Securely Connected Everything

Discover the cutting-edge world of technology with Carl Solder, Cisco Systems' CTO for Australia and New Zealand, as he takes us on an enlightening journey from the 1990s to today. With nearly three decades of expertise, Carl shares his insights on iconic innovations like the Catalyst 6500 switch and the challenges businesses face in adapting to rapid technological changes. This episode offers a comprehensive look at the relentless pace of tech evolution and how Cisco continues to lead the industry in transformative ways.Explore the future of work as we discuss the shift to hybrid models and the innovative solutions Cisco is developing to support this new landscape. From enhanced collaboration tools to AI-driven devices, learn how organisations are reimagining their workspaces to boost productivity and foster collaboration. We also highlight the strategic acquisition of Splunk, emphasising the critical role of data in modern troubleshooting and observability, as well as the design of Cisco's new sales office in New York that embodies these forward-thinking changes.Finally, we address the intersection of technology and sustainability, focusing on the exciting potential of smart buildings and simplified networking. Carl Solder shares how Power over Ethernet (PoE) is driving energy efficiency, helping achieve net-zero goals. Delve into Cisco's AI strategy and the emerging trend of repatriating workloads on-premises, offering insights into the economic and operational benefits of such a shift. This episode is a must-listen for anyone keen to understand the current and future state of technology in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Discover the riveting journey of Darren Hopkins, a distinguished partner at McGrath McNichol, who transitioned from the Queensland Police Service to the forefront of digital forensics and cybersecurity. Darren's extraordinary path, beginning with an IT degree and evolving through vital roles in software engineering and information management, offers listeners a unique perspective on the nascent stages of digital forensics. Recalling his time at Queensland Police, Darren shares compelling stories of his involvement in organised crime and child protection cases, which shaped his expertise and led him to establish digital forensics capabilities at prominent firms like KPMG and McGrath McNichol.The landscape of cyber threats is rapidly changing, and this episode uncovers how organized crime has shifted focus towards lucrative cyber activities. From the days of simple phishing scams to today's sophisticated ransomware attacks that paralyze major corporations, we explore the escalating challenges faced by cybersecurity defenders. Darren provides insights into the commercial and ethical dilemmas organizations encounter, emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity hygiene and proactive measures. We also delve into the role of government regulations in this ongoing battle against cybercriminals.As businesses strive to protect themselves, the discussion turns to the critical role of tech giants like Microsoft, Apple, and Meta in securing digital ecosystems. We highlight their efforts to integrate security into their products and the emerging significance of operational technology (OT) security. For business leaders, the conversation pivots to essential strategies, stressing the importance of governance and cybersecurity hygiene to ensure business continuity. The episode concludes by underscoring the growing necessity for tech expertise on corporate boards to effectively navigate today's complex technology risks.

Discover how digital forensics is revolutionising the fight against intellectual property theft and misconduct in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity. Join us as we engage with Darren Hopkins from McGrathNichol, who sheds light on the sophisticated techniques used to uncover unauthorised data transfers and breaches. From understanding the significance of registry entries, link files, and shell bags, to exploring the complexities of conducting forensic investigations in cloud environments, this conversation promises to arm businesses with the knowledge to tackle modern cyber threats.As we navigate the turbulent waters of cloud computing, the spotlight turns to the ever-increasing insider threats driven by economic pressures and the cunning strategies of organised crime. We unravel the crucial role of Multi-Factor Authentication and the challenges businesses face when failing to activate essential logging features. Through Darren's insights, we highlight the importance of a proactive approach to cybersecurity, emphasising how visibility and robust security measures can deter potential breaches before they occur.But the conversation doesn't stop there—our journey extends into the dynamic world of emerging technologies and career opportunities in cybersecurity. Explore how AI is reshaping both defences and attacks, and uncover the career paths that await aspiring professionals passionate about defending against global cyber threats. With a focus on diversity and the excitement of crisis management, this episode showcases the rewarding and ever-changing nature of working in cybersecurity, offering a glimpse into a future where technology and resilience go hand in hand.

Join us as Matt Maw shares his transformative journey from bricks-and-mortar operations to spearheading digital change in the gaming industry, promising insights into maintaining revenue streams amidst diverse regulations. You'll discover how Matt navigated the complexities of transitioning Australia's largest gaming and wagering business into a digital powerhouse while simultaneously revolutionizing aged care with innovative digital care planning. This conversation provides a unique glimpse into Matt's leadership strategies, highlighting the importance of balancing traditional and digital infrastructures.Experience the high-stakes world of event infrastructure management as Matt takes us behind the scenes of major events like the Melbourne Cup. Imagine the pressure of managing a network spanning over 11,000 physical locations, where 80% of bets are placed in the moments before a race begins. Matt reveals the meticulous preparation and risk management necessary to handle such spikes in transactions and underscores the critical nature of seamless execution to avoid irreversible revenue loss. Discover the role of private cloud implementation in ensuring operational resilience during these peak periods.In a world driven by data and innovation, Matt sheds light on the strategic decision-making involved in infrastructure management and team integration. He discusses the balance between private and public cloud services and the innovative "one TATS program" fostering a culture of collaboration. Learn about career growth opportunities that empower and advance professionals within and beyond the organization. Matt also shares his insights on building resilient infrastructures and teams, emphasizing proactive planning and stress-testing to ensure operational stability during unforeseen disruptions.

Nichole Wynne, CEO and founder of Nicstar, joins us to share her remarkable journey from a small town in New South Wales to becoming a trailblazer in the ICT industry. You'll gain insights into her experiences with prominent American companies and how their emphasis on training and innovation influenced her approach to business and client relations. With her unique perspective, Nichole underscores the indispensable role of project management in achieving successful outcomes for clients, shedding light on her passion for technology and leadership that has earned her a nomination in the Women in ICT Awards.Explore the rapidly shifting landscape of project management with us, as we discuss the essential qualities of integrity, authenticity, and adaptability. Nichole provides a deep dive into the latest trends in network infrastructure, focusing on speed, security, and sustainability. The conversation navigates through the emerging impact of AI and edge computing on infrastructure design, while also advocating for an integrated approach to physical and cybersecurity. Nicole's insights into the transformative role of AI in both personal and professional realms will leave you pondering the future of technology.As we delve into the art of building successful project teams, Nichole emphasises the critical importance of thorough testing in pre-production environments to tackle complex ICT projects, particularly within large government organisations. Drawing from her extensive experience, she shares anecdotes of managing challenging projects and the collaborative efforts required to overcome obstacles. Her advice for women entering the ICT field highlights genuine passion and resilience as key drivers for success, irrespective of gender. Finally, we reflect on the ongoing shift toward hyper-connectivity, exploring its profound impact on communication and interaction in our digital age.

Ever wondered what it takes to stay ahead in the fast-paced world of cybersecurity? Join us as we chat with Jack Chan, Fortinet's Vice President of Product Management and Field CTO for APAC, who brings nearly two decades of industry experience to the table. We'll explore Jack's fascinating journey from a NetScreen trainer to a leading figure in cybersecurity, providing unique insights into the evolving landscape of cyber threats in the APAC region. Our discussion highlights how cloud adoption and remote work are reshaping security measures and the vital role of innovative solutions in managing data more effectively.Discover the cutting-edge strategies behind Fortinet's rollout of Zero Trust architecture and Secure Access Services Edge (SASE) technologies. Jack sheds light on their phased approach, starting with small user groups, and expanding to a larger scale while integrating SD-WAN with SASE. This episode highlights the challenges and benefits of transitioning to cloud-native technologies and the crucial importance of constant device posture checks. Jack also shares Fortinet's internal deployment experiences, offering valuable insights into their scalable technology solutions and what lies ahead in the world of cybersecurity.Finally, we explore how Fortinet maintains its leadership by effectively managing IoT devices, from home networks to smart cities, with an emphasis on security and connectivity. Jack provides a glimpse into Fortinet's product development strategies, which balance in-house innovation with strategic acquisitions like Lacework and NextDLP. The conversation wraps up with reflections on generational shifts in technology use, particularly AI, and its growing influence on our daily lives. Listen in for a rich, engaging discussion that not only highlights today's cybersecurity challenges but also paints a picture of where the future might lead us.

Unlock the full potential of your industrial operations with private 4G and 5G networks. Join us as we sit down with Ian Ross, the head of Private Cylinder Networks for Australia and New Zealand at Ericsson, to explore how these advanced networks can seamlessly integrate into your infrastructure. Discover the remarkable efficiency gains and cost savings that automated warehouses and ports are already experiencing, and learn about the critical role stable connectivity plays in enhancing safety and productivity in emergency services and other critical operations.Are you ready to lead the charge in sustainability through technology? Ian enlightens us on the transformative power of private cellular networks in electrified, digitized, and automated mining operations. We delve into the importance of data in driving sustainability initiatives and how innovations like micro-sleep technology are significantly reducing energy consumption. Ian also shares invaluable leadership insights, emphasizing the need for an open mindset, the courage to experiment, and the acceptance of failure as part of the innovation process.Get inspired by the groundbreaking work of Ericsson's 35,000-strong engineering R&D workforce. Hear about their close collaboration with customers to turn needs into cutting-edge technical capabilities, particularly in AI and 5G. Ian shares his personal experiences and the excitement of solving business challenges with technology. We discuss the importance of building a trusted partner ecosystem and understanding industry trends to create real value for end users. Lastly, we explore the monumental impact of 5G on enterprises, from augmented reality in construction to AI-driven automation in agriculture, illustrating how unlimited connectivity is driving unprecedented operational agility and efficiency.

Get ready to uncover the transformative world of 5G technology with Ian Ross, the visionary head of private cellular networks for Australia and New Zealand at Ericsson. Imagine how industries are evolving with the shift from outdated copper cables to state-of-the-art 5G networks. Ian shares his impressive journey in the ICT industry, highlighting Ericsson's monumental role from the advent of 1G to the current 5G revolution, and how data consumption patterns have been radically reshaped by these technological strides.Curious about private cellular networks? Ian expertly breaks down how these networks differ from public carrier offerings, catering specifically to the unique needs of enterprises. You'll learn about the myriad benefits these networks offer, from operational independence and enhanced security to tailored performance. Discover why companies are choosing private networks for reasons such as remote area coverage and critical uptime needs, and how 5G devices are creating more cost-efficient and flexible solutions, especially in industrial settings.Looking ahead, the future of industry connectivity is nothing short of astonishing. Envision automated trucks, drones conducting shore inspections, and UAVs examining vessel propellers—all possible through reliable 5G connectivity. With advanced data and video analytics, industries are pushing the boundaries of innovation. Tune in to hear Ian discuss phenomenal real-world examples and how forward-thinking strategies are paving the way for a connected future that promises unprecedented efficiency and creativity.

Ever wondered how observability can transform your digital landscape and safeguard against costly downtime? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Shiv Radhakishun, the Head of Channel, ANZ and Japan  at ThousandEyes, as he takes us on a journey from his humble beginnings selling cell phones to leading roles at giants like Cisco and ThousandEyes. Shiv reveals the vital role of visibility and network assurance, likening ThousandEyes to the "Google Maps of the internet," and shares how these tools can revolutionise operational efficiency and minimise disruptions.Discover the global trend towards adopting observability tools and how they are vital in industries where every minute of downtime translates to substantial financial loss. Drawing parallels to the mission-driven work at Meraki, we discuss how leveraging technology can simplify complex network management, turning what used to be arduous, time-consuming tasks into swift and accurate resolutions. Learn from Shiv’s insights on how ThousandEyes, through its cutting-edge observability tools, offers unparalleled insights into network performance, ensuring seamless business operations.We also dive into the future of observability, focusing on the transformative potential of AI. Shiv sheds light on the recent Cisco acquisition of Splunk and its implications for expanding digital transformation capabilities. We examine how AI is enhancing ThousandEyes' product offerings with predictive analytics, enabling businesses to foresee and mitigate potential outages. Additionally, we reflect on the significance of human connections and mentorship in the tech industry, celebrating the technological evolution from the Motorola Razr to the iPhone and emphasising the continuous journey of education and innovation in this ever-evolving field. Don't miss out on this insightful episode packed with forward-thinking ideas and practical advice.

Have you ever wondered how time management can revolutionise Operational Technology (OT) in critical infrastructure? Join us for a compelling conversation with Brendan McCarthy, the Managing Director for Availability Systems Engineering, who brings a wealth of experience from his 25-year career, including 22 years at BHP. Brendan shares invaluable insights into managing operational systems across numerous mining assets, emphasising the importance of duration, frequency, opportunity, and sequencing in OT environments. Learn how leveraging opportunistic time can enhance system availability and minimise outages, setting a new standard for efficiency in critical infrastructure.Transitioning from a cybersecurity-centric approach to a comprehensive risk management strategy is no small feat. Brendan delves into the significance of maintenance and transparency in building organisational trust, and the transformative impact of the Technology Remote Operation Center (TROC) in streamlining incident management. Discover how preventative maintenance plans, rebranded as "planned maintenance," can improve communication and effectiveness within operational teams. Brendan also sheds light on the crucial role of managing failure domains and understanding human factors to ensure smooth operations in industrial settings, making this chapter a must-listen for anyone passionate about operational technology.What's the future of OT with advancements like Edge computing and AI? Brendan discusses the integration of IT and OT, the unique cybersecurity challenges faced by critical infrastructure, and the skill shortages in the cyber and OT sectors. He emphasises the importance of system thinkers who understand both hardware and software in production-critical environments. Reflect on Brendan’s advice for specialising early and expanding across multiple functions for faster problem-solving, and hear his thoughts on Australia's leading role in mining technology. Don't miss his insights on the transformative impact of LTE on autonomous fleet availability and the exciting future potential of 5G connectivity. This episode is packed with knowledge and foresight for advancing technology in critical infrastructure.