Defence Connect Podcast Network

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.

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

• 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.

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. 

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

• 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

• 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

• 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. 

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

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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

• 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

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 &nbsp 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.

• 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.

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 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< Australia’s industrial capacity for the development of maritime and guided weapons, as well as an ongoing mishap that has seen millions of emails intended for the US military sent to Mali.

• 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

• 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.

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.

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

• 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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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 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. 

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

• 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.

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

• 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.

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

• 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. 

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

• 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

• 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.

• 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. 

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

• 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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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

• 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.
•  

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

• 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.

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

• 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.

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

• 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.

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