Reflecting on 2023

I was inspired by George Coldham 2023 work reflections and wrote some notes. 2023, was both challenging and rewarding year for me. This article captures a number of "moments", most of which are focused on people and events. I completed a number of large projects in cyber defense, and security operations, but they are not the focus of this article.? It has been a great year to contribute locally and nationally to a thriving cybersecurity community.

In January, I ran Brene Brown's "Daring Teams" which is based on The Dare to Lead program for my peer leaders in digital enablement.? ??I loved doing the Dare to Lead program a number of years ago and facilitating this with a work group was powerful.? Our ability to be 'daring leaders' will never be greater than our capacity for vulnerability.? Our work requires people to show up solve problems, innovate and serve people – and this mean we need to be vigilant to create a culture where people feel safe, are seen and heard and respected.? The content continues to inspire me, which is now 6 years after I did my program.?

Also, in January I enjoyed spending time with my extended family to Horrocks beach to connect, unwind and enjoy time together. Connecting with my family at a Horrocks evoked a profound spiritual connection, as it allowed me to tap into the shared memories and stories that shape my identity and keeping me grounded.

In February I completed my ITIL Foundation exam this was a great framework for a number of new engagements we were delivering in security operations.? I highly recommend this course.? ITIL aligns IT and operations with business objectives by standardizing processes, managing risks, and improving efficiency and contributing to the overall strategy.? Implementing ITIL and a managing a significant program of work around risk and security controls was a huge team effort.

In March I presented a 2-hour workshop at the AISA conference at the National Convention center in Canberra.? The session explored the application of LEGO Serious Play for cyber teams and how it can unlock creativity and problem solving.

I also attended and contributed to a roundtable on the Australian Cyber Security Strategy 2030.? The Canberra AISA event is the ‘goldilocks’ of AISA events not too big, not too small.? The highlight was the conference dinner at Parliament house and meeting and chatting with Minister Claire O’Neil and catching up with many colleagues in the industry.

In April I enjoyed chatting with Ben Aylett Caitriona Forde Fadzayi Chiwandire on the CyberWest Podcast on security operations, cyber incident management response planning, critical infrastructure and growing local cyber skills.? The CyberWest summit followed in May. Huge kudos to Cecily Rawlinson and Emma O'Neil for their drive and leadership of this event.? I spoke on human impact, and the ethical and operational considerations of Ransomware.

I also coordinated a workshop with Russell Thomas Thomas Ogilvie and Helge Janicke on detecting Cyber Threats in Operational Control Systems - presenting a case study in the Water Sector. We simulated an attack of a water treatment facility and time stood still while everything stopped still.

.In May I prepared 3 nominations for the #CyberWest awards. I was delighted all 3 nominations won their category at the WA Cyber Awards - Security Operations Team of the Year, Security Organization of the Year and Thomas Ogilvie took out the award for Rookie of the Year. It was great to celebrate and appreciate the hard work of the team and the dynamic nature cyber work - kudos to Susan Hutchins Mischa Russ. Acknowledging the work of Silvana Test I Harden I Train to bring this event together.

In May I also completed the Cyber Strategy and Transformation program with the Cyber Leadership Institute Phillimon Zongo Darren Argyle FCIIS Jan Schreuder This course is an absolute must for anyone linking cyber strategy with execution.? There is a big focus on how cyber links with the broader business goals, especially the need to obtain and maintain stakeholder support.? This course unfolds with incredible resources, coaching and practical assessment.

In June I spoke on the REIWA conference panel - "Help I have been hacked," with Cath Hart Adam Spencer Andrew Woodward Lenda Oshalem Aaron Kelder .

In July, I facilitated a Students of Cyber (SoC) by CyberWest with colleagues on Cyber Security Pathways and I led a workshop on LEGO Serious Play to engage and connect students and industry. Then in August presented at PECAN CTF with Adrian C. on security operations, ethical hacking and AI. Huge Kudos to Dr Michelle Ellis on a national event bringing industry and students closer together.

In September one of the team members, I was managing died from late-stage liver cancer. Their passing was a deep loss. As I look to 2024, I carry forward connection and resilience and honor the memory of Bo Wee.

A superhero.

I also took some time off between in roles and enjoyed a personal transformation retreat in Ubud. Nourishing ourselves physically, mentally and emotionally allows us to bring greater clarity, creativity and compassion to our work. I did some professional coaching sessions with Nour Hejase which provided great clarity and perspective.

In October I commenced a new role at Avanade, an Accenture and Microsoft company. ??I also spoke at the Australian Cyber Conference in Melbourne on Neuroscience and security operations.

It was great to catch up with the extended Accenture and Microsoft teams.

While in Melbourne I attended Australian Women in Security Awards as a finalist in the Protective Security Category. I was delighted to be a finalist amongst so many talented and passionate women. I loved our table with Jacinta Thomson Lisa Currie Jennifer Stockwell Amy Hewson .? It was so wonderful to cheer for the winners.? Kudos to Abigail Swabey for a truly elegant event.

In October I spoke on Sonia Faccin Nolan GAICD on Sonia's podcast My Warm table. We spoke about passion, purpose and cybersecurity. With over a year since the biggest attacks in Australia's history it was great to bring the cyber message from board rooms to kitchen tables.

In November I had the opportunity to meet Pamela Maynard CEO of Avanade.? At a round table event Pam spoke of her unconventional path to getting into the technology industry, why she made a last-minute decision not to study law at university and how she stays effective while leading a global organization. I also enjoyed catching up with Laura Malcolm and Marie-Claire Latour.

November was also the 25th Celebration on WITWA - I remember attending a number of events early in my career and it has been great to reconnect with these awards in recent years. This year as a past winner I was a judge of the awards - it is great to be a part of the narrative for a more inclusive and diverse tech landscape, where every voice is heard.

In December I completed training in AI and completed my Microsoft Security Fundamentals training.? There was a growing rise in generative AI in 2023 and concern about cybersecurity challenges.?

I’m excited about the future capabilities of AI particularly Microsoft Security Copilot and how AI can improve the quality of life of a SOC analyst. I am looking forward to showcasing Security Copilot at AISA Canberra with Melina Ryan.

We are living in a time of great change, just like the Renaissance period saw a convergence of art, science and humanities we are seeing a convergence of knowledge and a blending of disciplines.? It is exciting to see a more diverse workforce starting to emerge in IT and cyber security. ? Thanks to all those who were a part of my professional network in 2023.