This edition features an academic workshop at the Australian National University (ANU), an insightful guest lecture, and the ANU x CommBank online panel - exploring blue and purple teams in cyber defence. Each event has created a valuable opportunity to share ideas, learn from one another and strengthen connections.
We are also delighted to welcome Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University as our newest member, further strengthening our growing network of academic and industry partners.
As always, thank you to our members, partners and supporters for your ongoing commitment to CySEA.
Guest Lecture: Insights from CommBank Security Operations Centre Manager
On Thursday 11th June, UNSW students heard from CommBank’s Executive Manager, Security Operations Russell Newmarch, during a guest lecture exploring the realities of working in cyber security.
The session gave students a practical look at how a SOC operates, from monitoring for threats to detecting and responding to incidents. Students also heard how cyber security teams help protect organisations in a changing threat environment and learned more about the wide range of career pathways and opportunities available in the industry.
New University Member
We are pleased to welcome Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University as CySEA’s newest university member. Their addition strengthens our growing network, and we look forward to working together!
ANU x CommBank Panel
On Friday 31st July, the Australian National University (ANU), and the Commonwealth Bank (CommBank), hosted an online panel exploring the critical roles of blue and purple teams in modern cyber defence.
Panellists discussed how the teams work together to detect threats, strengthen security capabilities and turn complex cyber risks into practical business outcomes. They also explored the growing role of artificial intelligence in cyber security and shared stories from their own careers.
The session provided students, educators, and aspiring cyber security professionals with valuable work and career opportunities shaping the defence sector.
PECAN + CTF
PECAN+ is a national Capture the Flag competition for Australian students in Years 10–12, bringing together schools, universities, industry and government to build cyber security awareness and skills. Led by Edith Cowan University’s School of Science, the event was hosted for the first time by UNSW at its CBD campus, with CySEA’s support, on 22nd & 23rd August.
Students from a range of schools and skill levels took part, with the UNSW Security Society helping run a training day for competitors and industry guests, who joined the weekend to chat with students and assist during the training day. The event was a great success, with a Sydney team placing third in the beginner division.
CySEA Academics Workshop at ANU
On 23rd of September, CySEA ran an Academic Workshop hosted at the Australian National University (ANU), bringing together academics from around the country to discuss the evolving landscape of cyber security education.
The discussions explored several important areas, including:
The growing role of AI in cyber security education and practice
Cyber security labs and practical, hands-on learning environment
Curriculum development and how we can better prepare students for the changing workforce
It was an enjoyable and valuable day of sharing ideas, perspectives, and experiences, with a strong focus on strengthening cyber security education and building future-ready graduates.
Thank you to everyone involved for the engaging discussions.
Upcoming Events: CySEA at ACSW
The 2027 Australasian Computer Science Week (ACSW) marks the conference’s 50th anniversary and will be held at the Australian National University in Canberra during the week commencing 1 February.
The CySEA workshop will take place on 2nd February, featuring invited and submitted papers, with follow-up discussions from the September workshop. It will focus on early-career and cyber security education academics, designed to follow on from the Professors and Heads of Computer Science Schools meeting on 1 February and preceding the Australian Computing Education (ACE) conference, 3–5 February.
