia needs to support Defence SMEs to deliver sovereign capability amid rising political uncertainty before looking into additional uses of Australia's special forces capabilities. The shadow minister then discusses how decision makers must clearly articulate the grey zone and kinetic risks that Australia faces, and outlines what some of his key objectives would be in government. The podcast wraps up discussing Ukraine's continued fight for freedom. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, Major General (Ret'd) Gus McLachlan, former Commander Forces Command, joins hosts Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson and Liam Garman to unpack modern asymmetrical warfare: from the Taliban in Afghanistan to Chinese Coast Guard vessels in the Philippine Sea, and even how social media is spurring political divisions. The podcast begins by analysing what grey zone warfare looks like in the modern geopolitical environment, from resource competition to militarisation of civilian capabilities to compel an adversary beneath the threshold of armed conflict. The trio then discuss lessons from the Taliban in Afghanistan, including the utilisation of information to seize control of the narrative. They then examine the need to seize freedom of manoeuvre in the online domain, and the risks of forfeiting social media. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Andrew Henderson, principal of AgSecure. The pair discuss: The role and importance of Australia's multibillion-dollar agriculture industry in the nation's security. The importance of maintaining the nation's access to sea lines of communication that provides the nation's economic lifeblood and flow of trade between Australia and the broader Indo-Pacific. The central role securing the nation's food security plays in a whole-of-nation response to a conflict or crisis in the new multipolar world. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Ventia's John Rogers, executive general manager - defence, and Belinda Grealy, executive general manager - telco fixed networks, join host Liam Garman to unpack how industry can help support Defence's strategic objectives, including delivering advanced ICT capabilities, providing emergency response efforts and managing remote sites.  The trio begin the podcast discussing what makes a successful partnership between Defence and industry. Grealy then discusses how Ventia supports the delivery of advanced information and communications technology and how this underpins Defence's future mission, with Rogers unpacking the challenges of supporting remote Defence bases.  They wrap up the podcast analysing how industry can support the Defence Force's surge capability and emergency response efforts. Enjoy the podcast,The Defence Connect team

In this episode of Cyber Uncut, Shaq Johnson – ANZ bank's head of customer protection – joins hosts David Hollingworth and Liam Garman to break down the current scam landscape in Australia, from what the scammers are doing to the real, personal impacts of falling victim to a scam. As Hollingworth says in the podcast, 164,111 scams have been reported to the National Anti-Scam Centre's Scamwatch already this year, so while scams are slowing down, it's still a significant challenge. Our discussion with Johnson opens with what some of the most reported scams are and how they work. Johnson then goes into the challenges that ANZ and other banks face, from tracing accounts linked to money mules and offshore organised scam organisations to whether scam victims should be reimbursed once they've fallen victim and sent money to a scammer. Finally, Johnson explains the unique challenges of being a first responder to scam victims and outlines the approach ANZ takes to support its employees on the coalface of the fight against scammers. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Natalie Treloar, Dr Carl Rhodes and Christine Leah, PhD, of the National Institute for Deterrence Studies. The group discuss a range of topics, including: The evolution of deterrence theory throughout the Cold War and in the post-Cold War world as we face an era of great power competition. Australia's history of using deterrence-focused platforms without a coherent strategy of deterrence despite the plans outlined in the Defence Strategic Review and National Defence Strategy. The future of Australia's deterrence capabilities and how to expand the public understanding of deterrence as a "whole-of-nation" effort with benefits for all Australians. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Noel Derwort, Executive General Manager – Advisory for Atturra, joins host Liam Garman to discuss how Atturra is embracing diversity of thought to deliver efficiencies for Defence, and how the company offers a truly sovereign capability for the ADF. The pair begin the podcast examining how Atturra supports the defence ecosystem, and how the company employs lessons and synergies from across Australian industry to support the ADF. Derwort then advises that governments and consultants rethink the consulting process, advising against acquiring technology for technology's sake – which can create more problems than solutions. They wrap up the podcast examining how Atturra is overcoming workforce challenges, employing both veterans and individuals from non-traditional backgrounds to draw on diversity of thought, before defining what true sovereignty means. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Ventia's Melanie Evans, group executive/CIO - digital services, and John Parisella, general manager transformation - defence, join host Liam Garman to unpack how Ventia's new and emerging data-driven capabilities are supporting decision making in Defence. Evans and Parisella begin the podcast discussing how Ventia is transforming Defence asset management, including creating digital twins for Defence capabilities the right way through from ships to monitor upkeep to remote Defence assets to maximise workforce outputs. They then unpack their practical approach to data-driven decision making, including the practical application of artificial intelligence to streamline internal policy making. Evans, Parisella, and Garman wrap up the podcast looking at emerging technologies, including predictive analytics to ensure the efficient use of Defence assets. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, hosts Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson, inaugural head of the ADF's Information Warfare Division, Phil Tarrant and Liam Garman unpack the importance of long-range strike as a deterrent and how Australia is uplifting its cyber and information warfare capabilities. MAJGEN (Ret'd) Thompson begins unpacking the benefits of establishing the ADF's Cyber Command, drawing together the cyber capabilities of each of the services and enhancing the integrated force's warfighting effects. They then examine Iran's cyber operations against the Republican Party in the US, and whether Australia and the US should consider expanding ANZUS. The trio then discuss the acquisition of the B21 to provide redundancy as Australia procures nuclear-powered submarines and the need to develop clear doctrine across the electromagnetic spectrum. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Steve Kuper, Robert Dougherty and Liam Garman unpack Ukraine's Kursk offensive, Australia's exposure to global economic headwinds and Iran's mooted response to Israel's assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. The podcast commences with an analysis of Ukraine's offensive in Kursk, before examining whether the sanctions have had the desired effect on Russia's economy. Kuper, Dougherty and Garman then assess how a growing axis of authoritarianism is creating a parallel global economy, and whether Australia would have the means to survive economic headwinds if it experienced a sharp decrease in commodity demand. The podcast wraps up discussing Iran's mooted response to Haniyeh's assassination, and how actors would respond to regional conflict. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Graeme Bick, global test and evaluation campaign chief solution architect at QinetiQ, and Adjunct Associate Professor Dr Keith Joiner, engineering management and systems engineering at Old Dominion University, join host Liam Garman to discuss how T&E, certification, and systems assurance are essential for the delivery of Defence capabilities.  The trio begin the podcast unpacking how industry needs to adapt how it undertakes T&E as Defence embarks on an era of rapid modernisation, and those impediments facing T&E in Australia. Bick and Dr Joiner then discuss areas for improvement in the Australian T&E workforce, and how academia and industry can work together to ameliorate workforce constraints. They wrap up looking at how education providers can train Australia's future T&E workforce, and how the Defence Capability Assurance and Oversight Bill will help Defence and industry.  Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Contested Ground podcast, where hosts Major General (Ret'd) Marcus Thompson, Phil Tarrant and Liam Garman unpack how nations vie for influence below the threshold of armed conflict. In this episode, the hosts unpack how foreign actors sought to stoke tensions during the recent English riots and how social media echo chambers have caused a deep division in society. The hosts then look closer to home and how the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) recently raised Australia's terror threat level, analysing a range of factors that have contributed to this, including how communities responded to the 7 October attacks in Israel. They wrap up the podcast debating whether the government and police should monitor speech online, and to what extent. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of Cyber Uncut, James Blake, head of global cyber resiliency strategy at Cohesity, joins host Liam Garman to discuss how businesses can respond to destructive ransomware and wiper attacks – and why chief information security officers (CISOs) should perceive backups as a secret weapon in the fight against malicious actors.  The pair begin the podcast by analysing what the new-era ransomware and wiper attacks look like and how they can stop a business – even in critical industries – from delivering for their clients. Blake then unpacks the challenges behind incident containment before diving into Cohesity's recent research, which showed alarming statistics on the number of Australian businesses that have paid ransoms. The pair wrap up the podcast by discussing how businesses must leverage backups in order to ensure business continuity, as Blake explains why backups are a CISO's secret weapon in the war against malicious actors.  Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Dr Ross Babbage, CEO of Strategic Forum and senior non-resident fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments.   The pair begin their conversation discussing the origins of Dr Babbage's report for the Lowy Institute, Deterrence and alliance power: Why the AUKUS submarines matter and how they can be delivered.    The pair also discuss:  Some of the concerns in Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom around delivering the future SSN-AUKUS fleet.  The risk/reward opportunity available to Australia as part of the generational nation-building program AUKUS represents.  Setting the record straight on some of the misconceptions and focal points that dominate the national conversation about AUKUS.  Enjoy the podcast,  The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, the 2024 Western Australian AgriFutures Rural Women's Award winner, Mandy Walker, joins senior journalist Robert Dougherty to discuss new ways to integrate regional businesses into the defence supply chain to resist seasonal challenges in Australia. The pair discuss the 2024 WA AgriFutures Rural Women's Award, the national finals, and working in Western Australia. Walker, co-manager of Walkers Diesel Services, then explains a new initiative expected to pave the way for regional engineering businesses to participate in the defence industry supply chain. Walker and Dougherty wrap up the podcast by looking at decision making in Western Australia and her plans to win the national AgriFutures award. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Peter Maloney, CEO and managing director of AUCloud, joins host Liam Garman to examine the 71 per cent year-on-year increase in cyber attacks against healthcare systems and the risks that this will pose for regular Australians. The pair begin the podcast by unpacking key findings from the 2024 Cyber Security Healthcare Report and the key factors that contribute to this alarming trend. Maloney then provides insight into the Monash Health and MediSecure data breaches and what steps that healthcare providers must take to prevent future breaches. They wrap up the podcast by looking at the ethical implications of healthcare data breaches, while Maloney details the must-need strategies and technologies to ameliorate this risk. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Australian Army veteran Adrian Bucci joins senior journalist Robert Dougherty to discuss life in the Australian Defence Force, his deployment to Afghanistan, and becoming the first Australian forward observer to fire artillery on operations since the Vietnam War. The pair discuss Major (Ret'd) Bucci's time with the Royal Australian Artillery, parachuting with the ADF, and assignment with United Kingdom troops during Exercise Long Look. Bucci then explains the changes to a post-Western intervention Afghanistan as the Taliban takes on a more solidified governmental role. Bucci and Dougherty wrap up the podcast looking at the current world demand for 155mm artillery munitions and what new recruits can look forward to during a career in the Australian Defence Force. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Ed Zoiss, President, Space and Airborne Systems at L3Harris, joins host Liam Garman to unpack how integrated all-domain electronic warfare is a fundamental capability in today's defence landscape, and how the Australian Defence Force must establish freedom of manoeuvre in the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS). The pair begin the podcast examining how electronic warfare is used in modern military operations and how L3Harris is helping Australia leverage the power of information. Zoiss then unpacks L3Harris' collaboration with the US Space Force and how space capabilities will be critical for the monitoring and detection of emerging hypersonic and ballistic missile threats. The podcast wraps up assessing the future of electronic warfare and space operations, and how Australia can leverage the Australia–US alliance and AUKUS to build their capabilities in these domains. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Christopher Groves, former Royal Navy submariner and underwater business development lead at QinetiQ, and Graeme Bick, QinetiQ's global test and evaluation campaign chief solution architect, join host Liam Garman to unpack how test and evaluation will be critical for the success of Australia's nuclear-powered submarine program. The trio begin the podcast examining the role of T&E in submarine operations, especially in ensuring that the capability remains undetectable while on deployment. Groves and Bick then discuss Australia's unique geography and oceanographic conditions, and how the transition from conventionally powered to nuclear-powered submarines will pose interesting challenges for Defence and industry. Bick continues the podcast by unpacking how the Submarine Rotational Force - West will shake up naval operations in Australia before Groves wraps up, looking at how T&E will be fundamental for the introduction of emerging capabilities into the Australian Defence Force. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Daily podcast, Phil Tarrant, Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson, and Liam Garman unpack how society must come to terms with the growing magnitude of IT mishaps and recent changes to Australia's cyber security leadership.  The podcast begins by analysing the CrowdStrike IT outage and how IT mishaps will increasingly threaten society as we know it – discussing alternatives, including supplier diversification for business and government redundancies.  They then discuss the appointment of Minister Tony Burke as Australia's new cyber security minister and whether his responsibilities – including the portfolios of home affairs, immigration, arts and cyber security, will give cyber enough time around the cabinet table.  They wrap up by looking at how local government continues to be a weak link in Australia's cyber security chain.  Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this special episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper speaks to Taiwan's most senior representative, Douglas Hsu, to discuss the bilateral relationship and opportunities, and the China question. The pair discuss a range of topics affecting the future of both Australia and Taiwan and the future of security in the Indo-Pacific region, including: The economic and industrial lessons learned by Taiwan throughout its rapid industrialisation and how they can help to shape Australia's own industrial development. The island democracy's growing concerns for its security and how the bilateral relationship with Australia is helping to prepare the nation in the event of the unthinkable. The future opportunities, risks, and state of preparedness in the nation amid mounting provocations by the People's Republic of China. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Nova Systems CEO Dean Rosenfield and chief people officer Shelley Willsmore join host Liam Garman to unpack key lessons from the war in Ukraine for Australia's industrial base and how Australia can better collaborate with its AUKUS partners. Rosenfield and Willsmore begin the podcast examining key lessons from the British and European defence industries following Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine. They then unpack the concept of diversification across the tripartite AUKUS alliance, ensuring that defence industry and allied militaries don't duplicate efforts, before examining the role of capability audits in defence. The trio wrap up the podcast looking into overcoming workforce challenges and the importance of ensuring Australia gets Test and Evaluation capability right, following the release of the Defence Industry Development Strategy. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Australian Army veteran and judoka Scott Steer joins Liam Garman to discuss how he and his team are supporting Australia's veteran community through martial arts with the Veterans Grappling Foundation. The pair discuss Steer's career in judo before joining the Australian Army, and where he developed the idea of the Veterans Grappling Foundation. Steer then explains how the principles of martial arts – in particular, grappling arts such as Brazilian jiu-jitsu and judo – are important tools in facilitating the transition from military to civilian life. Steer and Garman wrap up the podcast looking at some of the challenges in establishing the charity and its next steps. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Vice Admiral (Ret'd) Dave Johnson, vice-president at L3Harris Technologies, joins host Liam Garman to unpack how L3Harris is leveraging technology-sharing arrangements under the AUKUS partnership to support Australian Defence capability, and how the company is supporting Australia's transition to a nuclear-powered submarine future. The pair begin the podcast unpacking Australia's role in AUKUS and L3Harris' commitment to the region, before examining how the company is partnering with industry and academia to enhance the nation's defence capabilities. VADM (Ret'd) Johnson then shares his thoughts on how technology-sharing arrangements under AUKUS Pillars I and II will support the ADF and the benefits of the Submarine Rotational Force - West. They wrap-up the podcast examining the opportunities and challenges of SRF-W for industry, how industry can leverage opportunities presented by AUKUS, and the critical factors for success in building a long-term nuclear-powered submarine sustainment capability. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Lesley Carhart, director of incident response for North America at Dragos, joins host Liam Garman to unpack how businesses can improve their ICS/OT cyber processes, before giving some tangible advice for business leaders on how they can build their incident response plans. The pair begin the podcast by unpacking some common and emerging threat trends being observed across ICS environments and how companies need to build a bridge between IT and OT teams to protect assets. Carhart then details why OT security is so immature relative to IT security and shares some practical steps that organisations must take to protect their ICS. The podcast wraps up with some tangible advice on how businesses can build incident response plans, ensuring that they can streamline the resumption of operations in the event of a cyber incident. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by the former deputy secretary strategy in the Department of Defence and secretary of the Department of Home Affairs, Michael Pezzullo, to take a look into the not-too-distant future of the Indo-Pacific's balance of power.  The pair begin their discussion with a conversation about the ongoing hostilities in the South China Sea and the rapidly closing window of opportunity to prepare for the potential of great power conflict in our region. The pair also discuss: The measures Australia can take to rapidly expand our national defence capability ahead of a potential confrontation over Taiwan. The fallout of a conflict between the United States and the People's Republic of China and its long-term impact on the Indo-Pacific. Our initial predictions of what to expect over the next three years as President Xi Jinping's 2027 deadline approaches. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Phil Tarrant, Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson, and Liam Garman analyse the genesis of the Optus and Medibank hacks before debating the return of Julian Assange to Australia. The pair begin the podcast by pulling apart recent findings on the cause of the Optus and Medibank hacks, as well as the regulatory responses from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) and the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). Tarrant, MAJGEN (Ret'd) Thompson, and Garman then share their thoughts on the ongoing Assange controversy and how WikiLeaks not only sowed political discord but also put the lives of Australian soldiers at risk. The podcast wraps up by unpacking the role of artificial intelligence in prosecuting information operations. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this special crossover episode of the Defence Connect Podcast and Cyber Uncut podcast, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Cyber Security Clare O'Neil joins Liam Garman to unpack how the Albanese government aims to make Australia the world's most cyber-secure nation by 2030 and gives firsthand insight into upcoming cyber security legislation to keep us safe online. The pair begin the podcast by going behind the curtain to see what threats keep Minister O'Neil up at night, and how the government is tackling such a broad array of online threats – from phishing attacks to credential stuffing and insider threats. Minister O'Neil then shares her thoughts on the recent Deloitte report on the Optus attack and clears up some common questions on SOCI/SLACIP. The podcast wraps up by looking at upcoming cyber security legislation and what the future of digital transformation looks like in Australia. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Cyber Security Clare O'Neil joins Cyber Daily editor Liam Garman to unpack how the Albanese government aims to make Australia the world's most cyber secure nation by 2030 and give firsthand insight into upcoming cyber security legislation to keep us safe online.  The pair begin the podcast by going behind the curtain to see what threats keep Minister O'Neil up at night, and how the government is tackling such a broad array of online threats - from phishing attacks, to credential stuffing and insider threats.  Minister O'Neil then shares her thoughts on the recent Deloitte report on the Optus attack, and clears up some common questions on SOCI/SLACIP. The podcast wraps up by looking at some upcoming cyber security legislation and what the future of digital transformation looks like in Australia.  Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Rockingham City Councillor Peter Hudson joins host Liam Garman to unpack the role of local government in delivering infrastructure needed for AUKUS Pillars I and II. Cr Hudson and Garman begin unpacking the infrastructure that is needed to deliver large-ticket defence items, and how Australia needs a national security strategy to ensure a whole-of-nation approach to national security. They then discuss what the federal and state governments need to do to deliver Defence capabilities and address the workforce gap. The podcast wraps up discussing the rise of China and rising political uncertainty within Australia's AUKUS allies. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of Cyber Uncut, Liam Garman and Daniel Croft unpack the latest cyber security news, complete with some interesting lessons for business leaders from this year's Australian Cyber Security Summit. The pair begin the podcast with an update on allegations of a breach at a global professional services company, before analysing how businesses need to refine post-breach communications by including receptionists, assistants and call centres in their strategies.   They then look at the Australian Communications and Media Authority's recent judgment on the cause of the Optus hack, and recent moves from LockBit targeting US financial institutions and the Indonesian government. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this special episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper speaks with Taiwan's most senior representative, Douglas Hsu, to discuss the bilateral relationship and opportunities, and the China question. The pair discuss a range of topics affecting the future of both Australia and Taiwan and the future of security in the Indo-Pacific region, including: Evans and Parisella begin the podcast discussing how Ventia is transforming Defence asset management, including creating digital twins for Defence capabilities the right way through from ships to monitor upkeep to remote Defence assets to maximise workforce outputs.  They then unpack their practical approach to data-driven decision making, including the practical application of artificial intelligence to streamline internal policy making.  Evans, Parisella, and Garman wrap up the podcast looking at emerging technologies, including predictive analytics to ensure the efficient use of Defence assets.  Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode, the Cyber Daily team went live at the Australian Cyber Security Summit, where we caught up with AUCloud's Peter Maloney, Mercury ISS' Edward Farrell, and Brendan Dowling – Australia's ambassador for cyber affairs and critical technology. Farrell talks about his company's 10-year journey and how Mercury ISS has expanded its cyber security offering. Dowling explains exactly what his role entails and the importance of international collaboration in fighting cyber crime. Maloney breaks down AUCloud's 2024 Cyber Security Healthcare Report on the threats facing the healthcare industry and how the sector can protect itself in the face of growing cyber attacks. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper speaks with Professor John Blaxland about Australia's growing need for a national security strategy. The pair also discuss: Blaxland's history as an Army intelligence and signals officer, his transfer to the Australian National University, and his career as an academic working in Washington. The recently commissioned RSL report authored by Blaxland outlining the geopolitical, strategic, and environmental challenges that necessitate an Australian National Security Strategy. The individual components of an Australian National Security Strategy and setting us up for success in the face of great power competition. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, hosts Steve Kuper and Rob Dougherty discuss the events and topics that were making headlines across industry. Reporting live from the 2024 Australian Cyber Security Summit in Canberra, the pair also discuss:  The Ukrainian ambassador's indication of interest in Australia's retiring Tiger attack helicopters.  Setting the record straight on debate around Australia donating the retired F/A-18 Hornets to Ukraine.  The ongoing strengthening of the relationships between the world's autocratic powers: Russia, China, and North Korea.  Mounting concerns that the United States may not directly intervene in the event of Chinese hostilities towards Taiwan. The US' "hellscape" strategy for supporting expanded foreign military sales to Taiwan.   Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by former deputy secretary strategy in the Department of Defence and secretary of the Department of Home Affairs, Michael Pezzullo, to discuss the "long arc" of Australia's defence policy. The pair begin their discussion focusing on the early days of Australia's "sovereign" defence policy, beginning in the aftermath of the Second World War, and our double-edged sword fear of "entrapment" and "abandonment". They also discuss: The evolution of Australia's defence policy and posture during the Cold War, culminating in the 1986 Dibb Report and 1987 Defence White Paper which continues to influence the nation's posture and policy to this day. The 2009 Defence White Paper whose development was led by Pezzullo and the Force 2030 concept which marks the first time China's regional ambitions are highlighted and accounted for in Australian planning. The current predicament Australia finds itself facing in light of mounting great power tension and competition in the Indo-Pacific and our need to rapidly prepare. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Liam Garman, Steve Kuper, and Robert Dougherty address confusion surrounding the government's recent recruitment announcement and examine why governments in the West remain complacent despite the continued rise of authoritarian powers. Dougherty unpacks the federal government's recent announcement to open ADF recruitment to permanent residents from New Zealand, the UK, the US, and Canada and what this will mean for Defence. The trio then examine the West's continued complacency regarding national security and America's waning geopolitical hegemony, discussing whether we are looking at the end of the "end of history". The podcast wraps up analysing the recent Collins Class life-of-type extension and the extent of Australia's deterrence gap. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Tim Napper, federal principal at HDR, joins host Liam Garman to unpack how the Australian Defence Force can unlock the best from its soldiers, sailors, and aviators through estate design. The pair begin by discussing how the Commonwealth needs to review how it thinks about infrastructure – and how human-centric estate design can improve the wellbeing, morale, and performance of its teams. Napper then touches on examples from the health and education sectors where data-driven design is used to improve recovery and learning. They wrap up the podcast examining how Defence can make design and build more efficient, which will ensure that more businesses stay in Defence industry. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Liam Garman, David Hollingworth, and Daniel Croft unpack a crazy week in cyber security – with millions of Australians caught up in attacks through to splits within the hacking community.  The trio unpack the recent Ticketmaster breach – with millions of users impacted nationwide – and the surprising name behind the attack. They then discuss BreachForums coming back online – and a recent split that has happened in the hacking community in response to the forum's re-emergence.  Garman, Hollingworth, and Croft wrap up the podcast by looking at new reporting guidelines for businesses and some crazy tweets surrounding the government's Digital ID laws. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, editor of Space Connect Adam Thorn, Steve Kuper, and Liam Garman unpack AusSpace24 – Australia's biggest space sector event. The podcast begins by unpacking how Brigadier General Anthony Mastalir, Commander, US Space Force Indo-Pacific, and Major General Gregory Novak, Defence Space Commander, delivered insights into the future direction of Australian-US allied space interests. The trio then unpack critical insights from the event – including how new technologies are shaping space as well as mitigating the risks of space debris. They wrap up discussing how the industry responded to substantial government funding cuts. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Chris Fisher, regional director of ANZ at Vectra AI, joins host Liam Garman to unpack how generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools are creating new exploits for malicious actors and how cyber professionals can best prepare for these emerging threats. Fisher and Garman begin the podcast by examining how threat actors exploit generative AI tools, which are used to drive business efficiency, to expedite access to sensitive data. Fisher addresses some common misconceptions in cyber security about the use of AI: how effective is AI-generated script? Can it be used to identify zero-days? What does the future of AI look like in cyber security? The pair then address how cyber security professionals can leverage AI within their own teams to drive efficiency in prioritising and executing likely threats. They wrap up the podcast with some top tips for businesses to protect themselves against emerging threats emanating from AI. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper speaks with deputy chair of the parliamentary joint committee on intelligence and security (PJCIS), Andrew Wallace MP. The pair begin their discussion focusing on the importance and need for the creation of a parliamentary joint committee on defence, with similar oversight powers to the PJCIS, to ensure that Australia's elected representatives can conduct critical oversight of Defence. The pair also discuss: Wallace's recent analysis piece for the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, emphasising the nation's growing need to develop and institute a whole-of-nation national security strategy, building on the work of the late major general and senator Jim Molan, AO, DSC. The number of societal, economic, and political challenges that serve to undermine and divide Australia, particularly for young Australians who feel disconnected from the nation's future and our national security. The Coalition's national security priorities and emphasis should it be re-elected at the upcoming federal election. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this edition of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Lieutenant Colonel Meng Wang of Aviation Command, who led the capability management team of the multi-billion-dollar project to transform the Army Aviation capability. The pair begin the discussion focusing on the Army's need for a seamless and high-speed acquisition of UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to replace the troubled fleet of MRH-90 Taipan helicopters. They also discuss:  The Army's emphasis on building and operating a fleet of reliable, interoperable airlift helicopters that will enjoy continued support, maintenance, and upgrade pathways out to the middle of the century and potentially beyond.  Navigating the US defence bureaucracy and the foreign military sales ecosystem to provide a capability that delivers a value for money proposition and true capability outcomes for the Australian Defence Force. LTCOL Wang's career in the Army, beginning as an aviation engineer responsible for supporting the operation of the Army Chinook fleet, and the consolidation and commonality of Army's aviation platforms around the country to deliver enhanced capability. Enjoy the podcast,  The Defence Connect team

In this exclusive episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by former prime minister and treasurer of Australia, Scott Morrison. The pair discuss: Morrison's departure from politics and plans for the future, his new role as non-executive vice-chairman at American Global Strategies, and as adviser with venture capital firm DYNE. A recent visit to South Korea, Australia's relationships in the Indo-Pacific as well as speculation surrounding defence companies Hanwha and Austal. About a modern, grey-zone Cold War between the United States and the People's Republic of China. Australia's increasingly complex relationship with the People's Republic of China and a recent incident between a PLA fighter jet and a Royal Australian Navy helicopter. The empowerment of Australia's closest neighbourhood partnerships with Nauru and the Solomon Islands, and maintaining the Indo-Pacific status quo. Australian involvement in, and the behind-the-scenes formation of, the AUKUS trilateral partnership, its original intent and vision. The US presidential election and possible re-election of Donald Trump. The accomplishments and downfalls of Morrison's career in politics and during his time as the 30th Prime Minister of Australia. Morrison's own experiences with Australian Defence Force equipment such as F-35 stealth aircraft, Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles and a personal favourite – the Nimitz Class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, hosts Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson, Phil Tarrant and Liam Garman unpack what advertisers and business leaders can learn from military information warfare campaigns and just how many similarities these fields share. They begin the podcast by looking at the history of influence on the battlefield and how business leaders today seek to harness influence through social and traditional media to proliferate their messaging.  The trio then look at core lessons from the Russian campaign during the 2016 presidential election in the US – and how Russia's market segmentation delivers interesting lessons for modern advertisers. The podcast wraps up with an analysis of how branding and narrative can capture the imaginations of a target audience.  Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Mark Stevens to discuss the recently launched Periscope Capital Partners, and how the $1 billion fund will drive growth in local defence technology and innovation. The pair begin by unpacking how access to private capital will foster growth in Australia's sovereign defence industry, supporting supply chain resilience and delivering local economic growth. Stevens then explains how the veteran-led team is personally motivated to ensure that the Australian Defence Force can leverage world-leading defence technology, detailing how Australia's defence SMEs can access private capital to grow their businesses. They wrap-up the podcast examining how private capital can deliver much needed funds to defence SMEs amid Commonwealth funding uncertainty. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Liam Garman and David Hollingworth unpack how the US and Australian governments are holding social media giants responsible for their content and data safety. The pair begin by discussing revelations that Congress is looking to force ByteDance to sell TikTok in the United States to an approved third party or face being shut down. They then discuss how Julie Inman Grant, Australia's eSafety commissioner, is challenging X for hosting videos of the Wakeley stabbing attack and their rocky history. The podcast wraps up by analysing the recent OracleCMS hack.  Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Renee Wilson joins host Phil Tarrant to announce the rebrand of War Widows NSW to the Families of Veterans Guild, and how the organisation has a renewed mission to support all veteran family members.  The podcast begins detailing the reason behind the rebrand and how the organisation will support all family members of veterans who have quietly served. Wilson then outlines the history of War Widows NSW and how the newly rebranded Families of Veterans Guild is rising to the challenge to fill the gaps between existing veteran organisations, including providing support to family members of veterans who may not meet the stringent eligibility criteria of current groups. The pair then unpack how the Families of Veterans Guild will work alongside other veteran organisations to help serve former ADF members and their families. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Have you picked up on the rising swell of interest in mission engineering? In this episode, Rachel Hatton, Downer Professional Services' Head of Mission Engineering, and Nathan Rickard, Technical Director, join Liam Garman to help demystify mission engineering, explaining why it has become a hot topic and what industry need to know. The trio begin the podcast unpacking how making projects and platforms "king" in the capability life cycle has resulted in a force that isn't fit for purpose in the new strategic context, suggesting a paradigm shift that prioritises evidence-based decision making and a "top-down" approach. Hatton and Rickard explain the what, how, and why of mission engineering and its critical role in delivering capability at speed and on budget while ensuring that Defence is building the right things to enable key mission outcomes. The team talk about mission engineering's evolution within the US Department of Defense and wraps up with an analysis of how mission engineering will be pivotal to delivering the strategic imperatives outlined in the Defence Strategic Review. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Tim Walmsley, founder and CEO of BenchOn, joins host Liam Garman to officially launch the Australian Digital Defence Industry Matrix – an AI-powered platform that connects suppliers with the requirements of project teams from right across Defence industry.  The pair begin the podcast discussing how the Defence Strategic Review and Defence Industry Development Strategy changed the landscape of defence industry, making it easier for overseas companies to compete with Australian suppliers for Defence projects. Walmsley then unveils the Australian Digital Defence Industry Matrix (ADDIM) as a solution – a platform that connects suppliers and contractors to smooth the peaks and troughs of defence contracting to help Australian businesses compete across Australian and AUKUS supply chains. Launching this week, Walmsley then discusses how thousands of Australian small-to-medium sized enterprises have already joined the platform to leverage the benefits of interconnectivity. The pair wrap up the podcast looking at how ADDIM will support defence businesses and improve the resiliency of Australian supply chains. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Sabeen Malik, vice-president of global government affairs and public policy at Rapid7, joins Liam Garman to discuss the changing nature of global tech policy – applauding Australia's stringent cyber security legislation. The pair begin the podcast by discussing Malik's time developing tech policy within the Obama administration and how there is a hesitancy among policymakers to acknowledge the nefarious application of popular new technologies. Malik then applauds Australia as a world leader in cyber security and recommends that Australia could strengthen its frameworks yet further with privacy regulations that make cyber personally relevant to all individuals and organisations. They then discuss the necessity of public-private partnerships for cyber security, given the expertise of the private sector. The podcast wraps up with some tips for businesses to get ahead of the curb and prepare for future regulations in the sector, including developing bespoke processes based on unique risk profiles. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson unpack building a nexus between academia, business and our national security organisations to build a stronger domestic cyber security industry. MAJGEN (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson begins the podcast by discussing his experience setting up the Australian Defence Force's initial cyber and information warfare capabilities and discusses creating a pathway into the cyber security industry to foster public-private innovation. The pair then unpack the challenges in creating a nexus between academia, industry and national security with the risk of foreign interference on university campuses. Tarrant and Thompson then discuss the Change Healthcare hack and the operating model of politically and financially motivated criminal gangs. The podcast wraps up by analysing the benefits of the European Union's Artificial Intelligence Act and the Australian Digital ID legislation and how governments can improve legislation yet further. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Ben Miller, chief information security officer at Dragos, joins host Liam Garman to unpack the increasing number of ransomware attacks directed towards industrial organisations and how OT/ICS operators can better protect their assets. The pair begin by unpacking how threat groups have adapted their TTPs to attack modern industrial organisations and how ransomware attacks on manufacturers continue to disrupt global supply chains. Miller then details how OT/ICS operators can strengthen their cyber security posture and how the industry can better collaborate to enhance cyber resilience. The podcast wraps up by unpacking how Dragos enhances the threat detection and response strategies of industrial operators and what the future of OT cyber security looks like. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Stephen Kowal, chief executive officer of Atturra, joins host Liam Garman to unpack how Atturra is building a uniquely sovereign workforce to deliver for Defence – and deliver some top tips for SMEs in the defence industry. The pair commence unpacking the importance of sovereignty given Australia's geographic isolation, and what the Defence Industry Development Strategy (DIDS) means for Australian industrial capability. Kowal then unpacks the workforce constraints facing the defence industry, and what initiatives Atturra employs to get the most from their workforce. The podcast wraps up with some top tips for SMEs navigating this journey, and how Atturra will continue delivering for Defence. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Raj Samani, senior vice-president and chief scientist at Rapid7, joins host Liam Garman to provide intelligence direct from the cyber security battlefield. The pair begin the podcast by discussing the links between leading threat groups and rogue states, detailing their TTPs and operating models. Samani then unpacks recent findings from North Korea's Kimsuky threat group, lifting the veil on how such threat actors target companies and how Rapid7 works with governments and businesses to keep them safe online. The podcast wraps up by examining emerging TTP trends and how businesses can build effective systems and processes to monitor their organisation's attack surface. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Paul Cale, the Australian Army's subject matter expert for the Army Combatives Program (ACP), to unpack how Cale developed ACP and the importance of combatives in modern close-quarters combat. The pair begin the podcast unpacking the origins of ACP and how Cale drew from his experiences in Afghanistan as a member of 2 Commando and a career in martial arts to develop the Army Combatives Program. Cale then unpacks the ACP core principles and theory, and how they are universal across close-quarters fighting. The podcast wraps up looking at how Army can enhance the delivery of ACP, including encouraging the art of hand-to-hand combatives in the military through the introduction of combatives master trainers. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Jeffrey Hawkins, managing director of Pivot Maritime International, to discuss the role of innovation in Australia's modern defence industry. The pair discuss: The history of Pivot Maritime International and what sets the Tasmanian company apart from competitors to see the company emerge as one of the nation's great unsung defence industry innovators. Hawkins' experience and what it takes – skills and mindset – to build an innovative business culture and what he believes sets Pivot apart from other companies. What is next for Hawkins and Pivot as the company continues to focus on innovation and delivering for Australia's defence capability. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson unpack how foreign actors are targeting persons of interest on social media and how Australians are falling victim to unsophisticated credential stuffing campaigns. Like all news over recent months, the podcast begins talking about Taylor Swift – and how regular Australians became victims of credential stuffing campaigns on a popular ticketing website. The podcast continues with a look into pop culture deepfakes and how artificial intelligence (AI) poses a risk to geopolitical stability. The pair wrap up the podcast by looking into ASIO's Annual Threat Assessment and how foreign actors have targeted people of interest online, before analysing some of the world's most high-profile recent data breaches. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Robert Dougherty is joined by Brian Lim, Australian space industry insider and the CEO and founder of Dandelions. The pair discuss: Lim's previous career in the Singaporean Army and how the island-trading nation's geostrategic situation has changed in the last 20 years, plus its evolving relationship with the rising power of China. The growing relationship between Australia and Singapore and the opportunities for collaboration and partnership to support Australian deployments in the south-east Asian region. Lim's history in engaging with Silicon Valley as a space-tech entrepreneur during his time in the United States and the challenges and opportunities facing entrepreneurs seeking to raise capital and build cutting-edge businesses. The need for greater government support for Australia's space industry following a quick break out of the block and the breakdown of how revenue is generated in Australia's space industry. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Mark Goudie, director of CrowdStrike Services, joins host Liam Garman to provide insight into the most prolific threats and vulnerabilities facing Australian businesses and how they can immediately take action to defend themselves. The podcast begins by examining critical findings from CrowdStrike's Global Threat Report before detailing the top things Australian businesses must do to protect their assets.  Goudie and Garman then outline the roles and responsibilities of different departments across a business in the event of a breach – from IT to legal and investor relations.  The pair wrap up the podcast by discussing how businesses can wargame an attack, before addressing common misconceptions in the cyber security industry.  Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Daily team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by returning guest, Australian Army Corporal (Ret'd) and Afghan veteran Matthew "Willy" Williams OAM, to discuss the fall of Avdiivka in Ukraine, the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and the emerging discussion around conscription in Australia.  Corporal Williams was deployed as a private to Afghanistan with the Australian Army and left as a corporal in 2020, undertaking a radical career change to operate the 167,000-subscriber "Willy OAM" independent journalism YouTube channel. He now acts as a travelling civilian conflict reporter following a terminal brain cancer diagnosis on his 22nd birthday and after being awarded an OAM in the Queen's Birthday 2020 Honours List. The pair discuss the recent withdrawal of Ukrainian armed forces from Avdiivka and the changing landscape of the battlefield in Ukraine. They then discuss the controversial topic of war crimes in the conflict, as well as tackling issues regarding the donation of MRH-90 Taipan helicopters and M1 Abrams battle tanks to Ukraine. They also discuss Williams' travels on the ground in Israel following the October attacks last year and use of drones in the conflict. Finally, the pair discuss the public discourse around the possible conscription in Australia and the comparative effectiveness of called-up troops in Ukraine. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this special Defence Connect Podcast, hosts Liam Garman and Steve Kuper unpack the findings of the government's independent analysis of the Navy's surface combatant fleet with former defence minister and ambassador to the US, the Honourable Kim Beazley AC. The trio begin by discussing the background and logic behind the review and how they shaped the findings the government ultimately released. They then move on to discuss the government's commitment to expand the number of surface combatants in the fleet and the emphasis on building out the "Tier 2" fleet alongside innovative capabilities, including autonomy. Finally, the trio discuss the balancing act required to deliver this ambitious plan and Australia's fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by WA Minister for Defence Industry and Veterans Issues, Paul Papalia CSC, MLA, to discuss the West Australian government's ambitious plans to help build the state's defence industry. The pair discuss the opportunities presented by the trilateral AUKUS agreement and Australia's acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines will provide for WA defence industry businesses. The pair also discuss the growing interconnectivity and engagement of the WA government with our international AUKUS partners and the important role these industry partners play in supporting the long-term development of the state and nation's defence industry workforce and defence industrial base. Finally, they then discuss programs like the WA government's Defence Ready Initiative that are designed to help support the maturity, development and lower the barriers to entry for WA's defence industry. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this special episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Liam Garman, Steve Kuper, and Rob Dougherty unpack the independent analysis into Navy's surface combatant fleet – and what the recommendations will mean for the Royal Australian Navy and defence industry. The podcast begins by examining how the recommendations will change the makeup of the Royal Australian Navy, with the introduction of up to 11 new general purpose frigates and the reduction of the Hunter Class program from nine to six. The three then look into how the Royal Australian Navy appears to be grasping the benefits offered by autonomy. They wrap-up the podcast discussing how the growth of Australia's surface fleet to 26 may create challenges for the Defence workforce. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Liam Garman, David Hollingworth, and Daniel Croft provide critical insights for business leaders on how to craft an investor and media relations strategy in the event of a breach. The trio begin the podcast by discussing the latest news before diving into how cyber breaches require all hands on deck to get a company back to business as usual. Hollingworth and Croft then provide anonymised case studies of investor and media relations strategies that have allowed companies to take control of the narrative. The podcast wraps up with a list of top tips for businesses to get on the front foot in the event of a breach. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Daily team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Dr David Kershaw, chief science strategic planning and engagement of the Defence Science and Technology Group. The pair begin discussing the evolution of the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) and how it is working to help deliver key capability outcomes in line with the Defence Strategic Review. They then move on to the role DSTG plays in bringing together Defence, industry, and academic institutions around the country through organisations like the NSW-based Defence Innovation Network (DIN) to bring together the best and brightest to solve the unique scientific challenges that face the Australian Defence Force. Finally, they discuss the opportunities available to industry and academia to work with DSTG to deliver capability outcomes for the Australian warfighter. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Julian Hill MP, chair of the Defence subcommittee of the joint standing committee on foreign affairs, defence and trade, joins host Steve Kuper to unpack the work of the subcommittee over 2023. The pair begin by discussing the oversight role of parliamentary committees and the valuable work they do working with parliamentary decisionmakers and the public service to represent the interests of constituents.  They also discuss the War Powers legislation currently before the Parliament and the importance of having Parliament involved in the decision-making process, particularly off the back of recent revelations about the lead-up to Australia's involvement in the 2003 invasion of Iraq.  Finally, the pair discuss the focal points of the Defence Annual Report 2022–23, for which submissions are now open and encouraged.  Enjoy the podcast,    The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson discuss how malicious actors are targeting Australian courts and how Australians can keep themselves safe from the threat of credential stuffing. The pair begin the podcast by unpacking the Commonwealth's sanctions on the Medibank hacker and how Australian courts have been in the crosshairs of malicious actors. Tarrant and Dr Thompson then unpack the recently leaked package of 26 billion documents, collated from some of the world's top brands, and how Australians can protect themselves from credential stuffing campaigns. They wrap up by examining the ethics of ransomware payments – even when the clean-up cost is greater than the cost of the ransom. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Daily team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Alastair MacGibbon, chief strategy officer of CyberCX, joins host Steve Kuper to unpack the importance of cyber security in delivering our nation's most important defence projects – including nuclear-powered submarines. The pair begin the podcast unpacking how cyber security is critical for defending defence supply chains and protecting the equipment used by Australia's soldiers, sailors, and aviators. MacGibbon and Kuper then discuss how threat actors always target the most vulnerable parts of the supply chain, usually smaller subcontractors, before examining some trends in cyber security. The podcast wraps up with a discussion into the role of cyber security in AUKUS Pillars I and II, and how it is essential for Australian organisations to enhance their cyber security standards as we become the custodians of nuclear technology. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Mercury ISS' Edward Farrell and Niru Verma join host Steve Kuper to discuss the latest trends in cyber security and the importance of building a tailor-made security strategy for your business. The trio begin the podcast by unpacking how cyber security underpins all military capabilities, whether on land, at sea, or in the air, before discussing the importance of instituting threat-driven approaches to cyber. Farrell and Verma then unpack the latest trends in cyber security and how businesses should build bespoke cyber security strategies that address the most likely vectors for attack, as opposed to the vulnerabilities that are most in vogue. They then discuss the most concerning threats for businesses, before examining just how easily threat actors can use credential stuffing to break into your organisation's network. The podcast wraps up by examining Mercury's philosophy of prevention over response, before discussing what is next on their business horizon. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Daily team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Allan Dundas, chief executive officer of DEWC Services, joins host Liam Garman to discuss how the company is helping to revolutionise the Australian Defence Force's C4ISREW capabilities. Dundas begins the podcast defining why C4ISREW (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, Electronic Warfare) is critical to enabling the military success of the ADF across all warfighting domains, and how militaries must secure freedom of manoeuvre in the electromagnetic spectrum. The pair then unpack how DEWC Services is building this capability within the ADF, employing world-leading engineers, scientists, and academics to train the warfighter. They wrap up the podcast examining how DEWC Services is overcoming Australia's skilled labour shortages, including how to attract the best talent, and how they are ensuring their current staff can overcome current and future C4ISREW challenges with advanced training programs including their graduate and mentorship programs. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Stephen Kuper is joined by Dassault Systèmes' Francois Mathieu and Shaun Edsall to unpack how the company is delivering efficiency and security in Australia's defence sector. The trio begin the podcast unpacking the history of Dassault Systèmes and how the company has grown to 24,000 employees over 40 years, providing innovative solutions to allied militaries across the globe. They then examine the company's model-based system engineering program to de-risk critical projects, accelerate time frames, and create reusable frameworks for future deliverables. The podcast continues by analysing how navies across the globe are grasping onto the concept of modularisation, before examining how the company is collaborating with primes, the supply chain, and academia to drive efficiency and security. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by CAE's director of global naval market development, Simon Ancona, to unpack how the science of training is enhancing national security. The pair begin the podcast unpacking how training fundamentally underpins readiness, accessibility, and sustainability, ensuring that both personnel and equipment are able to defend Australia's national interests. Ancona then unpacks trends in maritime training across the globe and challenges faced by navies in providing instruction by land and sea. They continue discussing how the science of training can be used to generate a next-generation force, employing technologies such as simulation to enhance the training environment. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Liam Garman, David Hollingworth, and Daniel Croft unpack a recent string of cryptocurrency-related compromises on X (formerly Twitter) and how threat actors have targeted Australian consumers over the Christmas break. The trio begin unpacking a recent post on X by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) endorsing bitcoin-tracked exchange traded funds (ETFs) and how the post is the latest in a long string of cryptocurrency scams on the site. They then discuss the latest breaking news with the ALPHV site being seized by the FBI. The podcast wraps up looking into The Iconic's strong response to recent consumer compromises, as well as an attack on a local travel agent. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Daily team

In this special Defence Connect Podcast recorded at the Indo Pacific 2023, host Steve Kuper and special guest Professor Peter Dean discuss the factors shaping the future Royal Australian Navy. The pair begin the podcast discussing the latest maritime platform revelations at the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition 2023, with some of the standout proposals from Navantia Australia, BAE Systems, and Luerssen. They then discuss the impact of the Defence Strategic Review and its findings on the future Royal Australian Navy fleet to maximise the impact of the future nuclear-powered submarine fleet. Finally, they discuss the role of the Navy in helping deliver impactful projection as articulated by the government and the avenues towards shaping the fleet to help deliver that. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Liam Garman, David Hollingworth, and Daniel Croft unpack the biggest news stories for 2023 – and dive into the recent Rhysida and ALPHV attacks.  The trio begin the podcast by unpacking the latest hack against Insomniac Games by Rhysida, which saw over a terabyte of data leaked online, as well as recent movements within the ALPHV ransomware gang. They then unpack the top five news stories of the year. Garman, Hollingworth, and Croft then wrap up the podcast by discussing recent research on a recently uncovered Chinese disinformation campaign. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this special episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Nathalie Sarlin, co-founder and director at Buzzworks and the 2023 Australian Defence Industry Awards, Female Defence Leader of the Year winner. The pair begin discussing Nathalie's journey from lawyer to defence industry business owner, mother and innovator. They also discuss the challenges facing women in executive leadership roles in the defence industry, the hurdles to climbing the ladder, and the exciting opportunities available in the sector. The pair also discuss the importance of awards programs like the Australian Defence Industry Awards for recognising the growing role women play in Australia's defence industry. Finally, the pair discuss the growth trajectory of Buzzworks and its history as a veteran-owned business, shaking up the innovation cycle for the Australian warfighter. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this special Defence Connect podcast recorded at Indo-Pacific 2023, host Steve Kuper is joined by NGA chief executive Christine Zeitz and Northrop Grumman's maritime/land systems and sensors division general manager Ingrid Vaughan and senior director for strategy and business development Tom Wears. The group begin discussing their key highlights and takeaways from the first few days of the 2023 Indo-Pacific Maritime Exhibition and Sea Power Conference, with much of the emphasis on the AUKUS trilateral partnership. They discuss Northrop Grumman's global role and expertise in the key areas across AUKUS Pillars I and II, with a heavy emphasis on the developing realm of cyber and quantum computing, among others. They also discuss Northrop Grumman's little-known role in supporting the US nuclear submarine program and central role in the supply chain for the US Navy's Virginia Class submarines. Finally, they discuss the key links and connections Northrop Grumman Australia enjoys with the global organisation that allows it to leverage the company's skills, experience and expertise in a mutually beneficial, symbiotic relationship that builds real, in-country capability here in Australia. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Leon Poggioli, ANZ regional director at Claroty, and Liam Garman unpack what the 2023–2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy means for the industry and how businesses can build XIoT policies to mitigate the risk of penetration.   •            The pair begin the podcast by analysing how the 2023–2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy will support the growth of Australia's cyber security industry and what it will mean for businesses.   •            Poggioli and Garman then analyse how threat actors can use harmless devices such as doorbells to penetrate networks.   •            The podcast wraps up by discussing practical advice on how businesses can protect themselves and their assets from attack.   Enjoy the podcast,   The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Babcock Australasia chief executive Andrew Cridland joins host Liam Garman to discuss how Babcock is uniquely positioned to support the delivery of AUKUS Pillar I and the allied surface combatant fleet. The pair begin the podcast by unpacking Cridland's long career in the defence industry and Babcock Australasia's key priorities over the coming year, including continued expansion in the Asia-Pacific region, supporting the delivery of core AUKUS capabilities and continued leadership in HF communications. Cridland then details how Babcock is uniquely placed to support the delivery of Australia's first nuclear-powered submarines, including how the company supports the maintenance of the UK's entire nuclear-powered submarine fleet. The podcast wraps up by unpacking how Babcock is supporting the delivery of allied surface combatants, looking at how the Arrowhead offering is providing an affordable, efficient and scalable option for navies across the globe. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Defence Connect's Steve Kuper sits down with Nic Maan, vice-president of government solutions, APAC, at KBR, to discuss how KBR will help tackle Australia's toughest infrastructure, services and sustainment challenges. The pair begin the podcast by discussing Maan's distinguished career in the defence industry and how sustainment and maintenance programs are fundamental for ensuring the ongoing operational capability of Australia's military hardware. Maan and Kuper then discuss KBR's long-term strategy to provide enhanced capability in infrastructure, services and sustainment and how the company has facilitated a culture of partnership between the supply chain and Defence to surmount any challenges along the way. The podcast wraps up by looking into the company's commitment to helping the Commonwealth and our AUKUS allies deliver AUKUS Pillars I and II. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this latest series of the Defence Connect Podcast, the Australian Defence Industry Awards Winner Showcase, Defence Connect sits down with award winners from ADIA 2023 to find out what makes them the best and the brightest in Australia's defence industry. This inaugural episode features Excellence Award winner and Academic of the Year Dr Marian-Andrei Rizoiu, unpacking his research into combating the effects of misinformation. The podcast begins by detailing Dr Rizoiu's background as a computer engineer, how he used his skills to assess information flows in online and offline environments and its impact on information warfare. Dr Rizoiu and host Liam Garman then unpack his research in detecting information operations agents beyond simply analysing what content they were posting. The podcast wraps up with the pair discussing how to combat and mitigate the impact of misinformation in our democracy. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and Dr Marcus Thompson discuss the key recommendations and findings from the recently released Australian Cyber Security Strategy, ASD Cyber Threat Report, and ASIC cyber pulse survey.   The pair discuss:    • recent appointments at Penten and unpack breaking news in the cyber security industry;   • updates to the ASD Essential Eight Maturity Model, in particular, examining how new guidelines will help mitigate threat detection and response times; and   • the must-know findings from the ASD Cyber Threat Report and ASIC cyber pulse survey, and how the Australian Cyber Security Strategy will shape the cyber security industry.

In this special episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, recorded at Indo Pacific 2023, host Steve Kuper and Jennifer Parker – director, defence policy, at National Security College – discuss her recent report for ASPI, titled, An Australian maritime strategy: resourcing the Royal Australian Navy. The pair begin by discussing the genesis of the report and Australia's need to develop a detailed and considered maritime strategy, as part of delivering the next-generation Royal Australian Navy surface fleet.    They then discuss the implications a maritime strategy would have on the government's independent review into the make-up of the surface fleet and how it directly influences the size and structure of the fleet.    Finally, the pair discuss a potential force structure for the Royal Australian Navy's surface fleet based on the latest revelations at Indo Pacific 2023.    Enjoy the podcast,  The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, senior journalist and host Robert Dougherty discuss digital defence infrastructure with former US Special Operations Command director of networks and services, Colonel (ret'd) Joseph M Pishock. Joseph Pishock is a 28-year veteran communicator of the US Army and has attended further study at St John's University in New York City and as a fellow at Columbia University. Dougherty and Pischock discuss lessons learnt while leading the communication systems of US Special Operations, including in active international war zones. The pair also discuss the advancement of defence technology and its impacts on monitoring and protecting fundamental digital infrastructure. They then discuss Pishock's guest presentation at the recent annual Military Communications and Information Systems expo in Canberra. They take a deep dive into the importance of remote defence monitoring systems, using first-hand experience of a US special operation in Africa affected by hurricane in Florida. Finally, the pair discuss how mapping and visualising systems allow countries to spend their Defence budgets more effectively, as well as the role of observability processes for defence cyber security evolving over time. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Nova Systems' chief people officer Shelley Willsmore and Miranda Van Hooff, executive director at Military and Emergency Services Health Australia (MESHA), join host Phil Tarrant to unpack how Defence industry can attract and retain the industry's best and brightest and how the two organisations support veterans as they transition into civilian life. The podcast begins unpacking how employee value propositions are leveraged to attract leading talent amid ongoing workforce constraints and how the industry can better collaborate to support Defence. They then discuss upskilling existing employees, including how Nova Systems is training its engineers to provide test and evaluation services for new and emerging technologies. The podcast wraps up by unpacking how Nova Systems and MESHA have teamed up to support veteran employment and how the industry can benefit from the unique skill sets of Australia's veteran community. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson, inaugural head of the Australian Defence Force's Information Warfare Division, and Phil Tarrant unpack how information warfare is employed in the modern threat environment.  The pair begin the podcast by analysing information operations surrounding the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and how information is harnessed to influence one's adversaries to their will.  They then examine how national power can be impacted through influence and military public affairs and how the magnitude of artificially generated content online can impact democracy.  The pair wrap up the podcast by examining the geopolitical ramifications of the conflict.

In this special episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Meryl Swanson MP, Member for Paterson, at the Indo Pacific 2023 Maritime Expo to discuss the latest news around defence and defence industry.  The pair begin the podcast discussing the latest news around the Indo Pacific 2023 Maritime Expo and the key priorities of the Albanese government. The pair also discuss the Albanese government's commitment to the nation's defence and defence industry, pushing back against the comments made by the Opposition's defence spokespeople. In particular, Swanson highlights the importance and deliberate nature of the government's Defence Strategic Review and the deliberate, considered actions taken by the Albanese government in delivering the findings of the review. Finally, the pair discuss the key, standout exhibitors of the Indo Pacific 2023 Maritime Expo for Swanson and her key findings following a recent trip to the US to speak with US lawmakers about the AUKUS agreement. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this special episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper speaks with Nick Asscher and Bill Freeman, directors at Touchpoint Technology, to discuss the increasing importance of trust and reliability when delivering technology solutions for Defence. Recorded live at Indo Pacific 2023, they begin discussing the history of Touchpoint and its growing role in supporting the Department of Defence and key defence companies. They also discuss the challenges facing ICT suppliers in the defence and national security space and the rising importance of secure, reliable, and "trusted" suppliers to provide Defence with the confidence that sensitive information is secure even in a contested environment. Finally, they discuss the emerging trends in the defence ICT space and the long-term planning, logistics, and infrastructure that enable our critical defence capabilities. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this special podcast at Indo Pacific Expo, host Steve Kuper is joined by the shadow minister for defence, the Hon Andrew Hastie MP and the shadow minister for defence industry, the Hon Luke Howarth MP, to discuss the news and feeling on the ground at Indo Pacific 2023. In this special two-part podcast, they discuss the news around the national security community and the defence industry represented at the Indo Pacific exhibition in Sydney. They discuss the feeling of concern and dismay among defence industry, particularly SMEs, as the Navy and the industry wait to see the government's response to the independent surface fleet review. They also discuss the growing concerns about our broader national security and the impact on our economic stability and prosperity in this era of great power competition. Finally, they also discuss programs like AUKUS – a true nation-building endeavour – that can provide opportunities and long-term security for generations of Australians. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Jaya Baloo, global chief security officer at Rapid7, joins host Liam Garman to unpack how Australia's regulatory environment is impacting businesses trying to manage the rapid pace of change in today's digital environment.   The pair begin by looking at how Baloo's career developed and the challenges she's faced keeping global organisations secure. Baloo and Garman then discuss the changing threat landscape and how cyber has become a hotly contested domain, especially when it comes to the conflicts in Ukraine and Israel, before looking at the reduced barrier to entry for young, patriotic hackers. The podcast wraps up with the pair breaking down the threats facing Australian businesses and what motivates hackers to go about their criminal enterprises. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, senior analyst Steve Kuper and senior journalist Rob Dougherty discuss the issues shaping the naval debate in the lead up to Indo Pacific 2023. The pair discuss: The autonomous vessel question and the implications on the arrival of elements of the US Navy's autonomous ghost fleet in Sydney. Concerns about major Australian naval capability programs, including the Hunter and Arafura Class programs, and potential solutions like Babcock's Arrowhead 140 frigate currently on offer to the Royal New Zealand Navy. The latest scuttlebutt in the lead up to Indo Pacific 2023 and potential announcements like LAND 8710-1 or SEA 2200 that may happen next week. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, aircraft expert and Australian Aviation editor Adam Thorn joins senior journalist and host Robert Dougherty to discuss recent international military aviation news from the Middle East, over the South China Sea, and in Australia. The pair discuss: The Australian Defence Force's MH90 Taipan helicopter fleet at career's end, with a recent fatal crash during Exercise Talisman Sabre and previous struggles with a number of technical issues. The United States Department of Defence reports detailing close encounters, release of flares, and dangerous manoeuvrers of People' Liberation Army fighter jets near US reconnaissance aircraft over international waters. Australia's launch of repatriation flights in the Middle East as conflict continues between Hamas and Israel. The Royal Australian Air Force C-130J Hercules and C-17A Globemaster heavy transport aircraft have both been deployed. Finally, the pair wrap up the podcast with some lighthearted analysis of the recently US-published 2023 Annual Report on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena from October this year. Enjoy the podcast,The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Drew Bagley, vice-president and counsel for privacy and cyber policy at CrowdStrike, joins host Liam Garman to unpack the emerging cyber security trends facing Australian businesses and how the Australian government can draw from success overseas to build a robust and agile policy framework to protect Australians online. The pair begin the podcast by unpacking findings from CrowdStrike's 2023 Threat Hunting report, detailing the emerging and evolving threats that all Australian businesses must monitor, including fascinating insights about the proliferation of non-malware and identity-based attacks. Bagley and Garman then discuss the Commonwealth's 2023 to 2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy and what the Commonwealth can learn from best practice from overseas governments. The pair wrap up the podcast by analysing how governments the world over turn to CrowdStrike to develop their cyber security strategies, and some of the global cyber security company's top tips for businesses to improve their security online. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, former Australian ambassador to the US and Opposition Leader, the Hon Kim Beazley AC, joins hosts Steve Kuper and Liam Garman to discuss the impact of the Defence of Australia policy and the role it continues to play in the modern world. The trio discuss: The geopolitical shifts in the late Cold War that went into shaping the 1987 Defence White Paper, best known for the formalisation of the Defence of Australia doctrine. The way in which the Defence of Australia policy continues to shape the Australian Defence Force and its force posture to this day. The end of the era of "warning time" and the important lessons Beazley learned during his time as the Australian ambassador to the United States. Finally, the trio wrap up discussing the rapidly changing reality of the world and some predictions ahead of the 2024 US general election. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Alex Wilson, director of solutions engineering (APJ) at Yubico, joins host Liam Garman to unpack the weaknesses of traditional two-factor authentication and how businesses can strengthen their security through physical two-factor keys.   The pair begin the podcast by discussing how threat actors can manipulate digital two-factor authentication measures and the challenges of rolling out 2FA across a workforce. Wilson and Garman then analyse some use cases for physical 2FA, delivering a simple cyber security solution for individuals as well as large and small businesses. The podcast wraps up by examining how Yubico's YubiKey can be rolled out to provide cyber security assurances to keep business data safe. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Professor Emily Hilder, interim Head of the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator, joins host Liam Garman to discuss how ASCA is facilitating innovation in the defence sector and the Commonwealth's priority areas for defence technological transformation. The pair begin the podcast unpacking how ASCA will facilitate technological growth in the defence industry and how it is working with international partners to support innovation. Professor Hilder then examines priority areas for defence, including AI, quantum computing, and advanced materials and manufacturing – and how ASCA can help Australian SMEs on their journey. The podcast wraps up unpacking what's next on ASCA's horizon and how businesses can better collaborate with Defence. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Absolute Software chief technology officer Nicko van Someren joins host Liam Garman to unpack how artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) can be used by both cyber response teams and threat actors – and AI/ML's inherent limitations. The pair begin the podcast by demarcating AI and advanced ML and how the inability of individuals to grasp the full potential of AI is hampering its continued development in business applications. Van Someren and Garman then unpack how AI is being used by threat actors and response teams, from automated anomaly detection through to code generation. The pair wrap up the podcast by unpacking van Someren's philosophy on neural networks, how businesses need to embed a culture of cyber resilience and how Absolute Software can help businesses on their cyber security journey. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this transformative episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and Liam Garman announce the upcoming rebrand of Cyber Security Connect to Cyber Daily and the launch of the reinvigorated Cyber Uncut podcast. Following the success of Cyber Security Connect, Cyber Daily will unpack and analyse all areas of digital transformation – ranging from cyber security, artificial intelligence and information systems through to modern digitally enabled business solutions to help Australian organisations leverage the cyber revolution. We hope you enjoy the podcast, and our hosts will be back next week with the newly launched Cyber Uncut podcast. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Sir Nick Hine, Babcock's managing director AUKUS and international and the United Kingdom's former Second Sea Lord, joins host Liam Garman to examine Babcock's Arrowhead frigate – and how the Arrowhead, the base design of the UK's Type 31 frigate, addresses a range of issues facing today's navies. The podcast begins unpacking how Babcock is actively supporting the AUKUS agenda, before detailing the myriad of problems facing Australian and allied navies including the price and availability of platforms. Sir Nick then details how the Arrowhead offers a lower cost, quicker to build and reduced crewed solution that relies on modularity. The pair wrap up the podcast discussing how the company is collaborating with navies across the world including Poland and Indonesia, and how the capability can be adapted to their unique needs without risking requirement creep. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Belinda Wilson – chief executive officer of Bravery Trust – and Murray Bruce, Bravery Trust ambassador and vice-president science, engineering and technology at Leidos Australia, join host Liam Garman to discuss the fourth annual Bravery Trek and how Bravery Trust supports the veterans community. The podcast begins unpacking how Bravery Trust delivers essential help to veterans and their families, providing financial support, counselling, and education. The trio then discuss Bruce's mammoth task of completing four marathons in 44 days to raise money as part of this year's Bravery Trek. The podcast wraps up discussing how Bravery Trust collaborates with other veterans organisations for the wellbeing of the veterans community and how Bravery Trust will continue to support veterans in the future. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, hosts Liam Garman and Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson unpack how businesses can implement protocols to protect their systems from third-party compromise. In the podcast, the pair examine the recent TissuPath and Pareto data breaches, observing that no matter how secure an organisation's networks may be – externally hosted data is always at risk. Dr Thompson and Garman then discuss how businesses must develop a whole-of-company response to data breaches from IT teams through to the media and legal departments. They wrap up the podcast by examining reputational risk and how only 27 per cent of Australian companies revealed their cyber incidents to the relevant authorities. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, senior analyst Steve Kuper is joined by Sam Roggeveen, director of the Lowy Institute's International Security Program, to discuss the Echidna Strategy in the context of great power competition.  The pair begin the podcast discussing Roggeveen's career working across Australia's defence and foreign policy apparatus, including with the Office of National Assessments, Defence Intelligence Organisation, and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs.  The pair then discuss the politics of Roggeveen's first book – Our Very Own Brexit: Australia's Hollow Politics and Where it Could Lead Us – and the implications domestic political polarisation and collapsing support for the major parties will have on Australia's future position and security in the Indo-Pacific. The pair then discuss the historic basis of Australia's defence policy and doctrine, beginning with the Forward Defence doctrine, then moving through the Defence of Australia-era to the current incarnation, as identified through the Defence Strategic Review, and the implications of major decisions like the AUKUS submarines. Finally, the pair discuss Roggeveen's latest book, The Echidna Strategy: Australia's Search for Power and Peace, the basis for its central thesis, the implications for Australia's defence posture and force structure as the nation seeks power and peace in the era of great power competition. Enjoy the podcast The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Australian Army Corporal (Ret'd) and Afghan veteran Matthew " Willy" Williams (Order of Australia Medal) to discuss citizen conflict reporting and his coverage of the ongoing Ukraine War. Corporal Williams was previously deployed as a private to Afghanistan with the Australian Army, leaving as a corporal in 2020 and undertaking a radical career change to operate the 130,000-subscriber Willy OAM independent journalism YouTube channel. The pair discuss Willy's experiences as a veteran, the support he received after leaving the Army, and his sideways career choice to become a travelling civilian conflict reporter. They then discuss the impact of a terminal brain cancer diagnosis on his 22nd birthday, his efforts to promote brain cancer awareness initiatives, and receiving an OAM in the Queen's Birthday 2020 Honours List. They also discuss his ongoing daily analysis of the Ukraine War through public crowd-sourced maps and how to split fact from fiction in the modern world of military propaganda. They then detail Willy's own interactions and interviews with military volunteers – from Australia, the US, and Russia – their motivations, and concerns. Finally, the pair take stock of the conflict, discussing worst-case scenarios, what it's like on the ground, and how it's likely to end. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Christiaan Beek, senior director of threat analytics at Rapid7, joins host Liam Garman to discuss Rapid7's 2023 Mid-Year Threat Review, unpacking the latest cyber security trends facing businesses and detailing need-to-know intelligence to keep Australian businesses safe. The pair begin the podcast analysing the most common threat vectors that are being exploited by cyber criminals, including unpatched software and old hardware systems, before discussing how businesses can implement strategies to minimise these threats. Beek and Garman then dive into the world of ransomware, examining the operating model of cyber gangs and how the dark web serves as a marketplace for threat actors. They then analyse how businesses can be breached through downstream attacks and insider threats before wrapping up with some practical security guidance for businesses. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Leon Poggioli, ANZ regional director at Claroty, joins host Liam Garman to discuss new cyber security requirements for Australian businesses, and how organisations can leverage cyber as a competitive advantage. The podcast begins analysing recent findings from Claroty's research arm, Team82, that has discovered 95 IoT CVEs this calendar year alone, before unpacking the new and emerging regulatory requirements for Australian businesses under SLACIP. Poggioli then details common threat vectors impacting businesses including unpatched software and overlooked hardware such as CCTV cameras, and how businesses can create remediation programs to protect their networks. The pair then discuss the risks of failing to meet new SLACIP obligations including loss of business and potential liabilities for directors, and how businesses should view cyber security as a competitive advantage to attract talent and enhance business continuity. The podcast wraps up with some top tips to keep your business safe, and how Claroty can help protect your organisation. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Defence Connect's Liam Garman and Benjamin Foster report from the Chief of Army Symposium in Perth, discussing the latest in industry and Defence innovation. The pair begin the podcast unpacking Army's strategy towards innovation, including empowering the warfighters to develop disruptive technologies as part of the MakerSpace Program. Foster and Garman then unpack the ADF's solution to workforce constraints. The podcast wraps up examining some of the disruptive technological solutions presented during the   symposium. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Peter Maloney, managing director and chief executive officer of cyber security and sovereign cloud services provider AUCloud, joins host Liam Garman to unpack why Australia has become one of the world's most attractive targets for cyber criminals and how Australian businesses can protect themselves. The pair begin the podcast unpacking the factors that make Australia such a tempting target for cyber criminals, and some of the latest tactics and strategies employed by those malicious actors to target businesses and families. Maloney and Garman then examine how these methods are becoming more sophisticated over time, and just who is committing the attacks. The podcast wraps up discussing how managed security operations centre (SOC) service providers can support businesses, and what businesses must learn from the recent large-scale attacks to build a more robust cyber security framework. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team About AUCloud: AUCloud is a leading Australian cloud services and cyber security solutions provider, specialising in providing the latest sovereign cloud infrastructure, backup and cyber security threat defence and response services. Listed on the ASX, AUCloud is Australia's trusted sovereign cloud provider, accredited and certified in accordance with the highest standards to ensure best practice in security, data protection and management.

In this episode of Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Jamie Gibbs, chief operations and engineering officer at Navantia Australia, joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss how Navantia Australia is building a uniquely sovereign ship design capability. The podcast begins unpacking Navantia Australia's growth in the region, including their delivery of Australia's LHDs, and how they maintain the Navy's interests throughout the design and building process. Gibbs and Tarrant then discuss the company's sovereign design capability, including their locally designed bid for LAND 8710 Phase 1, and how Navantia Australia operates as an independent and Australian-based organisation. The pair wrap up the podcast unpacking Navantia Australia's latest R&D projects with Australian universities, including digital twin and data analytics programs that are reducing the cost of Australian ship sustainment, and how the company is growing Australia's future shipbuilding workforce. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson discuss how the industry can leverage recommendations put forward by the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to build a stronger cyber security industry and how cyber can be used as a tool for diplomacy. The pair begin the podcast by discussing breaking news in the cyber security industry with the acquisition of ParaFlare by Deloitte Australia. Dr Thompson and Tarrant then discuss the lack of confidence in Australia's cyber security industry and examine how recommendations within the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's three-year strategic plan can be leveraged to keep Australian businesses safe. The pair wrap up the podcast discussing identity reform and how the Commonwealth can leverage cyber security as a tool of diplomacy. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, hosts Liam Garman and Stephen Kuper examine how the Commonwealth's upcoming surface fleet review will shape the future of Australian naval power projection and the impact of workforce shortages on Defence and defence industry. The pair begin the podcast examining Babcock's recent pitch to enhance the Royal Australian Navy's firepower, and how it may shape Australian naval power. Kuper and Garman then unpack the Albanese government's response to ongoing workforce shortages in Defence and defence industry. The podcast wraps up unpacking China's waning economy and Australia's exposure to global economic fluctuations. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Professor Peter J Dean, PhD SFHEA, foreign policy and defence director at the United States Studies Centre, University of Sydney. Professor Dean was previously first chair of defence studies at the University of Western Australia and the inaugural director of the UWA Defence and Security Institute. He has also authored books and articles on the US-Australian alliance, Australian defence policy, and military operations. The pair discuss the changing geopolitical relationships in the Indo-Pacific, including outcomes from the recent AUSMIN 2023 meetings between the US and Australia. They then discuss America's search for an effective defence partner in the Indo-Pacific, and whether Australia fits the criteria. They also discuss the AUKUS defence agreement, the release of a recent defence paper by Russian and Chinese research institutes against AUKUS, and the USS North Carolina submarine visiting Perth, Western Australia. They then discuss the LAND 400 Phase 3 decision announcing that Hanwha Defense Australia has been successful in its bid to provide the Australian Army with a fleet of 129 infantry fighting vehicles. Finally, the pair take a quick look into the chaotic crystal ball of US politics and discuss the impacts a US election next year will have on the dynamic between the US and Australia. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Ed Groch - Indigenous Engagement Manager, and Ranjan Rajagopal - General Manager Commercial at Downer Defence, join host Liam Garman to unpack Downer Defence's SME incubation model and the hard lessons learned that have helped shape it. This episode dives deep into the unique challenges that Indigenous businesses face entering defence industry, and provides some insights on the barriers that face all SMEs. From their own experiences and lessons learned, Ed and Ranjan discuss the challenges, the learnings and the continual refinements that have been instrumental in achieving some great successes for Downer Defence's SME supply chain. Addressing the phases that defence industry SMEs encounter throughout their business growth cycle, the trio then discuss how other primes and defence businesses can employ the SME incubation model to support the sustainable growth of Australia's defence ecosystem.   Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Liam Garman and Daniel Croft unpack the social paradigm of post-truth and how Russia's Internet Research Agency has exploited this to prosecute online disinformation campaigns. The pair begin defining post-truth and how individuals are increasingly using emotion and affiliative sensemaking to cut through information on the internet. They then look into case studies of how Russia's Internet Research Agency prosecutes online information campaigns. Garman and Croft wrap up the podcast by examining how artificial intelligence will be used in future information environments. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Liam Garman, Stephen Kuper, and Robert Dougherty unpack plans for the acquisition of corvettes for the Royal Australian Navy, and emerging defence capabilities shaping Ukraine's battlefield. The trio unpack Luerssen's plans to develop corvettes for the Royal Australian Navy and the future of Australian shipbuilding. They then discuss unmanned capabilities shaping Ukraine's battlefield. Garman, Kuper, and Dougherty then wrap up the podcast discussing the latest news shaping Australia's geopolitical landscape. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Stephen Kuper and Liam Garman discuss LAND 400 Phase 3 and recent changes in the UK's national security posture. The pair begin the podcast discussing Hanwha Defense Australia's Redback and its role in Australia's future combined arms capability. They then unpack the United Kingdom's recent Defence Command Paper 2023 and how it will reshape the British military. Kuper and Garman then wrap up the podcast discussing the recent commissioning of the USS Canberra in Sydney. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Liam Garman and Daniel Croft discuss the impact of the major HWL Ebsworth attack and the response given by Australia's first cyber security coordinator, Air Marshal Darren Goldie, while diving into the latest news in cyber security. The podcast begins with a discussion of ANZ bank CEO's decision not to sign up to a voluntary anti-scam code that would see banks required to reimburse those who fall victim to scams. Garman and Croft then discuss the impact of the HWL Ebsworth breach and the statement that cyber security coordinator Air Marshal Darren Goldie released regarding his response to the attack. They then wrap up the podcast by outlining the current status of artificial intelligence (AI) regulation and the concerns raised by both governments and the private sector regarding the risks of AI development with disinformation and more. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Liam Garman, Robert Dougherty, and Stephen Kuper unpack the latest news in Defence and defence industry, discussing The trio begin the podcast by looking at the commissioning of the USS Canberra in Sydney and a recent US report that raises concerns about a maintenance backlog in the nuclear-powered submarine fleet. They then unpack revelations that a common spelling error threatens to expose sensitive US military information, with millions of misspelled email addresses destined for members of the US military and DOD sent to Mali. Garman, Kuper, and Dougherty wrap up the podcast discussing the latest developments in the land domain, including a recent live fire Boxer exercise. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Robert Dougherty, Stephen Kuper, and Liam Garman unpack Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit to NATO and the European Union, and Australia's changing geopolitical environment. The podcast begins by unpacking the Prime Minister's visit to NATO and the proposed Australia-EU free trade agreement, before looking into the benefits and risks behind the RAAF's deployment of an E-7A Wedgetail to Germany. Dougherty, Kuper, and Garman then unpack the $1 billion agreement to export 100 Brisbane-made Boxer heavy weapon carrier vehicles to Germany.  They wrap up the podcast discussing recruitment to the Australian Defence Force in the event of a military crisis, and the growing multipolarity in the region. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, David Connors, chief technology officer and chief information security officer at Australian Defence Apparel, and Narelle Dimopoulos, governance and risk manager, join Liam Garman to unpack ADA's DISP accreditation and what DISP means for Australia's national security. Connors and Dimopoulos begin the podcast explaining that ADA is Australia's only uniform provider with a DISP-certified factory, and how this accreditation will help ADA serve the Australian Defence Force. They then unpack some of the cyber security obligations as part of the DISP membership, and those risks facing businesses which fail to implement stringent cyber security protocols. Connors, Dimopoulos, and Garman wrap up the podcast discussing how ADA has integrated with the Australian Defence Force and the first responder community to get needed equipment into the hands of Australian servicemembers quicker. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Phil Tarrant and Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson unpack the hostile cyber threat environment facing Australia's financial institutions. The pair begin the podcast by unpacking workforce challenges in Australia's cyber security sector, with professionals tempted overseas with compelling salary packages. Dr Thompson and Tarrant continue the podcast by analysing the recent findings from APRA on the common cyber shortfalls among regulated entities, detailing six core areas of concern. The podcast continues by analysing recent breaches among Australian financial institutions and how upstream and downstream attacks can impact businesses of all sizes. The pair wrap up the podcast by looking at the changing regulatory nature of cyber security in the financial services market. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Dr Ross Babbage, CEO of Strategic Forum and senior non-resident fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. The pair discuss Dr Babbage's background working as a senior policymaker and public servant in Australia through to his role working to reform Australian defence industry and the launch of his new book. They then discuss the reasoning behind the writing of Dr Babbage's new book, The Next Major War, which takes a detailed look at the economic, industrial and strategic challenges facing the United States, Australia and the broader Western alliance network as they seek to respond to increased Chinese aggression. They also discuss the domestic challenges facing an expansion of Australia's own industrial capacity and how it can better support and benefit from the global realignment. Finally, the pair discuss how to engage the Australian public, in particular young Australians, to help them understand the challenges facing the nation and the opportunities presented if we act now. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Betsy Clark, former Australian government Department of Defence program reviewer for the F-35, joins host Liam Garman to unpack the history and making of the F-35 Lightning II, and her book, F-35: The Inside Story of the Lightning II. The pair begin the podcast examining the origins of the F-35 program and how Australia found itself a partner. Clark then details some of the hurdles faced by the program managers in developing the aircraft and how they were able to overcome them. The pair wrap up the podcast unpacking how seizing and maintaining air superiority is fundamental in the modern battlespace. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson and Liam Garman unpack the MOVEit file transfer breach and discuss proposals to label AI-generated content. The pair begin the podcast by discussing the recent MOVEit data breach and steps that businesses must take to improve their cyber resilience in the face of zero-day exploits. Dr Thompson and Garman then look into the recent HWL Ebsworth hack before diving into whether the Commonwealth should institute regulations governing ransomware payments. The pair wrap up the podcast by discussing recent proposals to place labels on AI-generated content and how AI-generated content can be used in information operations.   Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, *Mark, an Australian citizen and volunteer with the International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine, joins DC senior journalist Robert Dougherty to discuss military tactics, equipment, and the future of warfare in the Ukraine War. The Australian fighter has been in combat overseas since early September, in the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. The pair begin the podcast exploring details of the Ukraine War spurred by the Russian invasion in February 2022, the areas of operation in Kharkiv, and the comradery of Australian and international fighters in the conflict. The podcast then provides insight into the powerful motivation to fight in an overseas battle far from home, battlefield equipment and adjusting to life in the warzone. They wrap up the podcast discussing Russian equipment and tactics, how Ukraine has changed the future of warfare and whether Australia is prepared for a similar fight on its own soil. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team *Name changed to protect identity.

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Vice-Admiral (Ret'd) Paul Maddison joins host Liam Garman to unpack how Australian academics have leveraged AUKUS Pillar II opportunities to build a stronger Australian Defence Force. VAdm (Ret'd) Maddison begins the podcast discussing his time as vice-admiral in the Royal Canadian Navy and High Commissioner of Canada to Australia before his appointment as director of the UNSW Defence Research Institute.  The pair then unpack the Security & Defence PLuS program, a partnership between Arizona State University, King's College London, and UNSW, to leverage opportunities provided by AUKUS and deepen academic collaboration across the three partner nations. The pair wrap up the podcast discussing the Trailblazer program, a nexus between Defence, industry, and academia to support Australian defence innovation. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson and Phil Tarrant unpack the recent Volt Typhoon malware targeting critical infrastructure, and the motivations behind cyber security attacks. Dr Thompson and Tarrant begin the podcast by unpacking the financial and reputational ramifications of a cyber security breach, examining how the Latitude hack has resulted in forecast losses of $95 million to $105 million. The pair then discuss the recent Volt Typhoon malware that has targeted US critical infrastructure in Guam, which could disturb US military communications. The podcast wraps up by analysing recent comments from the AFP Commissioner on state-based hackers attacking Australian infrastructure, and how the military and law enforcement agencies can be better used to keep Australians safe. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Fullbright Scholar and Ukraine War correspondent Misha Zelinsky to unpack the impact of Australia's cultural cringe on national security The pair discuss: Zelinsky's diverse employment and academic background and how they have shaped his conceptualisation of Australia's "Cultural Cringe". The need for Australia to begin viewing itself differently and preparing itself and the people to take on a larger role in the broader geopolitical environment. The podcast wraps up with the pair discussing the impact of hybrid and grey zone warfare on the national psyche and what we need to do to reshape the cultural narrative. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, hosts Liam Garman and Steve Kuper discuss the challenges of disinformation in the era of great power competition and its implications for national security. The pair discuss: The powerful influence of Russian state-backed disinformation campaigns and efficacy of these operations to undermine social, political, and economic cohesiveness in the West. The pair also discuss the national security implications of losing the cognitive war. The podcast wraps up with a discussion about what can be done to turn the tide against this new style of hybrid warfare. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Phil Tarrant and Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson unpack the latest in cyber security, from national security IP theft to the ethics of artificial intelligence (AI). The pair begin the podcast by unpacking recent US defence technology data theft cases and recent concerns from the FBI on the US' cyber workforce, diving into how law enforcement agencies can collaborate with militaries to build a stronger cyber posture. Dr Thompson and Tarrant then unpack the ethics of AI, discussing recent comments from the chief executive of ChatGPT creator OpenAI calling for greater regulation of AI. The podcast wraps up by looking into the government's recently announced National Anti-Scam Centre and how cyber resilience is a job for everybody — not just big business. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut podcast

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, artificial intelligence and autonomous systems expert Dr S. Kate Devitt joins DC senior journalist Robert Dougherty to discuss ethical military AI in an unethical and increasingly defensive world, as well as the future of defence AI development in Australia. Dr Devitt is a former chief scientist of Trusted Autonomous Systems Defence CRC, and current adjunct associate professor at the University of Queensland and Queensland University of Technology. She is also the chief executive officer of BetterBeliefs and director of Augmented Decisions. The pair begin the podcast discussing the development of the Athena AI integrated military artificial intelligence decision support tool, and the increasing demand for innovative autonomous development. The podcast then discusses ethical, legal, and responsible decision making as part of the AI development process and defence applications for AI and autonomous projects. They wrap up the podcast discussing Dr Devitt's expectations for future international defence development and a "perfect scenario" for the innovation in sovereign projects. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Edward Farrell, director and principal consultant at Mercury Information Security Services joins hosts Phil Tarrant and Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson to discuss the world of cyber assurance testing. The trio begin the podcast by defining whether "ethical hacking" is an appropriate blanket term for advisers engaged in cyber assurance testing, before assessing the relationship between ethics and ideology in penetration testing.  The podcast then continues unpacking the importance of grappling with multiple points of view to understand the motivations behind threat actors, before Farrell unpacks his day-to-day work in penetration testing.  The podcast wraps up by looking into how one might pursue a career in penetration testing, before examining the difference between external and internal pen testers and how they can help businesses. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, veteran Angela Harper joins Liam Garman to unpack her life after service, delivering critical insights for veterans looking to transition into the civilian world. The pair begin the podcast discussing Harper's time in the Australian Army, and what servicemen and women should consider when transitioning from the ADF. The podcast then discusses Harper's new mentoring program, Camouflage to Corporate, supporting female veterans in their professional careers. The pair wrap up the podcast discussing Harper's upcoming book which examines the lives of everyday heroes in the Australian Defence Force. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, senior analyst Steve Kuper joins Liam Garman to unpack the Defence Strategic Review – illuminating areas for revision amid increasing global uncertainty. The pair begin the podcast analysing how this week's federal budget aligns with the DSR, and whether the spending allocations match government rhetoric for a stronger defence force. Kuper then provides insight into how defence thinkers can rethink land, air and sea acquisition. The podcast wraps up with a discussion of how Australia can strengthen its northern bases to provide stronger national defence – and enable impactful projection. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Absolute Software cyber security evangelist Dr Torsten George joins host Liam Garman to unpack why organisations need to prioritise cyber resilience over cyber security and how a culture of resilience will enable stronger defence and recovery in the event of a breach. The pair begin the podcast by recapping Dr George's recent world tour, providing much-needed insight into how international organisations are refining their approaches to cyber security. Dr George then defines a framework of cyber resilience compared to that of cyber security and how this enables businesses to enhance their defences and resume business operations. The podcast wraps up by unpacking how the era of remote work is creating endpoint risks for businesses and those emerging threats that businesses must maintain awareness of. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Dr Jason Lim, from the University of Wollongong, joins host and former student Steve Kuper to discuss China's history of engaging with Southeast Asia, the impact of the Cold War, and the political concerns of the region's Chinese diaspora. The pair begin the podcast detailing China's long history of engaging and influencing the Southeast Asian nations, dating back to the pre-colonial era, and the role this long history continues to play in the way Southeast Asian nations engage with the rising superpower. They then discuss how the Cold War never really ended in the region, with the ideological, economic, political, and strategic competition between China and the United States continuing to simmer behind the scenes despite the collapse of the Soviet Union. Finally, the pair discuss the economic, political, and cultural influence of the region's Chinese diaspora and how Australia's neighbours have embraced members of the Chinese community and a shared history to help balance national interests with national security concerns. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Steve Kuper and Liam Garman analyse the Commonwealth's Defence Strategic Review and Australia's most recent iteration of a defence by denial strategy. The pair begin the podcast unpacking the fundamentals of Australia's future procurement program and how Australia would seek to deter future adversaries through denial. Kuper and Garman then unpack the history of denial strategies employed by the Australian Defence Force and Commonwealth. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this special episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Phil Tarrant and Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson unpack how the Commonwealth's recently unveiled Defence Strategic Review will influence Australia's cyber security industry. The pair begin the podcast by unpacking how the DSR was fundamental to give certainty to industry and how it is encouraging that cyber is acknowledged among the traditional warfighting domains of land, air and sea. Tarrant and MAJGEN (Ret'd) Dr Thompson then examine how the space domain is expected to play a bigger role in the ADF — and how this can apply to the continuing growth of cyber in Defence. The podcast wraps up by analysing the future of information and cyber warfare in Australia. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this special edition of the Defence Connect podcast, Defence Connect's Phil Tarrant, Liam Garman, and Steve Kuper unpack the key takeaways from the Defence Strategic Review — and how they will impact the defence industry The hosts analyse how the Defence Strategic Review will impact Australia's land, air, sea, space, and cyber capabilities — identifying which programs are at risk and which will gain from   Australia's renewed force structure. The podcast then unpacks how the Defence Strategic Review forms part of   Australia's whole-of-government national security framework, before discussing how the Commonwealth can better integrate with our AUKUS partners. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Tony Howell, global chief architect, defence and intelligence at archTIS, joins host Liam Garman to unpack the Security Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure Protection) Act 2022 and how the new government obligations will impact Australian businesses. The pair commence the podcast by discussing what obligations the SLACIP Act will place on businesses and which businesses will have to meet higher cyber security standards. Howell and Garman then discuss what happens to businesses that fail to meet their cyber obligations and what constitutes requirements to identify threats "as far as reasonably practicable". The podcast wraps up by unpacking how archTIS can help businesses meet their cyber security requirements in an era of new and emerging legislative frameworks. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Luke Gosling OAM, MP, Member for Solomon, joins host Liam Garman to discuss the Albanese government's plans for building a more resilient Australian Defence Force and defence industry in the Northern Territory. The pair begin the podcast unpacking the Member's time in the Australian Defence Force and his key lessons from service. The Member then details his vision for Australia's defence policy and outlines the steps that the Albanese government is taking to build a stronger Australian Defence Force and defence industry. The podcast wraps up defining the role that Northern Australia will play in defending our shores. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, host Liam Garman joins Cyber Security Connect journalist Daniel Croft to unpack whether the Commonwealth should ban ransomware payments, before turning to discuss the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in cyber security. The pair begin the podcast by assessing whether legislation to ban ransoms would, in fact, hurt the victims yet further and whether it will create additional illicit markets for threat actors. Garman and Croft then unpack how AI and advanced machine learning can be used to improve business practices, and how these new systems can be exploited by threat actors. They wrap up the podcast by examining the ethical and security risks of data aggregation in the era of information operations. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by LTC (Ret'd) Dave Grossman, author of On Killing and On Combat, to discuss the psychology of killing. The podcast begins unpacking LTC (Ret'd) Grossman's books and research on the topic of violence, including On Killing and On Combat, and how militaries overcome the innate human resistance to taking a life. LTC (Ret'd) Grossman then unpacks how this impacts military training, as well as those social conditions which spur violence. The pair wrap up the podcast discussing the concept of "The Bulletproof Mind" and discuss what's next on the horizon for LTC (Ret'd) Grossman. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Matt Wilcox, founder and chief executive of FifthDomain, joins host Liam Garman to unveil the company's new Cyber National Assessment Program for Skills and Employment (CYNAPSE). The pair begin the podcast unpacking how the CYNAPSE program will advance Australia's cyber security industry and how pre-employment testing will support cyber security companies in growing their talent base. Wilcox and Garman then continue to unpack early insights into the program's success and how they've enabled partner companies to hire a diverse talent pool of cyber security professionals. The podcast wraps up by unpacking what steps Australians can take to improve their cyber security posture and how FifthDomain has proactively supported the cyber security industry. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, founder of Anduril, Palmer Luckey, and David Goodrich, executive chairman and CEO of Anduril APAC, join host Liam Garman to discuss how the company is innovating the autonomy and AI sector. The pair begin the podcast unpacking Luckey's recent visit to Australia and the company's ongoing collaboration with Defence. Luckey and Goodrich then explain the genesis of Anduril and how the founder of Oculus Rift was inspired to start a defence company to keep allied warfighters safe. The podcast wraps up discussing what is on the horizon for Anduril in Australia, including the Ghost Shark program and their strategy to make Australia a regional export hub. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson and Phil Tarrant cover the latest breaking news in cyber security and question whether Australia needs more stringent data retention regulations. The pair begin the podcast unpacking the fallout from the war in Ukraine and how conflict prompts actors to rethink the application of technology in conflict. Dr Thompson and Tarrant then analyse the breadth of the recent Latitude Financial hack and how it only takes a short window prior to detection and response for threat actors to steal or encrypt critical data. The podcast wraps up with a discussion surrounding data retention and whether companies should retain identification documentation, prompting Dr Thompson to suggest a rethink in how companies retain sensitive data. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Malcolm Davis, senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), joins host Stephen Kuper to unpack the economic and geopolitical implications of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. The pair begin the podcast assessing how a failure of the US to defend Taiwan could create a broader fallout in the Indo-Pacific. Davis and Kuper then unpack the economic and industrial ramifications of an invasion, especially in areas of high technology which rely on semiconductors and microchips. The podcast wraps up discussing what lessons could be taken from the invasion of Ukraine, and how Australia could plan for a potential conflict in Taiwan. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Tony Howell, global chief architect, defence and intelligence at archTIS, joins host Liam Garman to assess how Australian businesses can utilise the AUKUS agreement to expand into British and American markets. The podcast begins with a discussion as to whether the introduction of critical military technologies under AUKUS, including nuclear propulsion, will make Australian companies the targets of sophisticated overseas cyber threat actors, before unpacking how local companies can protect themselves. Howell then provides insight for Australian defence companies looking to expand into the US and the UK markets, and what regulatory and legislative data requirements they are likely to face. The pair then wrap up the podcast analysing the future of ITAR, and how archTIS can support companies navigating ITAR requirements in their growth cycle. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Cyber Security Uncut presents a new quarterly podcast series with Claroty. In this first episode, the company's vice-president of cyber safety strategy, Joshua Corman, talks to host Liam Garman to shed light on how cyber criminals can remotely access medical devices and healthcare infrastructure — threatening human safety. The pair begin the podcast discussing Corman's experience as a white hat hacker, before analysing the extent to which medical devices can be accessed by cyber criminals. Corman and Garman then discuss how attacks against healthcare providers can be a simple task for some hackers, and those fundamental steps that hospitals and infrastructure providers must take to reduce their threat surface and keep people safe. The podcast wraps up by unpacking the must-need tools for businesses to protect their operations, including Claroty's asset discovery and proprietary protocol offerings to build a resilient OT network. Future quarterly episodes will feature Claroty subject matter experts providing insight into how businesses can secure cyber physical assets across different industries. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Elastic Security product lead and vice-president Mike Nichols joins senior journalist Robert Dougherty to discuss the future trends in cyber attacks and cyber security in the defence industry internationally and in Australia. The pair begin the podcast discussing the trends of cyber attacks and defence facing Australia, while Mike Nichols shares his experience dealing with the new "openness" of cyber attack tools and security such as in Ukraine. The podcast continues with a discussion of the classic cyber attack pattern, using analytics such as machine learning as cyber detectives, and how companies can put enough "noise" in the way to stop a data breach in time. The pair wrap up the podcast by exploring concepts of hardening security of supply chains and skills shortages in the cyber defence sector to combat state-sponsored, automated, and targeted cyber attacks. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Tim Jones, managing director of Hyprfire, joins hosts Major General (Ret'd) Dr  Marcus Thompson and Phil Tarrant to discuss the importance of an active defence system and the nexus between academia and the cyber security industry. The podcast begins unpacking why businesses are not sufficiently protected if they rely solely on passive protection frameworks, as well as the growing endpoint risk posed by increased interconnectivity. The trio then unpack some fundamental lessons for cyber start-ups, and discuss the transference of knowledge between academia and the cyber industry. The podcast wraps up with a discussion around how sales teams and product development teams can best work together to grow their cyber security businesses. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Major General (Ret'd) Gus McLachlan joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss the future of the Australian Defence Force and defence industry amid the evolving domestic and global geopolitical environments. The pair begin the podcast discussing the geopolitical and economic uncertainties facing Australia, while MAJGEN (Ret'd) McLachlan shares his lessons on how to build a stronger and more resilient defence industry The podcast continues unpacking the future of combined arms and multidomain battle management, including requirements for a robust information capability to link Australia's diverse fighting force. The pair wrap up the podcast by unpacking some of the priorities facing the Australian Defence Force and the Commonwealth, and what the sovereign industrial capability will look like in the future. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this special podcast, hosts Liam Garman and Steve Kuper speak with UNSW Canberra Associate Professor Wayne Reynolds to discuss the impact of today's AUKUS submarine announcement. The trio begin discussing Australia's long history of partnership with the United Kingdom on nuclear power, nuclear-propelled submarines, and research collaboration. They then shift to discuss the impact of the Cold War agreements which hindered Australia's development of a nuclear-capable workforce and the challenges facing the country as it stands up the engineering, trade, and naval workforce necessary to operate, maintain, and upgrade the nuclear-powered submarine fleet. Finally, the trio discuss the basing arrangements of the future submarine fleet and the infrastructure investments which will be responsible for hosting the future submarine fleet. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Steve Froelich, vice-president of operations for RMS, Lockheed Martin Australia, and Kendell Kuczma, international business development director RMS, Lockheed Martin Australia, join host Liam Garman to unpack the prime's AIR 6500 Phase 1 offering, and the company's expectations for their proposed Joint Air Battle Management System (JABMS). The trio begin the podcast defining how the JABMS fits within the broader AIR 6500 program, and how the capability can be deployed to overcome next-generation threats.  The podcast continues assessing how the prime's Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance enterprise solution can be integrated to enhance subsequent phases within Australia's Integrated Air and Missile Defence System. The podcast wraps up discussing how Lockheed Martin Australia seeks to integrate Australian SMEs into the delivery of the project, including their plans to build an integrated air and missile defence hub. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Annie Haggar, principal at Cyber GC, joins hosts Phil Tarrant and Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson to discuss the emerging legislative and regulatory frameworks surrounding business cyber security requirements. The podcast begins by unpacking the federal government's recently introduced cyber security strategies and the potential benefits of introducing a Cyber Security Act to simplify cyber legislation. Haggar then provides case studies to detail the legal implications of substandard cyber security practices for businesses that have been breached. The podcast wraps up with a discussion surrounding how to build greater awareness of cyber security requirements in the business world and the evolving domain of cyber law. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Adam Lockyer, associate professor in strategic studies at Macquarie University and a non-resident fellow at the Sea Power Centre – Australia, joins host Liam Garman to discuss how governments build a coherent defence policy and the history of Australian defence epochs. The podcast commences with a deep dive into policy and strategy formulation, before examining what lessons can be learnt from the Singapore strategy in a renewed era of regional competition. The pair assess the role of geography in defence strategy and how the Commonwealth and Australian Defence Force can best exploit this. The podcast wraps up with a discussion of the potential future flashpoints in the region and how Australia can best work with regional partners to deter an aggressive China. Lockyer's book that was referenced throughout the podcast, Australia's Defence Strategy Evaluating Alternatives for a Contested Asia, can be found here. Enjoy the podcast,The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Northrop Grumman Australia's Triton program director, Andrew "Jake" Campbell, joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss the way uncrewed systems like the MQ-4C Triton will help reshape the Royal Australian Air Force and provide an update on the program ahead of the release of the Defence Strategic Review.  Campbell provides a history of his time in uniform and experience operating the P-3C Orion conducting maritime surveillance and intelligence operations across Australia's northern approaches, and how this experience informed the pursuit of the next-generation MQ-4C Triton capability for the RAAF.  The pair also discusses how uncrewed platforms like Triton will help complement the crewed P-8A Poseidon fleet to conduct high-priority operations hunting for adversarial submarines by providing unmatched time on station, reliable, real-time access to large volumes of intelligence and surveillance data, and how this will enable the ADF to establish a fifth-generation warfighting capability.  The podcast wraps up by unpacking the survivability and the operational advantages Triton will provide to the ADF in high-intensity operations, and the future of uncrewed platforms ahead of the release of the Defence Strategic Review. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Robert Lee, chief executive officer and co-founder of ICS/OT technology provider Dragos, joins Phil Tarrant and Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson to analyse the threat of cyber breaches on national infrastructure. The podcast begins unpacking Lee's passion for defending critical civilian infrastructure, before assessing whether Australian companies are prepared to defend their systems from sophisticated state-based attackers. Lee then unpacks the corporate, economic, and physical risks of a cyber attack on Australian infrastructure — from board members being held liable for breaches through to the physical destruction of energy sources. Lee, Thompson, and Tarrant then discuss the myth of isolated systems, observing that industrial systems are almost always connected to a broader network and not immune from penetration. Wrapping up the podcast, Lee provides fundamental lessons to business leaders and discusses how Dragos helps keep businesses safe. To learn more about Dragos and recent ICS/OT trends, you can visit the Dragos Year in Review 2022 here. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Ken Kota, vice-president, and James Heading, director of programs, Australian Defence Strategic Capabilities Office, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, join host Liam Garman to unpack the company's role in building Australia's sovereign missile capability.  The trio begin the podcast discussing why it is fundamental for Australia to develop a sovereign missile capability, and the company's role in building Australian expertise in this field through the Australian Defence Strategic Capabilities Office. Kota and Heading then explain how the company's guided weapons solutions, including the HIMARS, have been so successful on the modern battlefield. The podcast wraps up unpacking how a sovereign missile capability fits into the company's broader joint all domain operations offering, and how Australian SMEs can play a part in this supply chain.  Editor's note: This podcast was recorded prior to the Commonwealth confirming the acquisition of HIMARS in January.  Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Rear Admiral (Ret'd) Nevin Carr, former Chief of Naval Research at the US Navy and current Vice President, Navy Strategic Account Executive at Leidos, joins host Liam Garman to discuss how autonomous naval vessels can be deployed within the Royal Australian Navy to defend the nation's maritime borders. RADM (Ret'd) Carr begins the podcast outlining the challenges of defending Australia's maritime approaches, and the future role of autonomous systems. The podcast continues with an analysis of the AUKUS agreement and how Leidos' recent advancements in autonomous technology could be embedded within this framework to preserve Australian security. The pair wrap up the podcast unpacking how Leidos' Sea Hunter and Seahawk programs can expand Australia's force structure in yet unforeseen ways. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Momentum Media director of defence Phil Tarrant and Major General (Ret'd) Marcus Thompson unpack the latest current affairs in cyber security. The podcast begins by unpacking the news cycle over the holiday break and how Australia has earned the unfortunate mantle of the most hacked nation on the planet. The year 2022 saw Australia go through a raft of cyber security disasters, from Medibank to Optus, and the pair explore how this has impacted the cyber security policy debate. The pair then discuss the ramifications of the recent LastPass data breach, and how much of the data we see get lost in a breach is available elsewhere. The podcast wraps up with an analysis of a new zero-trust agreement between the Five Eyes nations, and how important it is for Australia's national security, and the security of its allies. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Managing Director – Indo-Pacific, CAE Defence & Security, Matthew Sibree, joins host Liam Garman to unpack how the company is accelerating training for Australia's next generation of ADF personnel. The pair begin the podcast discussing the relationship between acquisition and training, and how CAE pursues multi-domain training operations to hone the capabilities of Australia's warfighters. Sibree and Garman continue by analysing how Defence can best allocate resources to optimise ADF training and the industry's role in embedding enhanced defence capabilities in national security architecture. The podcast wraps up discussing what's next on the horizon for CAE, including advanced synthetic and simulated training scenarios. Enjoy the podcast,The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Defence Connect's new senior journalist, Robert Dougherty, joins Liam Garman in the studio to unpack the latest in defence industry, including some interesting evolutions in the AUKUS trilateral security partnership. The podcast begins by unpacking recent challenges to the AUKUS partnership emerging from the United States. Dougherty and Garman then discuss the upcoming South African, Russian and Chinese maritime exercises. They wrap up the podcast discussing some of the latest news from the defence industry, including the news on the Chinook and Black Hawk programs. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Cyber Security Connect's David Hollingworth and Liam Garman investigate the cyber fallout from Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The podcast begins by unpacking Russia's attacks on news networks, and how Russian disinformation operations have gained traction in the West. The pair then unpack recent operations within Russia targeting young men concerned about Putin's conscription campaign. Hollingworth and Garman wrap up the podcast examining some of the malware campaigns emerging from Russia, including democratised state-sanctioned hacking groups that are offering free hacking tools for download. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior defence industry analyst Stephen Kuper and Defence Connect editor Liam Garman discuss recent findings from a CSIS wargame investigating a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. The pair begin the podcast unpacking the key findings from the wargame — as well as the fundamental lessons for Western military strategists. Kuper and Garman then discuss Taiwan's prevailing military doctrine including the Porcupine Strategy and irregular warfare capabilities. The podcast wraps up with an assessment of whether the CCP is a revisionist power, or whether it now operates as part of the global system to supplant the US as the global hegemon.  Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Liam Garman, editor of Defence Connect and news editor Charbel Kadib unpack the biggest stories in the land domain for 2022. Judged by reads, the pair discuss the top five stories of the year — and what they mean for the Australian Army and the future posture of the ADF. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Cyber Security Connect's David Hollingworth and Liam Garman unpack the latest news from the United States to manage the risks of TikTok. The pair begin the podcast by discussing recent moves by US states to ban the use of TikTok on government phones. They continue by assessing recent legislation from the US Senate to oversee the platform. Hollingworth and Garman then continue with looking at the impact of TikTok in Australia. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Liam Garman, editor of Defence Connect, and news editor Charbel Kadib unpack the biggest stories in the maritime domain for 2022. Judged by reads, the pair discuss the top five stories of the year — and what they mean to the Royal Australian Navy and the future of the Australian Defence Force. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team.

In this special episode, Defence Connect's Liam Garman and Australian Aviation's Adam Thorn discuss the biggest aviation stories this year. Judged by reads, the pair unpack the top five stories from the aviation domain for 2022 — and what they mean for the Royal Australian Air Force and the warfighting capability of the ADF. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, shadow minister for cyber security and shadow minister for countering foreign interference, Senator James Paterson joins Phil Tarrant (director - Momentum Media) and MAJGEN (retired) Dr Marcus Thompson to discuss the regulatory impediments preventing Australia from becoming a leader in cyber security. The group begins the podcast discussing the cyber security threats facing Australia and the role of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). Senator Paterson then details how foreign interference and espionage have overtaken terrorism as the primary security concern for Australia. The team wraps up the podcast in outlining the importance of attracting the right talent with the right skills to power Australian cyber security businesses.  Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, chief executive officer and managing director of archTIS Daniel Lai joins host Liam Garman to discuss securing sensitive information amid growing cyber insecurity.  Lai begins the podcast providing critical cyber security advice to businesses operating in the defence supply chain, and outlines how the company keeps controlled information secure amid increasing uncertainty in the cyber domain. The podcast continues by unpacking how archTIS has helped customers manage Australian Defence information security and export control requirements. The pair wrap up the podcast discussing how archTIS helps Australian companies meet their ITAR requirements, as well as their Microsoft collaboration solutions. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Corey Thomas, chief executive officer of Rapid7, joins host Liam Garman to analyse the cyber security posture of Australia's leading companies — and what they can learn from around the globe. The pair begin the podcast discussing the changing cyber security landscape and Rapid7's recent analysis into the attack surface of the ASX 200. The podcast continues by unpacking current victimology trends impacting top Australian companies, and what these companies can learn from their US counterparts. The pair wrap up the podcast analysing Rapid7's threat detection capabilities and why customer data, rather than financial information, is the target of large-scale attacks. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut Team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast — recorded live at the Australian Industry & Defence Network (AIDN) Policy Symposium — host Phil Tarrant joins the founder and managing director of Precision Public Affairs (PPA), Sarah Cullens, and Brigadier (Ret'd) Ian Langford, advisor at Precision Public Affairs, to discuss how industry, government and Defence can better collaborate to address Australia's future geostrategic challenges. The podcast begins unpacking how PPA is supporting better collaboration between defence industry, government and Defence, and their role in supporting events such as the AIDN Policy Symposium. The trio then discuss the unique geostrategic challenges facing Australia, and how Defence can best overcome them. The podcast wraps up evaluating how industry can better support the government to enhance Australia's national resilience.   Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

This special episode of Cyber Security Uncut comes from an exclusive livestream, "Hunting for hackers", which featured on cybersecurityconnect.com.au in partnership with ParaFlare. Regular hosts Phil Tarrant and Major General (ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson were joined by Deloitte's cyber partner, Rob Parker, to discuss the latest breaches and offer their advice to cyber decision-makers. The trio discussed: Lessons available from recent data breaches. What comprehensive cyber security looks like. How to find and fill the gaps in your cyber security The specialist skills needed to hunt for hackers inside a network. How to build a cyber capability to hunt and find threats in minutes. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Richard Franklin, managing director, Airbus Defence and Space UK and head of Secure Communications, and Martin Rowse, director, space – Australia at Airbus Defence and Space, join host Liam Garman to discuss Airbus' ambitions for Australia's sovereign space industry. The trio begin the podcast evaluating Australia's space industry relative to other markets, and how Australia can continue to enhance its national space workforce. The podcast continues unpacking how Airbus has grown their sovereign space capabilities in other markets, such as the United Kingdom. The trio then wrap up the podcast examining Team Maier's plans for the space sector, and Team  Maier's  ambitions for the industry if successful in JP 9102.  Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Lani Refiti, regional director – Australia/New Zealand at Claroty, joins host Liam Garman to unpack the relationship between cyber security, critical infrastructure and national security — and how this evolving sector impacts every Australian. The pair begin the podcast discussing how IT security incidents relate to critical infrastructure, and Claroty's expertise in protecting the nation's essential assets. Refiti then details some of the emerging cyber trends impacting Australian industry, civilian infrastructure and national security. The pair wrap up the podcast discussing those emerging cyber and geopolitical risks that threaten Australia over the short and medium term. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Adam Thorn, editor of Australian Aviation, joins host Liam Garman to discuss Australia's long-range strike capability options. The pair begin the podcast discussing the political appetite for long-range strike, before discussing recent debate on the B-21 program; The podcast continues with an assessment of the US' decision to base the B-52 in Australia; The pair wrap up the podcast unpacking future technological improvements to the B-52, and the future of hypersonic missiles. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Matthew Kluken, vice president and general manager at global information security provider archTIS, joins host Liam Garman to discuss the importance of data-centric security frameworks to protect organisational and business information. The pair begin the podcast assessing how current cyber security practices are insufficient, examining case studies in which network-wide cyber architectures have nevertheless allowed hackers to access critical data. The podcast then unpacks the importance of attribute-based access control to keep information secure, ensuring that only relevant stakeholders can access specific datasets.   Kluken then provides essential advice to small and medium-sized businesses that are starting to navigate their cyber security journeys in light of recent large-scale hacks. The pair wrap up the podcast analysing how archTIS keeps Australian enterprises and defence organisations safe amid an increasingly challenging cyber industry. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight, Mitchell Pakes, regional manager, rescue firefighting at Ventia joins host Liam Garman to unpack Ventia's recent technological advancements that have revolutionised defence firefighting. The podcast begins with a discussion surrounding Ventia's approach to innovation in Defence, and how employees are all encouraged to innovate in the workspace. Pakes then explains how Ventia's rescue firefighting team developed a new firefighting filter adaptor, and their recognition at the Australian Defence Industry Awards 2022. The pair then discuss Ventia's strategic pillars, and how the company has embodied sustainability across its entire workforce. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and Major General (Ret'd) Marcus Thompson unpack the latest in the cyber security industry, providing the fundamental tips and tricks for businesses to maintain their cyber resilience. The podcast begins with a reflection on the recent challenges within the cyber security industry, discussing the swathe of cyber breaches confirmed over the past few weeks. The pair then discuss matching cyber risk profiles with investment, and how to utilise Australian cyber security providers to provide frontline defence to protect businesses. The podcast wraps up discussing how businesses can build a cyber security framework to inform business practices. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Daniel Keighran VC, account manager - key capabilities at Thales, and Peter Bull, vice president - digital systems at Thales, join host Phil Tarrant to discuss veteran transition into defence industry. The podcast begins by unpacking Thales' support for the veteran community, including their support to critical veteran charities, and how Australia's veterans and their unique skills support corporate Australia.  The guests then provide essential tips to Australia's veterans who are looking to transition into the civilian community. The podcast wraps up with a discussion of how industry can streamline the move from fulltime service into defence industry. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Duncan Watt, general manager of guided weapons and hypersonics at Thales, and Mat Jones, head of future business at BAE Systems Australia, join host Phil Tarrant to discuss how the companies have teamed up to build a sovereign hypersonics and guided weapons capability. The podcast begins with a discussion of the Thales and BAE Systems Australia partnership, where homegrown intellectual property is being utilised to build a unique missile solution. They continue discussing how Australia is well positioned to develop hypersonic deterrent, having maintained significant research from Nulka and the Evolved SeaSparrow. Watt and Jones also discuss the broader concept of hypersonic deterrence, explaining that the industry is not simply aiming to develop one single prototype but an entire industrial ecosystem to produce capabilities at scale.    Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Aaron Pollard — managing consultant, protective security at CyberCX — and Andrew Robinson — founder and chief information security officer at 6clicks — unpack supply chain risk management amid an evolving threat environment. Topics discussed include: The fundamentals of supply chain risk management. Learnings from the SolarWinds hack. Securing defence industry supply chains. The importance of investigating the security posture of third-party suppliers before onboarding. Educating the workforce to ensure they're equipped to identify threats and employ cyber-safe practices. The changing critical infrastructure environment. The next steps for CyberCX and 6clicks. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Jon Hawkins, group CEO of Omni, joins editor of Defence Connect Liam Garman to discuss how Australia can strengthen its defence and security posture.   Topics discussed include: The growing complexities in the geostrategic environment. The development of Australia's sovereign industrial capability. Strengthening the global competitiveness of local defence SMEs. Emerging defence technologies and the future of autonomous capability. Bolstering cyber resilience and building secure defence networks. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Ben Kelly — director, protected vehicles at Thales Australia — and John Fry — general manager at Kongsberg — discuss their joint efforts to develop next-generation, land-based maritime strike capability for the Australian Defence Force.    Topics discussed include: Leveraging the tried-and-tested Bushmaster PMV to develop a new mobile strike platform, the StrikeMaster. The evolution of the program, from concept to proposal for LAND 4100 Phase 2. Thales and Kongsberg's sovereign collaboration and their respective contributions to the project. Features and capabilities of the StrikeMaster, including the range of missile systems. The strategic importance of the capability and its deployment potential. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, David Connors — chief technology officer/chief information security officer — and David Frith — Australian industry capability manager — at Australian Defence Apparel (ADA), discuss their work developing critical defence equipment for modern warfighters. Topics covered include: ADA's broad suite of products for Defence applications. Technological processes underpinning delivery of ADF kit. Balancing design and manufacturing innovation with inventory management. Building a sovereign supply chain in cooperation with local SMEs. ADA's R&D work and the future of defence gear. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Gavin Henry, business development manager at Thales; Peter Newnham, director of engineering at Thales; and Neil Hodges, co-founder of BlueZone Group, discuss their proposal for the Royal Australian Navy's SEA 1905 Tranche 1 – Maritime Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Survey program. Topics discussed by the trio include:   The progress of Thales' bid for SEA 1905 Tranche 1. Thales' sovereign MCM offering and the emergence of autonomous capability. BlueZone Group's contribution to the SEA 1905 proposal. The importance of interoperability with international partners, leveraging common supply chains. BlueZone Group's growth ambitions.       Enjoy the podcast,The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, David Connors, chief technology officer/chief information security officer (CTO/CISO) at Australian Defence Apparel (ADA) joins co-hosts Major General (Ret'd) Marcus Thompson, inaugural head of the Australian Defence Force's Information Warfare Division, and Phil Tarrant, director – defence and security at Momentum Media, to discuss the importance of shoring up cyber defences in the aftermath of the Optus breach. Topics discussed include: Learnings from the recent Optus breach and ADA's cyber response. ADA's cyber resilience strategy and the importance of protecting critical data in the defence space. The benefits of democratising a company's cyber security posture. The evolving threat landscape and subsequent changes to regulatory frameworks. Challenges Connors has faced during his career in the cyber security industry. ADA's cyber security testing regime. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, David Fallon — business development lead, rotary mission systems at Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand — and Dave Cogdall — business development manager, rotary mission systems at Lockheed Martin's global business — discuss the changing nature of Army training. Topics discussed in this podcast include: Assessing current Army training practices in Australia. Onshoring tried and tested training capabilities leveraged in the United States. Harnessing emerging technology to improve the training experience.   Ensuring training systems are designed to strengthen interoperability. Insights into new systems and technologies offered by Lockheed Martin and its local partners. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Matthew Duquemin (director, integrated weapons and sensors at Thales) and Alexander Knott (director of Wedgetail Industries), discuss the development of Australia's sovereign small arms design and manufacturing capability. Topics discussed in this podcast include: The history of small arms manufacturing from the Lithgow Arms facility in NSW. Thales' recent work delivering next-generation capability to the Australian Defence Force. Thales' partnership with Wedgetail Industries, aimed at developing new sovereign solutions for warfighters. Drivers of innovation in the small arms manufacturing space. Modifications to small arms in response to changing warfighting requirements. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of Defence Connect Spotlight, Regional Manager for the National Clothing Store at Ventia, Craig Patterson, and National Contract Manager – Defence at Veolia, Dale Manley, join host Liam Garman to discuss the companies' revolutionary disposal solution that provides a sustainable solution to end of life disposal for Defence uniforms across Defence bases. With an objective to deliver an environmentally friendly disposal solution to Defence, the trio begin the podcast unpacking how Ventia and Veolia partnered to develop a recycling system that converts textiles to biofuel, having successfully completed their trial across six Defence bases. The podcast continues discussing how the initiative facilitates the secure and safe disposal of high turnover Defence textiles, enabling enhanced and scalable recycling within Defence and diverting 100% of end-of-life uniforms from landfill. The trio wrap up the podcast discussing recent interest from the University of NSW and Catholic Schools NSW to expand the biofuel solution beyond Defence. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Sarah Pavillard, CEO of ADROITA, joins host Phillip Tarrant to discuss the firm's delivery of engineering, professional services and business strategy consultancy to the defence industry. Topics discussed in this podcast include: ADROITA's origin story and Pavillard's transition from the Royal Australian Navy to a career as a business owner in the defence industry. The company's core services offering and how it helps defence firms build sovereign capability. Managing emerging challenges and business risks. Key changes to business models in the hybrid workplace environment. ADROITA's plans for the future, including its push to build a global footprint. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Major General (ret'd) Mick Ryan, David Horton (vice president, Asia-Pacific at Systematic) and Robert Wilson (business development manager, Asia-Pacific at Systematic), join editor of Defence Connect Liam Garman to discuss how the Australian Defence Force (ADF) can strengthen its posture amid changes to the threat environment. Key topics of the conversation include: Reflections on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, with a specific focus on how the ADF can learn from Ukraine's resistance to optimise its warfighting posture. Systematics' all-domain offering and how it can provide the ADF with a critical advantage on the battlefield. The power of a technologically and socially networked military. The nature, importance, and role of modern military alliances. Building Australia's self-sufficiency and reducing dependence on the global supply chain. Investing in distributed lethality v large-scale, platform-oriented capability. The future of warfare. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Andrew Hastie, shadow minister for defence, joins co-hosts Major General (Ret'd) Marcus Thompson, inaugural head of the Australian Defence Force's (ADF) Information Warfare Division and Phil Tarrant, director – defence and security at Momentum Media, to discuss Australia's broader defence strategy. • The trio begin by discussing the rapidly evolving geostrategic environment against the backdrop of an ongoing conflict in eastern Europe and growing instability in the Indo-Pacific region. • Hastie, a veteran of the ADF, then stresses the importance of strengthening Australia's defence and security posture, making particular reference to enhancing cyber readiness. • He goes on to explain why the Commonwealth government must continue investing in Australia's sovereign industrial capability to reduce dependence on foreign networks. • The shadow minister for defence concludes by outlining his top three priorities over the next three years. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Graeme Bulte, CEO of Aquaterro, joins host Phillip Tarrant to discuss the company's new work to deliver next-generation capability to the Australian Defence Force.   The pair begin by announcing Aquaterro's selection to support Project LAND 159 Tranche 1 as part of a NIOA-led team recently selected by the Commonwealth government. Bulte discusses the company's contribution to the program, which involves the delivery of a new side-arm weapons system for warfighters. The CEO then shares plans for the future, including the establishment of a new small-arms facility in Victoria.   Bulte concludes by explaining Aquaterro's business model, revealing how the company funds its growth ambitions.   Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, shadow assistant minister for defence Phillip Thompson joins host Phillip Tarrant to discuss the federal opposition's plans for defence and the defence industry. The pair begin the podcast unpacking the Coalition's role in opposition, with Thompson expressing his intent to shape an environment where Australia's warfighters are looked after and able to succeed in their mission.   The podcast continues unpacking some of the Coalition's immediate priorities, including ensuring optimal helicopter procurement. The pair wrap up the podcast discussing last September's AUKUS agreement and the submarine program. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this very special episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Mark Donaldson VC — now a strategic advisor for Microsoft — and Daniel Keighran VC, key account manager joint capability at Thales Australia and New Zealand, join host Phil Tarrant to discuss equipping Australia's future warfighter. The two Victoria Cross recipients discuss the importance of providing Australia's servicemen and women with the latest equipment to achieve battlefield outcomes, including: a. Cognitive decision-making tools; b. Translation capabilities on battlefield radios; c. High-value target intelligence and identification equipment; d. Section level information sharing capabilities; and e. Digitising equipment to streamline maintenance and sustainment. Mark Donaldson VC and Daniel Keighran VC then unpack their recent business ventures at Microsoft and Thales, including the Nexium Defence Cloud and the digital battle rifle, and how technology will enable warfighters to make quicker, smarter and more effective decisions on the battlefield.  The podcast wraps up with an analysis of the war in Ukraine to assess the future of multi-domain conflict.  Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

Lockheed Martin Space is one of the most prominent players in our global industry, responsible for everything from building spacecraft to connecting soldiers on the battlefield. In this special podcast episode, David Ball, the business' regional director for space in Australia and New Zealand, talks about why our local industry is surging and what the future holds. Ball discusses the formation of Defence's space division, the importance of sovereign resilience, and why space domain awareness has become a crucial component in our industry. Finally, Ball discusses his amazing career, which started in the Royal Australian Air Force, and where his passion for space comes from.

In this special episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Major General (Ret'd) Marcus Thompson, inaugural head of the ADF's Information Warfare Division and Phil Tarrant, director – defence and security at Momentum Media, unpack the extent of the Optus hack, and how the data breach could impact regular Australians. Looking back at similar large-scale hacks that have shocked the industry, the pair observe how the normalisation of mass data breaches demands continued collaboration in the industry as hackers can target any business, at any time. The pair continue the podcast discussing the difficulty of attributing the attack to either state-based actors or criminal gangs, and recent trends in cyber victimology. The podcast wraps up with recommendations for Optus customers, including the use of new passwords, app-based two-factor authentication and monitoring for financial intrusion. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut Podcast, Dr Torsten George, vice president, corporate and product marketing at Absolute, joins Liam Garman to discuss the dynamic threat of endpoint risk — and how businesses can build a cyber security offering that expedites recovery in the event of a breach. The pair begin the podcast establishing how endpoint risk threatens small, medium and large businesses, and assess the cyber security practises that allowed some businesses to thrive or dive in the era of remote work. The podcast continues with an analysis into the current threat trends within the endpoint risk environment, and how businesses can address such risks. Dr George explains Absolute's recommendation for businesses to develop a "go bag" in the event of a cyber breach, noting that it is not enough to just have preventative security — but also frameworks to expedite recovery. The pair wrap up the podcast by discussing the emergence of cyber security insurance, andwhether it is sufficient in the modern threat environment.   To read the Absolute Endpoint Risk Report, click here.    Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, the founder of BrothersNBooks, Australian Army Infantry Officer Dylan Conway, joins host Nastasha Tupas to discuss this year's 5in50 Challenge charity fundraiser in support of Legacy Australia, and how "the world's coolest book club" has grown from its humble beginnings — through Conway's lived experience — into a massive online community today that has changed the culture of reading in just two years.   Conway discusses how he led the push to create a culture that endorses and shares new ideas gained from education, promoting mental health wellbeing, and reveals where he plans to take the world's coolest readathon next. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, director of Purvue Consultancy Group and 22-year Australian Army veteran Leo Purdy joins host Liam Garman to discuss the role of the infantry fighting vehicle on the modern battlefield and how LAND 400 Phase 3 will help shape the Australian Army's warfighting capabilities. The pair begin the podcast discussing the role of the infantry fighting vehicle on the battlefield, and how the capability is required to move beyond the APC and enhance Australia's battlefield effectiveness. The podcast then continues with a discussion regarding the number of IFVs procured by the Australian Army, and how they will play an essential role in Australia's Combined Arms Fighting System. The pair wrap up the podcast discussing LAND 400 Phase 3, including the variants looking to be acquired by the Australian Army and how industry can support the program. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, hosts Major General (Ret'd) Marcus Thompson and Phil Tarrant unpack the latest trends in the cyber security industry, from victimology through to corporate active defence capabilities. The pair begin the podcast discussing current trends in the cyber security industry, with Dr Thompson unpacking the concerns from leading chief information security officers (CISOs) across Australia. The podcast then continues with a deep dive into the industry's most important news stories, including the role of cyber attacks in modern warfare, business-led offensive cyber operations, and attacks on university infrastructure. The pair wrap up the podcast with an analysis into current victimology trends arising due to global political volatility. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, the founder and chief executive officer of BenchOn, Tim Walmsley, joins host Liam Garman to discuss workforce optimisation and SME integration in Australia's defence industry. The pair begin the podcast discussing the BenchOn platform, which allows businesses to automate tender identification and talent sourcing. The podcast then continues unpacking several case studies, including BenchOn's recent portal for the Queensland government'sDepartment of Transport and Main Roads as well as several leading primes. The pair wrap up the podcast discussing BenchOn'supcoming "Meet the Primes"program at Land Forces 2022, facilitating introductions between Australia's SMEs and large prime contractors. More information on the program can be found here Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, executive chairman and chief executive officer of Anduril Australia David Goodrich OAM joins host Liam Garman to discuss the company's expansion into the Australian market. The podcast begins by discussing the origin of Anduril Industries, its Lattice OS and its XL-AUV partnership with the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) and Royal Australian Navy. The pair then discuss the team behind Anduril, including founder Palmer Luckey, who previously founded Oculus Rift which was acquired by Facebook, and chief engineer Dr Shane Arnott.   Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Dr Tom Winston, director of intelligence content at Dragos joins host Liam Garman to discuss the latest ransomware trends in the ICS/OT market and how companies can better build risk assessments to protect their businesses. The podcast begins with a discussion regarding Dr Winston's risk assessment white paper, and how to enhance communication between IT and OT systems to improve resilience against ransomware. The pair then discuss the Dragos platform and how it helps protect OT from ransomware groups. The podcast then continues with an analysis into recent victimology trends within the cyber security industry, including new and emerging threat actors. Dragos' latest insight into ransomware as part of the Cyber Security Connect Ransomware Week can be found here, and Dr Winston's analysis risk assessment white paper can be found here. The recent Cyber Security Uncut episode with Conor McLaren, senior threat intelligence analyst at Dragos, can be found here. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, author and historian Dr Will Davies joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss battlefield tours on the Western Front. The podcast begins by discussing Dr Davies' entry into writing WWI history and battlefield touring, providing recommendations on ideal ways to tour the battlefields. The pair then discuss Dr Davies' research into WWI battlefield combatants, explaining that by examining war records, the historian can determine where family members were located on major battlefields. Dr Davies then recommends essential background reading before visiting the Western Front. Finally, the pair discuss the most important places for Australians to tour on the Western Front. Dr Davies' publications include: Somme Mud (by E Lynch, edited by Dr Will Davies), Beneath Hill 60, The Last 100 Days, and The Forgotten. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) diplomat and folk singer Fred Smith joins host Liam Garman to reflect on Australia's 20-year commitment to Afghanistan and last year's humanitarian mission at Kabul International Airport. The pair begin the podcast discussing Smith's background, and how he came to use music as a tool to bring communities together as a diplomat in DFAT. The podcast continues by reflecting on Smith's time as the first Australian civilian to be posted to Uruzgan province in Afghanistan, and his subsequent Dust of Uruzgan album which tells the story of Australian service in the region. Smith also talks about his current cross-country tour "Sparrows of Kabul", honouring the first anniversary of the fall of Kabul and Australia's commitment to Afghanistan. The pair then discuss his upcoming Townsville show along with the 1RAR band, commemorating the Battalion's commitment to Afghanistan over the last 20 years. To read more about Smith's tour, click here.

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, hosts Major General (Ret'd) Marcus Thomspon and Phil Tarrant are joined by Adam McCarthy, CEO of ParaFlare. The podcast unpacks the genesis of ParaFlare, and how McCarthy's lessons as a signaller in the military helped build the foundations of the company. The trio discuss the core offerings of the company including active cyber defence – or more simply, "catching hackers"! McCarthy then outlines the importance of active cyber defence and passive preventative controls, and ParaFlare's proven success in identifying and responding to threats. McCarthy then provides a vulnerability assessment of Australian businesses, from ASX-listed companies to SMEs. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

This episode of the Defence Connect Podcast examines the Albanese government's recently unveiled Defence Strategic Review. The podcast begins unpacking the latest news and updates from defence industry, including Raytheon's contract for F/A-18 Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler services, Defence's commitment to keep flying the F-35A and Leidos' acquisition of a special mission business unit from Cobham Limited.   The hosts continue with an analysis into the Albanese government's recent decision to host a Defence Strategic Review, analysing future acquisition programs and force structure.   The podcast wraps up by analysing recent opposition to the Albanese government's proposed review. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, former naval officer and defence industry analyst Chris Skinner joins host Liam Garman to unpack the great submarine debate as Australia continues on the path to acquiring nuclear submarine capabilities. The pair begin the podcast examining why Australian industry capability must be factored into the submarine task force's scope of research. The podcast continues with a discussion around the Virginia and Astute Classes, and some potential strategies to expedite the acquisition of Australian nuclear submarine capabilities. The pair wrap up the podcast with an analysis of crewed versus uncrewed systems, and how this will shape the future of the battlefield. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and MAJGEN (Ret'd) Marcus Thompson unpack the latest events in cyber security within Australia and beyond. The podcast begins with an analysis of the impact of recent Commonwealth cyber security legislation and regulation on small businesses; It continues with an examination into the nexus between business and security, assessing Microsoft's recent report on cyber operations since the invasion of Ukraine; The pair then continue discussing the latest news from the cyber world, including the confirmation that Chinese employees can access TikTok user's data as well as the recent Deakin University attack; The podcast wraps up with a discussion of the ACCC's plan to stop malicious actors targeting Australians, as well as the recent investment boosts to national security projects. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this special crossover podcast between Defence Connect and Space Connect, host Adam Thorn discusses the future of ISR satellites with Kleos' co-founder, Andy Bowyer. Kleos is a "spy satellite" company that is based in Luxembourg, though listed on the ASX. The satellites are designed to identify illegal activity on Earth by detecting radio frequencies rather than images. Bowyer discusses how Kleos' continued growth signals a shift away from major advancements being the preserve of big governments and primes. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this special crossover edition of the Defence Connect and Space Connect podcasts, host Bella Richards sits down with the Commander of the Defence Space Command, Air Vice-Marshal Catherine Roberts. The pair discuss the objectives of the new Defence Space Command and why the command is so significant as space becomes more congested and contested. AVM Roberts shares some standout experiences throughout the early years of her career. The pair then discuss AVM Roberts' plans for the future, including building a new culture in Defence Space Command from the grassroots. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Rob Parker, partner at Deloitte Australia, joins hosts Major General (Ret'd) Marcus Thompson and Phil Tarrant to discuss how Deloitte Australia is helping service Australia's cyber needs. The podcast begins with a discussion on the growing consideration for cyber security within the federal government, including through the recent appointment of Clare O'Neil as Minister for Cyber Security. Parker then outlines how Deloitte Australia is strengthening Australia's cyber resilience including providing managed services, before outlining the gaps in Australia's cyber market. The podcast wraps up with a discussion of how SMEs can improve their cyber capabilities. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, hosts Liam Garman and Charbel Kadib unpack the latest news and announcements in the defence industry. The podcast begins with an examination of the latest breaking news in defence, including the recent revelations surrounding Guardian Class defects and the submarine timeline. The pair continues with an analysis of newly released data surrounding public opinion towards geopolitics and support for ADF foreign intervention. The podcast wraps up with an investigation into energy security in Europe, and how energy security is becoming a national security priority. Enjoy the podcast, the Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Cameron Whittfield, partner at Herbert Smith Freehills joins hosts Phil Tarrant and Major General (Ret'd) Marcus Thompson to discuss: The nexus between law and cyber operations, and the increasingly complex regulatory landscape surrounding cyber security. Developing assessments of a company's internal cyber risk profile, and steps toward building an effective crisis management team. The changing risk environment, including an analysis into ransomware threats and specific legal considerations that pose risks to companies transferring funds to ransomware actors. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, former Royal Marine Commando and filmmaker Emile Ghesson joins host Liam Garman to discuss his recent film 45 Days – The Fight For A Nation documenting the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, as well as his last three months monitoring the conflict in Ukraine. The podcast begins with a reflection of Ghesson's 12-year career as a Royal Marine, spanning service across the world including Afghanistan and Iraq before working as a high-profile body guard. The pair then discuss Ghesson's turn toward documentary making, joining colleagues in Syria to document the fight against ISIS in 2017, Ukraine in 2019 and Azerbaijan-Armenia in 2020-2021. 45 Days - The Fight For A Nation analyses the recent Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict from a humanitarian perspective, while examining the history of intergenerational trauma in Armenia dating back to the Armenian genocide. However, when promoting the film in Hollywood –Russia's began their invasion of Ukraine, prompting Ghesson to travel to Ukraine to document the day-to-day of life in Ukraine. Ghesson details his last three months in Ukraine, providing insight into the recent conflict direct from the front lines – including failures within Russian military strategy, irregular warfare behind enemy lines, the recent siege of Mariupol, and a discussion around the hotly debated Azov Regiment. To learn more about Ghesson, you can visit his page here or view his recent film 45 Days: The Fight For A Nation here. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

Editor of Defence Connect, Liam Garman, and News Editor, Charbel Kadib, delve into the latest developments across defence industry and geopolitics. The pair begin by discussing the recent financial settlement between the Commonwealth government and French shipbuilder Naval Group following the scrapping of the former $90 billion contract to deliver 12 diesel-powered Attack Class submarines to the Royal Australian Navy. Garman and Kadib then unpack Liberal opposition leader and former defence minister Peter Dutton's open support for the selection of the US-designed Virginia Class submarine under the AUKUS agreement. The pair go on to note senior leadership appointments in the Australian defence industry before touching on outcomes from Minister for Defence Richard Marles' attendance of the Shangri-La Dialogue. Finally, the duo delve into the latest geopolitical developments, discussing recent acts of aggression from the Chinese military and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Noel Borgas, campaign lead at Lockheed Martin Space, and Dr Matt Tetlow, CEO and founder of Inovor Technologies, join host Liam Garman to discuss the future of the Australian space industry and how local SMEs haven risen to the challenge of providing innovative space solutions to the ADF. The trio begins the podcast unpacking how the space domain is an essential vector for future warfighting scenarios, and the steps that Australia must take to build a sovereign space capability that is able to overcome future threat environments. The podcast discusses how Lockheed Martin Australia has supported the development of Australia's space industry, including through local industry engagement with partners such as Inovor Technologies. The trio wraps up by discussing how a layered approach is optimal for military constellations, providing Australia with an adaptable and resilient space strategy to overcome current and future threats. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Reece Corbett-Wilkins and Avryl Lattin, partners at global law firm Clyde & Co, join hosts Phil Tarrant and Major General (Ret'd) Marcus Thompson to discuss how cyber security is becoming a legal obligation for firms. The podcast begins with an analysis into the proceedings of the Federal Court against RI Advice, in which ASIC argued that cyber security controls within businesses were fundamental to minimise the threat of data misuse. The guests continue with an analysis of the requirements of financial services reporting in the event of cyber security breaches. Finally, the podcast wraps up with an examination of how businesses can ensure that they are meeting their obligations for data protection. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, DSTG's Nigel McGinty, chief technology officer strategy and national security, and Robert Hunjet, acting research leader, protection and networked autonomy, join host Liam Garman to discuss the upcoming Australian Defence Science, Technology and Research (ADSTAR) Summit. The trio begins the podcast discussing how ADSTAR will support the growth and development of Australian defence businesses, focusing on the key themes of: Resilience in contested environments. The use of artificial intelligence. The use of human and defensive biotechnologies. The trio then discusses ADSTAR's "start-up alley", and how the summit will give SMEs the opportunity to showcase their innovations. The podcast wraps up discussing recent examples of when the DSTG has helped facilitate the growth of defence start-ups, with critical insight into how businesses can rise to the challenge of operating in the defence supply chain. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Shane Acorn and Daniel Pace, co-founders of the Invicta Prospects Group, to discuss their new Buddy Suite AI solutions platform. The trio begins the podcast discussing Acorn and Pace's service in the RAN as clearance divers and how the pair initially developed the concept of the Buddy Suite to enhance their SOCOM training through digitisation and AI. The podcast continues by looking into how the solution provides training and employee management services across four key service areas: dive, range, bomb and jump – and how working with the Defence Innovation Hub and Macquarie University Incubator has helped to build a more mature and integrable product. The trio wraps up the podcast discussing Acorn and Pace's recent trip to promote the product in the United States, their selection for the Hacking 4 Allies program as well as future growth on the horizon. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Major General (Ret'd) Mick Ryan joins hosts Major General (Ret'd) Marcus Thompson and Phil Tarrant to discuss the recent conflict in Ukraine, modern security and the worsening geopolitical situation. Ryan begins the podcast by providing an analysis into the ongoing War in Ukraine, drawing two conclusions that the recent conflict has reaffirmed: the importance of realistic strategy, and that strategies must be based on tested assumptions. He then explains that Russia cannot win the conflict, meaning that their best outcome is to bring the war to an end in the medium term. Both Ryan and Thompson then analyse the marriage between information and warfare, and how the Ukrainians have seemingly implemented Gerasimov's notion of hybrid warfare better than the Russian military. The conversation continues, with Ryan outlining the essential takeaways for Western governments from the recent conflict, including the importance of the integration of military and national power and the reaffirmed importance of joint domain capabilities including cyber. The trio wraps up the podcast by analysing the recent geopolitical vicissitudes in the Asia-Pacific – including an analysis on China's Taiwan ambitions and the impact of China's arrangements with the Solomon Islands. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, hosts Charbel Kadib and Liam Garman unpack the latest in defence industry news and geopolitics. The pair begins the podcast discussing the government's recent decision to increase the number of Ghost Bat units procured, as well as the announcement that Australia would send yet further Bushmasters to Ukraine. The podcast then continues with an analysis into the recent Lebanese election, and how the election will change the balance of power in Lebanon. The pair wraps up the podcast analysing the German government's recent policy responses toward Russia. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Hosts MAJGEN (Ret'd) Marcus Thompson and Phil Tarrant highlight the need for cyber security awareness across the banking and finance sector. The pair begin by issuing a warning over the spike in malicious cyber activity from Russian actors following the Commonwealth government's decision to impose sanctions on the country in response to its invasion of Ukraine. MAJGEN Thompson and Tarrant go on to discuss their contributions to strengthening cyber security awareness across the country, with the pair touring Australia to help inform the banking and finance community at The Adviser's Better Business Summit 2022. The hosts stress the importance of building cyber resilience in the sector, which they agree should be treated as critical infrastructure. Finally, the pair explain how public policy and government-backed institutions can better equip organisations with the tools to combat cyber threats. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team.

News editor of Defence Connect, Charbel Kadib, and journalist, Nastasha Tupas, delve into the latest developments across defence industry and geopolitics.   The pair begin by recapping their experiences and highlights at the 2022 Indo-Pacific International Maritime Exposition in Sydney.   Kadib and Tupas discuss some of the key news items announced during the three-day exhibition, held at the International Convention Centre.     The journalists then unpack the biggest news stories over the past few weeks, which include Australia's plans to acquire MH-60R Romeo and AH-64 Apache helicopters, as well as an update to the SEA129 Phase 5 program and a new autonomous sub-surface vehicle program.     The pair conclude by discussing the current federal election campaign and the latest geopolitical developments in the region.   Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Lockheed Martin Australia's Neale Prescott and Rob Milligan join host Liam Garman to unpack the company's revolutionary Aegis combat weapons system. The podcast begins with an analysis into how Aegis operates as the "brain" of the Royal Australian Navy's integrated air and missile defence system, and how the upcoming Baseline 9 will provide further cutting edge capabilities to the Royal Australian Navy. The trio then analyses how the system builds a comprehensive 3D map of the threat environment below, on and above the sea – and how the architecture enables the Royal Australian Navy to integrate with Australia's allies to build a single battlefield picture. The podcast wraps up with a discussion of how the Aegis has been able to intercept a series of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), and what other exciting innovations are on the horizon for the weapons system. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Brad Yelland, executive director engineering & technology at Babcock Australasia, joins host Liam Garman to discuss how the company is building a stronger and more resilient ADF. The podcast begins with a discussion regarding Babcock's plans for strengthening maritime capabilities in Australia, New Zealand and the Asia Pacific - and how they have harnessed their international expertise while committing to developing a network of local SMEs - to make Australia a regional maritime hub. The pair continue by analysing the company's recent growth, including their acquisition of the remaining 50 per cent of Naval Ship Management (NSM) and their seven an a half year Maritime Fleet Sustainment Service strategic partnership with the New Zealand Defence Force. The podcast wraps up discussing the company's ambitions for the region - including using their expertise in submarine technology to support the development of an Australian nuclear-powered submarine capability and supporting the development of the Babcock Arrowhead 140 frigate for the Indonesian Navy. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

Welcome to the inaugural Defence Connect Spotlight podcast. In this series, we aim to shine a spotlight on those businesses and individuals who are building a stronger and more resilient defence industry and ADF. In this episode, Gareth Evans, managing director of Rohde & Schwarz Australia joins host and editor of Defence Connect Liam Garman to discuss the company's exciting new partnership with BAE Systems Australia and their role as the communications systems integrator of choice for the Royal Australian Navy. The pair begins by discussing Rohde & Schwarz Australia's 40-year pedigree in communications systems including some of their historical highlights, before diving into their new mission to design and deliver communications systems for the Hunter Class frigate. The podcast then continues with an analysis into the work which the company is doing in other military domains, as well as in the civilian world. The pair wraps up by discussing how Rohde & Schwarz Australia is building their sovereign industry capability including their AIC base in Hunter, and how they are recruiting to support future and current projects in support of the ADF. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Hosts Major General (Ret'd) Marcus Thompson and Phil Tarrant unpack the latest in cyber security policy, and how cyber is shaping up to become an election issue. The pair begins by analysing the impact of the recent Solomon Islands-China agreement on Australian security, assessing the government and opposition's policies around cyber security including Project REDSPICE. The podcast continues with an analysis into whether these policies are achievable in their stated time frame, casting doubt on whether there is a sufficient flow of cyber security graduates to fill a large-scale expansion in the cyber security industry. The pair wraps up by discussing the latest cyber security news, including recent data showing a fourfold increase in phishing attacks while Phil Tarrant shares insight on how his team seeks to continuously improve their cyber security protocols. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In 2018, Matthew "Matty" Brumby co-captained the Australian team at the Invictus Games held in Sydney. Four years since leading the Aussies, Matty is still a massive supporter of Invictus Australia's essential work. The Navy veteran shared his lived experience of trials, tribulations and triumphs with Defence Connect journalist Nastasha Tupas. Originally from Devonport, Tasmania, Matty joined the Navy in 1994 right after finishing high school and spent some time on board HMAS Newcastle and HMAS Brisbane as a steward. While undertaking selection to be a Navy clearance diver, he collapsed on the beach in 2000, and he was then diagnosed with a syrinx, a fluid-filled cavity in his spinal cord that had paralysed him from just below the chest down. After suffering the life-changing injury that cut his Navy career short, Matty has had a great run as a sportsman. He is an Invictus Games gold medallist and added these wins under his belt – Ironman World Champion and Half Ironman World Champion. As a motivational speaker, he advocates for the benefits sports provides for the mind, body and spirit. Connecting with like-minded people and building a support network has been a big part of Matty's rehabilitation. His strong support network includes Willow, a six-year-old chocolate Labrador whom he met at the Invictus Games in 2018 through Integra. Willow assists him in competing at events around the world. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

Air Commodore (Ret'd) Tim Owen, chair of the Hunter Defence Task Force joins host Liam Garman to discuss how the Hunter region in NSW is fast becoming one of Australia's largest defence innovation hubs. The pair begins the podcast discussing how the Hunter Defence Task Force and the Hunter Defence Conference are equipping Australian defence SMEs with the knowledge and expertise to enter the defence supply chain and expand their offerings internationally. The podcast continues by analysing how the Hunter region is playing a critical role in the AIR 6500-Joint Air Battle Management Systems program, and how the SAP at Williamtown and Astra Aerolab are fostering collaboration between primes and SMEs to build a smarter and stronger defence workforce. The pair wraps up by discussing what is next in store for the region, with AIRCDRE (Ret'd) Owen laying out an ambitious plan of expanding the region's industrial base across space, cyber and maritime sustainment. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, managing director and chief executive officer of TrustedImpact Tom Crampton joins host Liam Garman to discuss how cyber security is becoming a whole of company challenge – from HR, through to finance, operations and senior management. Founded in 2006, the boutique cyber security consulting firm has successfully conducted thousands of projects for over 300 commercial and government clients. The podcast begins with a discussion around the meteoric rise of cyber security as a business risk, and how businesses have been forced to alter and change their operations to meet emerging threats. The pair continues by analysing TrustedImpact's awareness training, and the risk that untrained employees or maverick individuals could have on an organisation. The podcast wraps up with a discussion around the future of Australia's cyber security industry, including whether the current demand for cyber expertise will outstrip supply. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut Team

The Australian Invictus Games team, along with their family members and friends, have departed from Sydney International Airport on 12 April 2022 to travel to The Hague, Netherlands on board a Royal Australian Air Force KC-30. Before the team flew out, Defence Connect journalist Nastasha Tupas caught up with Invictus Australia 2022 team members Emily Mysko, Joel Vanderzwan and Pete Miller to chat about how the Invictus Games uses the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for wounded, injured and ill servicemen and women. The Invictus Games is an international adaptive sporting event for serving and former serving Defence personnel. The Australian Defence Force and Invictus Australia are supporting the participation of 32 serving and former serving competitors, as well as over 120 supporting family members and friends. Up to 500 competitors from 20 nations will compete in the Games' individual and team sports, including archery, athletics, indoor rowing, the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge, powerlifting, road cycling, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby. The 2020 Games is set to commence this week and will run from 16-22 April 2022. Enjoy the podcast! The Defence Connect Team

Independent Senator for South Australia Rex Patrick joins host Liam Garman in the studio to assess the government and opposition's defence policies ahead of the upcoming federal election. The pair begins by discussing recent developments in the submarine program, where the Senator draws upon his expertise as a submariner to give strategic advice on building a domestic submarine capability. The podcast continues with an analysis into the government's recent announcement regarding the expansion of the ADF, and whether this was already embedded in defence's forward staffing estimates. The pair wraps up the podcast by discussing Australia's defence industry, and how government can do a better job integrating local SMEs into the defence supply chain. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and Major General (Ret'd) Marcus Thompson, inaugural head of information warfare for the ADF, discuss the rapidly evolving domestic and global cyber security landscape. The pair begins by flagging risks associated with the rise in polarisation, alarmism and sensationalism in the cyber space. Tarrant and MAJGEN Thompson then discuss the importance of democratisation of information and openness in the industry, drawing on the Australian Signals Directorate's recent engagement strategy. The hosts go on to reflect on the Russia-Ukraine crisis – the potential outcome of the ongoing conflict, and Australia's contribution to Ukraine's resistance. The pair concludes by discussing opportunities to address skills and workforce shortages in the cyber space, drawing on MAJGEN Thompson's appearance on a panel discussion hosted by ParaFlare and Deloitte. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

Following the federal budget announcement that the Australian government has committed $9 million over the next three years to supporting Invictus Australia's work with the Invictus Team and the entire veteran community, Michael Hartung OAM, CEO of Invictus Australia, joins Defence Connect journalist Nastasha Tupas to discuss the important role Invictus Australia plays in supporting the defence and veteran community. Hartung, who received the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for service to sport for people with a disability, discusses how Veteran Sport Australia became an extension of the international Invictus Foundation, after signing a world-first agreement to continue to use the Invictus brand in Australia; with the aim of extending support and the power of the Invictus movement beyond the 2018 games held in Sydney. He speaks on the impact of coronavirus, which delayed the games for over two years; postponing it from 2020 to 2021, and then again to 2022. Hartung remains confident that the resilience of the 2020 Invictus Australia team will see them through at the fifth Games that will be hosted in the Hague, the Netherlands, which is kicking off on 16 April and wraps up on 22 April this year. Finally, Hartung touches on how Invictus Australia continues to uplift the defence and veteran community through the grassroots work Invictus Australia has been doing. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this special Cyber Resilience Week edition of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Linda Cavanagh, chief operating officer at Cybermerc to discuss how Australian companies have risen to the challenge to build a robust and innovative cyber security industry. The pair begins by discussing the profile of the modern cyber criminal, and the emerging tools and vectors they use to conduct cyber crime. The podcast then continues by discussing Cybermerc's AUSHIELD offering, how their Protect, Defence and Detect solutions are game changers for protecting businesses. The pair wraps up the podcast by looking at the future of cyber security, including what threats lurk on the horizon and how Cybermerc aims to overcome them. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

How do big Australian primes work with smaller businesses in the supply chain? In this special crossover podcast between Defence Connect and Australian Aviation, host Adam Thorn interviews Chris Hess, head of industrial development at Lockheed Martin Australia, and Gavin New, the general manager of Ronson Gears. The pair have been working together on a range of projects across defence and aerospace, and reveal the secrets behind making the relationship work, as well as dispelling some myths behind supply chain collaboration. Finally, Hess discusses the importance of Australia boosting its sovereign industry capability as industries emerge from the pandemic. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this special cross over podcast, MAJ GEN (Ret'd) Marcus Thompson joins Clare Pales, director of The Secure Board, as a guest on the Secure Board podcast. The pair begin by analysing how recent legislative changes will impact Australia's cyber security environment, and the flow on effects that policy changes will have on local business. Thompson and Pales continue the podcast discussing the importance of having cyber security expertise at senior management levels in companies to ensure that businesses have a cyber security culture. The pair wrap up the podcast by discussing strategies on how businesses can maintain cyber safe practices. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast — recorded the week of the Russian invasion of Ukraine — University of Canberra professor and co-convener of the National Security Hub, Dr Sascha-Dominik Dov Bachmann, joins editor of Defence Connect, Liam Garman, to unpack the hybrid and grey-zone warfare strategies employed by Russia ahead of its invasion of Ukraine. Dr Dov Bachmann begins by delving into the 20th century origins of Russia-Ukraine tensions to contextualise the contemporary struggle. The UOC professor then speaks to Russia's modern warfare strategy, discussing its use of both hybrid and grey-zone tactics. Dr Dov Bachmann goes on to explain how Moscow has leveraged these methods to advance its geostrategic objectives, referencing key operations in breakaway provinces across Ukraine. Finally, the professor flags the risks of a potential spill-over in conflict in the Indo-Pacific off the back of tensions in eastern Europe. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and MAJGEN (Ret'd) Marcus Thompson, inaugural head of information warfare for the ADF, discuss Russia's history of cyber war and how this vector will continue to shape peace and conflict in the future. The pair begin by discussing MAJGEN (Ret'd) Thompson's recent opinion piece in The Australian Financial Review, which dives into Russia's history of cyber and information warfare. In his piece, he argues that Australia must better prepare itself for cyber attacks which will be weaponised in reprisal against Australia for supporting Ukraine during the recent conflict. Both hosts continue by discussing the impact of cyber warfare on Australian businesses, and how many malicious actors work in concert with state-sponsored groups to exploit the cyber domain. The pair wraps up the podcast by analysing how cyber remains an integral part in both hybrid and greyzone warfare, and that foreign actors will continue to use cyber as an essential attack vector in future conflicts. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this special cross-over edition of the Defence Connect Podcast and Australian Aviation Podcast, Air Vice-Marshal (Ret'd) John Quaife, AM joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss his new book Viking Boys. A former Air Commander Australia, Quaife spent nearly three decades in the Royal Australian Air Force as a fighter pilot. After retiring from the service, he became a member of the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal where he learnt incredible stories of untold bravery from Australian service personnel. Viking Boys tells the story of Beaufighter pilot James Hakewill and his navigator Fred Sides, who died on 5 December 1944 when their aircraft slammed into a German gunboat in a fjord in Norway. While official records contain no mention of the aircraft hitting the ship, Quaife reveals what truly happened on 5 December 1944. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, chief executive of Nova Systems Jim McDowell joins host Phil Tarrant to unpack the latest at the leading Australian defence company. The pair begin by discussing Nova Systems' re-brand, which reflects the company's recent growth – employing over a thousand people and turning over around $300 million in revenue – across specialist systems engineering advisory and management services, as well as advanced digital technology, software, services and systems integration solutions. The podcast then continues by analysing Nova Systems' core competency of test and evaluation and the hopes to shift into operating as a horizontal prime, and how it aims to play a larger role in Australia's defence ecosystem. The pair wrap up by discussing Nova Systems' approach to building a sovereign defence industry, including building an experienced workforce in Australia, and examine how AUKUS will provide a unique opportunity for Australian businesses to broaden their industrial bases in the UK and US. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of Cyber Security Uncut, Paula Oliver, manager at AustCyber South Australia Node, joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss the upcoming event "How to give your business champagne level security on a beer budget". Hosted virtually on the 23rd of February, the free event is designed to help businesses build their cyber security resilience on a budget and features keynote speakers from across the industry, including Paula. Throughout the podcast, the pair discusses how cyber security is impacting businesses both big and small, the impact of sustained cyber attacks on the economy and analyses recent trends such as invoice threats and email compromise. The podcast wraps up with an analysis of the digital workplace, including the need to view cyber security as a business risk and discussing Australia's future cyber workforce. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut podcast

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, founding chief executive officer of robotics and AI company Chironix joins host Liam Garman to discuss how technology has revolutionised both war fighting and productivity in the defence industry. The pair begin by discussing Chrionix's new Project Simpson, an uncrewed ground vehicle designed to transport battlefield casualties to field hospitals as well as their recent cooperation with the US Marines. The podcast then continues analysing how robotics has revolutionised the defence industry, and the role Chironix has played in optimising the productivity of civil sectors through automation. The pair wrap up by discussing future improvements on the horizon for uncrewed vehicles and their evolving application on the battlefield and in businesses. Enjoy the podcast.

Editor of Defence Connect, Liam Garman, and news editor, Charbel Kadib, delve into the latest developments across defence industry and geopolitics. The pair begin by discussing the implications of findings from a leaked report flagging design and build risks associated with development of the Royal Australian Navy's next-generation Hunter Class frigates. Garman and Kadib explore whether the classified report could hinder the progress of the SEA 5000 program, drawing from the perspectives of defence analysts and commentators. The journalists also weigh in on Australia's hypersonic R&D program in light of the opening of a new facility in Queensland. Garman then unpacks the key take-aways from Defence Connects inaugural AIC Summit, outlining five tips for local SMEs looking to expand their presence in the defence industry. Finally, the pair discuss the latest developments in the geopolitical landscape, including China's stake in the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine and the changing nature of the force structure of major Western powers. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and MAJGEN (Ret'd) Marcus Thompson analyse the effects of cyber manipulation on the world as we know it. The pair begin by discussing the impact of information warfare on politics, and how emerging cyber tools such as deepfakes could be used by threat actors to foment political and international conflict. The podcast continues by diving into the applications of cyber warfare in the modern conflict space and how threat actors use cyber vectors to achieve non-kinetic advantages over their adversaries. The pair wraps up the podcast by discussing the impact of cyber surveillance on individuals and businesses, encouraging companies to implement cyber security protocols when employees travel overseas. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host and editor of Defence Connect Liam Garman is joined by Matthew Jones, CEO of EOS Defence Systems to unpack EOS' latest innovations in the defence sector. The pair begin by discussing Jones' recent appointment as CEO of EOS Defence Systems and the company's new T-2000 turret system, including the new directed energy weapons system designed for counter-UAS engagements on the battlefield. The podcast continues discussing the recent EOS-led C4 EDGE consortium, an Australian Army-supported program of 31 Australian SMEs to develop sovereign C4 capabilities. The pair wraps up the podcast by discussing the new Titanis counter-UAS system, developed from mature EOS remote weapon systems concepts. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Editor of Defence Connect, Liam Garman, and news editor,, Charbel Kadib, unpack the latest developments across defence and geopolitics. The pair begin by addressing mounting tensions across Russia's border with Ukraine, exploring how the United States and its allies could respond in the event of a military clash. Garman and Kadib then weigh in on the debate surrounding the Commonwealth government's defence procurement strategy in response to significant investment in armoured vehicle capability. Finally, the pair assess whether the Australian Defence Force should rethink its approach to the training and resourcing of its Reserves, drawing from foreign case studies. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Hosts Phil Tarrant and MAJ GEN (Ret'd) Marcus Thompson join the studio to discuss the latest breaking news and updates from the cyber security industry. The pair begin by analysing the impact that malicious cyber security operations have on regular companies, especially those outside of the cyber security industry, and that many firms have been slow to understand the true implications of poor cyber protocols. The podcast then analyses the growing market around cyber security insurance, and the apprehension among some insurers to cover cyber risk. The pair wrap up the podcast by analysing the role of intelligence and law enforcement agencies in combating cyber crime, and the difficulties they face in bringing cyber criminals to justice. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

On this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Phil Tarrant is joined by Matthew Sibree, managing director IndoPac, defence & security at CAE, to discuss CAE's recent expansion in the region and how the company delivers training support for Australia's future warfighters. The pair begin by discussing how CAE, established 75 years ago, has expanded from offering pilot training solutions to offering multi-domain training solutions to support airmen, sailors and soldiers by designing and equipping militaries with cutting-edge training capabilities. The podcast then analyses how CAE seeks to integrate into Australian industry and domicile training expertise within Australia, and how domain siloed training is unsuitable for modern warfare - requiring the delivery of multi-domain training environments. The pair wrap up the podcast discussing how CAE utilises cutting-edge technology such as biometric scanners to ensure that training is individually tailored to the warfighter, and how virtual training environments enable the military to conduct large-scale testing without signposting clandestine military capabilities to one's adversaries. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Liam Garman, editor defence and security at Momentum Media, and Defence Connect journalist Nastasha Tupas examine the latest breaking news in defence and defence industry for 2022. The podcast begins by discussing the latest defence announcements from the M1A2 Abrams approval, and the recent Hellfire Missile acquisition. The pair then analyse the latest news from the Commonwealth government's JP9102 program and exciting breakthroughs in Australia's space industry. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Liam Garman, editor of Cyber Security Connect, joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss the biggest cyber security news stories from 2021. From reclassifying critical infrastructure to breaking commercial investments in the industry, join our hosts as we look back on an amazing year of achievements and announcements in Defence and defence industry. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

Liam Garman, editor of Defence Connect, joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss the biggest stories from the air domain in 2021. The pair examine the five most popular stories throughout the year, judged by reads, and discuss what 2022 has in store for defence. From AIR 6500 to F-35s, join our hosts as we look back on an amazing year in Defence and defence industry. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Liam Garman, editor of Defence Connect, joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss the biggest stories from the land domain in 2021. The pair examine the five most popular stories throughout the year, judged by reads, and discuss what 2022 has in store for defence. From LAND 400 Phase 3 to the Apache, join our hosts as we look back on an amazing year of achievements and announcements in Defence and defence industry. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of Cyber Security Uncut, Alex Tilley, head of intelligence and research, APAC at Secureworks, joins our hosts MAJGEN (Ret'd) Marcus Thompson and Phil Tarrant to discuss the evolving cyber threat landscape. The podcast begins with a wrap up from MAJGEN Marcus Thompson on the latest in the cyber security industry, including discussing findings from the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the release of the exposure draft for the second critical infrastructure bill. Tilley then gives a snapshot of the threat landscape including his insights into the emerging and evolving Log4j vulnerability. The trio then analyses how the industry uses critical scenarios, such as widely exploited vulnerabilities, as learning opportunities to inform the next generation of threat response mechanisms in the cyber domain. The podcast wraps up by analysing the changing character of cyber crime, with criminals moving from targeting large corporations to targeting individuals and small businesses. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

Liam Garman, editor of Defence Connect, joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss the biggest stories from the maritime domain in 2021. Needless to say, 2021 fundamentally changed Australia's maritime posture. The pair examine the five most popular stories throughout the year, judged by reads, and discuss what 2022 has in store for defence. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Phil Tarrant is joined by Air Marshal (Retired) Warren McDonald AO, CSC. The pair begin by discussing Air Marshal McDonald's previous role heading up the joint capabilities at the ADF and how he's bringing his experience to lead Lockheed Martin Australia as the company's new chief executive. The podcast continues, analysing the new capabilities the Lockheed Martin-built F-35 fleet will bring to the Royal Australian Air Force as four of the fifth-generation jets touched down at their new home in RAAF Base Tindal this month. The pair wrap up the podcast discussing resilience and Air Marshal McDonald's take on how the defence industry has handled the COVID-19 pandemic. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Liam Garman is joined by Shaun Wilson, founder and head of business development at Shoal Group, and Christopher Hess, head of industrial development at Lockheed Martin Australia. The podcast begins with a discussion about the history of Shoal Group and Lockheed Martin Australia's relationship, and how the pair have supported the Australian defence industry. The trio then provide some feedback for Australian defence SMEs on how they can better enter the defence industry supply chain and collaborate with large defence contractors . The podcast wraps up analysing the current industry climate, what both participants are hearing within the defence industry and what 2022 has in store for Shoal Group and Lockheed Martin Australia. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

On this episode of Cyber Security Uncut, Bex Nitert, managing consultant, digital forensics and incident response at ParaFlare joins hosts Major General (Ret'd) Marcus Thompson and Phil Tarrant to discuss Australia's cyber threat response industry. The podcast begins with a discussion between the hosts about a recently passed legislation, dubbed the Magnitsky Act, which seeks to ban human rights abusers, cyber criminals and corrupt officials from entering Australia and giving the commonwealth the opportunity to seize assets. The trio then discusses digital forensics and threat response operations, and how businesses need to be proactive about cyber security to ensure that business functions don't suffer breaches. The podcast then analyses the skills and requirements for future cyber professionals, including the "art versus science" of intelligence. The trio wraps up by examining how professionals in the cyber industry are able to help build a more secure Australia by collaborating with law enforcement agencies, and discusses profiles of cyber crime actors. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

Host of the Defence Connect Podcast Phil Tarrant is joined by Clint Thomas, managing director of Serco Defence and Norman Whittaker, infrastructure leader - defence at GHD to discuss the recent memorandum of understanding between the two companies and how they are reshaping the defence estate industry. The podcast begins by examining the background of the recent collaborative agreement between the two companies, and how they hope to expand their offering in the industry. The trio continues by analysing the core deliverables of Serco Defence and GHD, and how both companies are crucial for delivering better services to Australian defence personnel and supporting Australia's war readiness. The podcast wraps up discussing how bases can improve in line with recommendations from the defence estate industry, and thus continue delivering leading services for the Australian Defence Force and Department of Defence. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Liam Garman, editor defence and security at Momentum Media, is joined by news editor Charbel Kadib in the studio to unpack the latest news and updates in Australian defence and defence industry. The podcast begins by unpacking the retirement of the Classic Hornet, the recent Coras agreement with ARC and the new Office of Defence Industry Support. The pair then discuss why Australia should invest in B-21 aircraft as part of a burden sharing agreement with the United States, and weigh up whether the Virginia or Astute Class submarines would better suit Australia's submarine ambitions. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this week's podcast, Narelle Devine CSM, chief information security officer, Asia Pacific at Telstra, joins hosts MAJ GEN (Ret'd) Marcus Thompson and Phil Tarrant, director defence and security at Momentum media, to discuss cyber security challenges from the perspective of one of the country's largest telecommunications companies. Devine begins by discussing her transition from decades of service with the Royal Australian Navy to a successful career in the civilian space, supporting cyber security integration across both the public and private sector. Telstra's CISO then discusses the cyber security challenges facing the globe, noting the spike in malicious activity, particularly the targeting of consumers through mobile communications scams. Devine outlines the strategies employed by stakeholders to counter cyber threats, including direct efforts to curtail criminal actors and broader efforts to bolster resilience across the community. The discussion continues with an analysis of the range of threat vectors, with Devine explaining while ransomware in particular is top of mind for CISOs. The trio then delve into the ongoing challenges associated with building Australia's cyber workforce, with Devine outlining strategies to retain and attract highly-skilled talent. Finally, Devine explains how Telstra is shaping their strategy to prepare for the future threat environment. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Phil Tarrant is joined by Major General Mick Ryan, AM, Commander Australian Defence College. The pair begin by discussing MAJGEN Ryan's tenure as Commander of the Australian Defence College, enhancing Defence's education continuum from Cadet through to General as well as overcoming the challenges of the recent pandemic. The podcast continues with an analysis of how the Australian Defence Force is preparing its members and future leaders to address the emerging characteristics of war with new curricula that were designed in accordance with Defence's current and future needs. The pair wrap up the podcast discussing MAJGEN Ryan's upcoming book, War Transformed, and the impact that ebbs and flows of technological change have on warfare. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Phil Tarrant is joined by Defence Connect's editorial staff Liam Garman and Charbel Kadib to analyse the latest news and updates from the defence industry. The trio begin by analysing the latest news in defence industry, from EOS' new T2000-DE turret to Cobham and CAE Australia's joint bid for the AIR 5428 program. The podcast continues, examining the recent geopolitical and geostrategic updates from around the world including the crisis in Eastern Europe and the realities of Australia's submarine program. The trio wrap up the podcast discussing the latest military news, including the commissioning of the HMAS Stalwart, and HMAS Canberra returning to its homeport following a lengthy deployment. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this week's podcast, Lani Refiti, regional director, ANZ at Claroty, joins hosts MAJ GEN (Ret'd) Marcus Thompson and Phil Tarrant, director – defence and security at Momentum Media, to discuss securing Australia's critical infrastructure amid an evolving cyber threat landscape. The podcast begins by analysing the latest news and updates from the cyber security industry, including balancing workforce demands for privacy despite remote work, as well as the latest in a long string of cyber attacks overseas. The trio then dives into analysing Claroty's core business offering as an industrial cyber security company, focusing on two crucial areas: critical infrastructure and defence industries. The podcast then analyses Claroty's efforts in protecting Australia's critical infrastructure from threat actors, and whether the government's new critical infrastructure bill was sufficient to address the current cyber security threat landscape. Lani then discusses how "black swan" cyber incidents aren't far-fetched concepts – but growing realities in an increasingly cyber world. The podcast wraps up by analysing Claroty's ambitious plans in the region including optimising their current service offerings, and how the industry can amplify awareness of the cyber threat environment. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Connect team

In this week's podcast, Dr Gregor Ferguson, defence writer, analyst and publisher of EX2, joined Liam Garman, editor defence and security at Momentum Media, to discuss the upcoming Peever review and how to get cutting edge technology into the hands of Australia's warfighters. The podcast begins by analysing the aims of the review and what efficiencies can be achieved to improve the flow of money into businesses and technology into the ADF. The pair then unpack whether a DARPA model will support greater innovation in Australia's defence industry, looking at the results of public-private partnerships from the US across defence and space sectors. The podcast wraps up with Dr Ferguson identifying some of the key factors that he would like to see uncovered throughout the review, and analyse whether the senior leadership has the palate to undergo swift and thorough improvements in the defence industry and defence technology sectors. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

On this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, host Phil Tarrant is joined by Greg Barsby, managing director of QinetiQ Australia to assess the importance of test and evaluation procedures for a robust sovereign defence capability. The podcast begins by analysing how QinetiQ is investing in Australia to build a sovereign test and evaluation process, developing a more in depth and comprehensive understanding of Defence's platforms. The pair continue to examine how QinetiQ draws from the company's global expertise to support uniquely Australian operations. The podcast wraps up by evaluating the future of the test and evaluation industry in Australia, especially regarding the nation's resilient and highly trained workforce. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of Cyber Security Uncut, Daniel Lai, chief executive officer of archTIS joins hosts MAJGEN (Ret'd) Marcus Thompson, chair of the Penten board and Phil Tarrant, director – defence and security at Momentum Media to unpack the latest in the cyber security industry. To begin, the trio discusses the latest news and updates from the market, including how the pandemic has created new loopholes for threat actors to exploit – and how secure information sharing services, such as archTIS, have addressed those challenges. The podcast then examines the changing trust environment, including security classifications and protecting information in an increasingly complex ecosystem, before examining the nexus between industry and government to build a resilient sovereign cyber industry. The trio wraps up the podcast by discussing how archTIS and Penten navigate the business environment, while Lai explains how his business growth has been rooted in developing quality products. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Connect team

Thirty-year Royal Australian Navy veteran and editor of the Nuclear Propulsion Roadmap for Australia Christopher Skinner joins Liam Garman to unpack Australia's ongoing submarine debate. The pair begin by analysing the current submarine question spurred by the technology sharing arrangements under the AUKUS deal, and analyse the differences between the proposed nuclear-powered submarines and the Attack Class. The podcast then dives into analysing whether Australia needs stopgap capabilities in the meantime while the new fleet is under construction. Finally, the podcast wraps up looking at whether nuclear powered submarines may spur interest in nuclear technology, and the geopolitical impacts of the France-Australia fallout. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Dr Peter Layton joins host Liam Garman for this week's Defence Connect podcast, examining findings from Dr Layton's recent report titled Countering China's Gray Zone Strategy. Gray zone featured strongly in Australia's 2020 Defence Strategic Update. It declared that: "grey zone activities directly or indirectly targeting Australian interests are occurring now". The podcast begins with an analysis on the PRC's gray zone activities within the Indo-Pacific and beyond, and how these activities form part of the broader PRC strategy. The pair then discuss China's preferred asymmetries, and how they will continue to exploit aversion to war to assert incremental dominance in the region. The podcast wraps up by analysing what Australia and the Australian defence industry can do to counter these operations within the South China Sea and broader Indo-Pacific. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of Cyber Security Uncut, Matthew Wilson, CEO of cyber technology firm Penten, joins hosts, Major General (Ret'd) Marcus Thompson and Phil Tarrant, director – defence and security at Momentum Media, to discuss the company's growth strategy in the cyber security space. The trio begin by announcing the appointment of MAJGEN (Ret'd) Thompson as the new chair of the Penten board, explaining how the company plans to leverage his experience to realise its ambitions. Wilson then discusses the company's recent capital raise, which aims to strengthen the company's financial position in an effort to bolster investment. The Penten CEO also explains how the company and other SMEs can support the nation's broader push to enhance digital sovereignty, making particular reference to the importance of emerging encryption technology. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Connect Team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Dr Charles Knight, lecturer in Terrorism, Asymmetric Conflict & Urban Operations at Charles Sturt University, joins editor of Defence Connect Liam Garman to discuss the power and influence of media and information warfare strategies in the contemporary battlespace. Dr Knight, a former member of the British Army and Royal Air Force, begins by reflecting on the prevalence of information warfare throughout history, and how strategies have evolved over time. The pair then outline modern examples of the effective use of media to produce desired military outcomes, pointing to case studies in the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific. Dr Knight also explains the findings of a recent study, which assessed the impact of media reporting on military campaigns in the urban warfare environment. Finally, Dr Knight lists recommendations from his research, which aims to build trust in the military among media representatives in a bid to support the broader national security effort. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Commodore (Ret'd) Vince Di Pietro joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss Australia's national resilience, examining key findings from the report, Australia – A complacent nation: Our reactions are too little, too late, too short-sighted, published by the Institute for Integrated Economic Resilience's National Resilience Project. The podcast begins by analysing Australia's military and emergency first response capabilities to natural disasters, and how Di Pietro used multidimensional insights from recent natural disasters to compile his working group's component of the report. To view the report, click here. The pair then analyse the evolution of the term national resilience which has become widely used among Australia's key decision makers, and the uptick in ADF domestic response operations. The podcast wraps up by analysing policy responses to this changing field, and outlines how local communities must be empowered to engage with emergency procedures. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of Cyber Security Uncut, Aiden Tudehope, co-founder and managing director, government and hosting group at Macquarie Telecom Group, joins hosts Major General (Ret'd) Marcus Thompson and Phil Tarrant, director – defence and security at Momentum Media, to discuss the company's recent expansion in the data security space. The trio beginning by weighing in on the trilateral AUKUS agreement between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, discussing what it might mean for technological development in the cyber domain. Tudehope, MAJGEN (Ret'd) Thompson, and Tarrant go on to note the importance of digital sovereignty in ensuring the nation retains control of sensitive data, minimising national security vulnerabilities. Tudehope then discusses the evolution of Macquarie Telecom Group, explaining how the company reimagined its purpose to support Australia's changing data security needs. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Connect Team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Emeritus Professor of Complex Systems Science at the Australian National University Roger Bradbury joins host Liam Garman, editor defence and security at Momentum Media, to discuss how technological innovation could make submarines obsolete. In the podcast, Professor Bradbury analyses the changing technologies of war. He explains that submarines possess core advantages (or "tricks") including stealth that make them lethal in times of conflict. However, such tricks are likely to be overcome by new and emerging submarine detection technology. The pair then discuss Professor Bradbury's multidisciplinary report, Transparent Oceans? The Coming SSBN Counter-Detection Task May Be Insuperable, which found that such submarine detection capabilities would reduce the military advantages provided by submarines by the 2050s. Throughout the podcast, Professor Bradbury draws upon historical, scientific and military analyses to support the report's findings. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, editor of Defence Connect Liam Garman and news editor Charbel Kadib join host Phil Tarrant to discuss the Commonwealth government's decision to overhaul the Future Submarines program. The trio begin by unpacking the new trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, dubbed AUKUS, which will involve the local construction of nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy as part of a knowledge sharing arrangement. Tarrant, Garman, and Kadib then explore the potential benefits of nuclear propulsion technology in bolstering undersea warfare capability, and the broader defence plan associated with the AUKUS pact. The team also discusses the local reaction to the AUKUS deal, including the response from former SEA1000 contractor Naval Group. Finally, the trio examines the geostrategic implications of the decision, detailing the international reaction from both Australia's allies and adversaries. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

Cyber Security Uncut is back with the second episode of the podcast, hosted by Major General (Ret'd) Marcus Thompson, inaugural head of the Department of Defence's Information Warfare Division and Phil Tarrant, director – defence and security at Momentum Media. The podcast begins by analysing the impact that organisational budget cuts within the cyber and IT portfolios have had on the ability for businesses to manage the growing financial risk of cyber penetration. The pair continue by analysing where cyber security risk management teams and chief information security officers (CISOs) should sit in organisational structures, and what the Australian government's cyber security watchdogs are doing to combat this growing threat. The podcast wraps up by discussing how businesses can better prepare themselves for cyber penetrations by investigating recent phishing and ransomware operations. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Connect Team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Phil Tarrant is joined by shadow minister for defence industry Matt Keogh, who outlines his vision for the future of Australia's defence industry. The pair begin the podcast by discussing the Commonwealth's new Sovereign Industrial Capability Priorities, and the importance of translating the priorities into action. They then analyse Labor's recent commitment to conduct the first Defence Force Posture Review in eight years to ensure the ongoing warfighting capability of the defence force. The pair then examine the relationship between primes and Australian defence SMEs, and the impact that the recent pandemic has had on Australia's supply chains. The podcast then wraps up by discussing the importance of having a sovereign defence industry to overcome shortfalls in the global supply chain. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team