The Cyber Brief

As AI drives an escalation in cyber threats, ASIC is sharpening its focus on how organisations manage cyber risk. Valeska and co-host Kate Austin are joined by ASIC Commissioner Simone Constant, author of an open letter issued by ASIC calling for urgent cyber uplift across industry. Simone shares what’s driving the regulator’s heightened concern, what 'reasonable' and 'proportionate' cyber measures look like in practice, and ASIC’s expectations for meaningful board engagement. She also reflects on proposed changes to continuous disclosure and discusses the challenges facing multinational organisations with offshore cyber functions. If you’re navigating cyber risk in an AI-driven environment, this episode offers practical insights for boards and management alike. Resources from this episode: Board and management briefing: preparing for Mythos-class threats ASIC's open letter to AFS licensees and market participants Simone's series recommendation: Peaky Blinders

Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull joins Valeska and co-host Dominic Anderson for the first of a two-part discussion about cybersecurity as national security in Australia. As the 29th Prime Minister of Australia, a former lawyer, technologist, and now backer of some of the most interesting cyber companies worldwide, Malcolm brings a perspective on cybersecurity shaped by experience on every side of the problem. In this episode, Malcolm shares his views on Australia's cyber strategy, offensive cyber capabilities, escalation risk in cyber conflict, the future of Five Eyes cooperation, and whether Australia can build a genuinely sovereign cyber capability. Resources from this episode: National security at Allens

Valeska and co-host David Rountree speak with Lieutenant General Michelle McGuinness CSC, Australia's National Cyber Security Coordinator and leader of the National Office of Cyber Security (NOCS). Michelle dives in regarding the role of NOCS, and how it approaches government coordination and consequence management during major incidents. When and how should organisations engage with government during an incident? What's best practice for incident communications? How does NOCS work with industry, regulators and other government agencies? How are organisations engaging with Australia's limited use and ransomware payment reporting regimes? Michelle also shares her approach to leadership, the importance of empathy when working with organisations under pressure, and how her military background has shaped her leadership approach. Resources from this episode: For more on the limited use and ransomware payment reporting regimes, see New cyber incident response obligations for Australian organisations. National Office of Cyber Security resources, including the Australian Cyber Response Plan and 12 sector playbooks Cyber Health Check Tool | Cyber.gov.au Homepage | Cyber.gov.au—to report cybercrimes and security incidents Michelle's podcast recommendation: Risky Business

Valeska and co-host Chris Kerrigan are joined by Ryan Macfarlane, the Unit Chief of Counter Terrorism, Advanced Projects Unit at the FBI, where he worked for more than 20 years. In one of his final interviews before announcing his retirement from the FBI, Ryan shares his insights on emerging cybersecurity threats, the maturation of cyber criminals' business models, the increasing use of AI to conduct and defend against cyber attacks, the rise of collaboration among threat actors, the complex dynamics of nation-state attacks, and the growing risk of physical violence spilling over from cyber incidents. Ryan, Valeska and Chris also reflect on the importance of proactive relationships between the private sector and law enforcement, the value of timely intelligence sharing, and practical actions for incident response planning. Resources from today's episode: National security at AllensWhy everyone is talking about AI safety and cybersecurityRyan's podcast recommendation: Darknet DiariesRyan's book recommendations: The 100-Year Marathon by Michael Pillsbury, Destined for War: Can America and China Escape Thucydides's