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CybersecCon 2025 Recap

CybersecCon 2025 once again proved why it’s the must-attend event for New Zealand’s cybersecurity community. With record-breaking attendance, powerful keynotes, and packed sessions across every stream, this year’s conference raised the bar yet again. Thank you to everyone that supported the event. We hope to see you again next year!

Please see below for keynote presentation downloads, event photos, videos and event recap. 
(After Videos & Photo Gallery B coming soon!) 

Laura_Ross_keynote2

Laura Ross

One NZ
Head of Cyber Security

Stuart Gilberd -web

Stuart Gilberd

Fisher & Paykel
Head of IT Service & Security

Greg Behenna

Southern Cross Healthcare
Head of Cyber Security

Adwin Singh-web

Adwin Singh​

CISO Office, Inland Revenue
Cybersecurity Domain Lead

EVENT PHOTOS

Stage, Atmosphere, Gala Photos

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

 

From insightful panels and hands-on workshops to star-studded panels and fun networking sessions, the energy was electric from start to finish. 

As always, the day ended on a high note with our legendary Happy Hours (thanks to Armis), followed by the CybersecCon Gala Dinner hosted by Mimecast — an unforgettable night featuring live music, great company, and the prestigious Cyber Excellence Awards.

A huge thank you to our incredible sponsors, speakers, and attendees for making CybersecCon 2025 our biggest and most successful year yet. Together, we’re continuing to strengthen, connect, and celebrate New Zealand’s cybersecurity community.

We can’t wait to see you again next year. Stay tuned for announcements on next year’s event! 

CYBERSECCON ATMOSPHERE

See the atmosphere at CybersecCon – check out the videos and pics from our previous years. – 2025 Content coming soon!

CybersecCon 2025 Programme

TimeActivityDetails
9:00 AMRegistrations
9:30 AMWorkshopsESET | Exabeam | Mimecast | Qualys | WatchGuard
11:00 AMLunch & Networking
12:00 PMMAIN EVENT START
12:00 PMWelcomeAlex Teh (Chillisoft, Group CEO)
If Identity is the new Frontier how can AI be used to defend it?
12:30 PMKeynote OneStuart Gilberd (Fisher & Paykel, CISO)
A world of vulnerabilities
1:00 PMKeynote TwoGreg Behenna (Southern Cross Healthcare, HOS)
Threat Modeling in Healthcare: Understanding Risk in a Unique Industry Landscape
1:30 PMPanel OneNavigating the Evolving Threat Landscape: Strategies for Staying Ahead
Colin James (Southern Cross Health Society, Head of Info Sec & Risk Management), Zak Menegazzi (Armis, APJ Sales Director) Sam Salehi (Qualys, Managing Director ANZ), Reinhart Hansen (Thales - Imperva Director of Technology), Peter Stančík (ESET Security Research & Awareness Manager)
2:15 PMBreakShort coffee & bathroom break
2:30 PMKeynote ThreeLaura Ross (One NZ, Head of Cyber)
The journey to zero trust
3:00 PMPanel TwoThe Human Element and Securing Identity: Building a Cyber-Aware Culture
Andrew Choat (MTF Finance, CISO), Scott Jenner (Mimecast, Senior Chan Sales Engineer), Adam Winston (WatchGuard, Field CTO), Marc Airo-Farulla (Entrust, APAC VP Sales for Data Security), Tony Allwood (Silver Fern Farms, Head of Security)
3:45 PMKeynote FourAdwin Singh (CISO Office, Inland Revenue, Cybersecurity Domain Lead)
Strengthen cybersecurity posture through partnership, “trust but verify”.
4:15 PMPanel ThreeThe Role of AI in Cybersecurity: The rise of Agentic AI
Paul Macpherson (Reserve Bank NZ, CISO), Alastair Miller (Genesis Energy, GM of Network & Security), Steve Moore (Exabeam, VP & Chief Security Strategist), Simon Howe (Extrahop, Area Vice President), Dane Blackmore (Netskope, Country Manager)
5:00 PMMAIN EVENT END
5:05PMArmis Happy HoursDrinks, snacks, games and networking!
7:00 PMGALA DINNER OPENSpecial thanks to Mimecast
7:01 PMGala OpeningAshton Russell - Chillisoft Marketing Manager
7:10 PMWelcome NoteLizelle Hughes (Channel Director, Australia/ NZ)
7:30 PMBuffet DinnerDinner served
Live band background jazz (RP3 Jazz Trio)
8:30 PMCyber Excellence AwardsOpening by
Andrew Choat (MTF Finance, CISO) - 2024 CISO of the Year Winner
8:40 PMCISO of the Year AwardPresented by
Andrew Choat (MTF Finance, CISO) - 2024 CISO of the Year Winner
8:50 PMCyberSec Woman of the YearPresented by
Catherine Cooper (Health NZ Te Whatu Ora, Crisis Manager) - 2024 CyberSec Woman of the Year Winner
9:00 PMSOC Analyst of the Year awardPresented by
Lizelle Hughes (Mimecast ANZ Partner Lead)
9:05 PMCybersecurity Team of the Year awardPresented by
Lizelle Hughes (Mimecast ANZ Partner Lead)
9:10 PMProject of the Year awardPresented by
Lizelle Hughes (Mimecast ANZ Partner Lead)
9:15 PMPartner AwardsESET | Mimecast | Netskope | CyberArk
9:55 PMClosing NoteGavin Lawless - Chillisoft Australia CEO
10:00 PMAfter-PartyRP3 Jazz Trio
11:00 PMEvent End

CybersecCon 2025 Topics

Session topics and speakers may be updated closer to the event.

KEYNOTE TOPICS

Alex Teh - Chillisoft (Group CEO)

If Identity is the new Frontier how can AI be used to defend it

More on the talk coming soon!

Greg Behenna - Southern Cross Healthcare(HOS)

Threat Modeling in Healthcare: Understanding Risk in a Unique Industry Landscape

Exploring the distinct threat landscape of the healthcare sector, this keynote will dive into effective threat modeling, risk assessment, and what healthcare organizations must prioritize to safeguard critical systems and patient data.

Laura Ross - One NZ (HOS)

The Journey to Zero Trust

For a business like ONE NZ, Zero Trust is important because it supports secure growth, enables flexibility, and helps maintain customer confidence in a highly connected world. The journey to Zero Trust is about adapting to a changing threat landscape and ensuring the organisation stays resilient. It’s not a one-off project, but an ongoing shift in mindset—moving away from trusting everything inside the network to verifying every access request, regardless of where it comes from. 

Stuart Gilberd - Fisher & Paykel (CISO)

A world of vulnerabilities

As long as there has been software there have been software vulnerabilities and in the modern world no cyber security practice is complete without Vulnerability Management. In this session we will look at why Vulnerability Management is so important and then we’ll dive into the trenches to look at ways to make it more effective with less angst.

Adwin Singh (CISO Office, Inland Revenue, Cybersecurity Domain Lead)

Strengthen cybersecurity posture through partnership, “trust but verify”.

Strengthening cybersecurity requires partnerships built on “trust but verify”, with our suppliers and partners. We need ecosystem-wide collaboration, shared posture, and responsibility, supported by effective oversight and clear obligations, so let’s talk about, the what, the why and how.

PANEL TOPICS

Pannel One

Navigating the Evolving Threat Landscape: Strategies for Staying Ahead

This fireside chat brings together a seasoned cybersecurity expert and a CISO from a leading organization to discuss the rapidly changing nature of cyber threats in 2025. From AI-driven attacks to supply chain vulnerabilities, they’ll explore emerging risks, share insights on proactive defense strategies, and discuss how organizations can leverage threat intelligence and automation to stay resilient. Expect practical takeaways on balancing innovation with security in an increasingly complex digital world.

Pannel Two

The Human Element and Securing Identity: Building a Cyber-Aware Culture

Join cybersecurity strategists and evangelists for an engaging conversation on why the human factor remains a critical vulnerability in cybersecurity. They’ll dive into real-world examples of social engineering, insider threats, and the psychology behind phishing susceptibility. The discussion will highlight effective training programs, cultural shifts, and leadership strategies to foster a security-first mindset across organizations, with actionable tips for engaging non-technical employees. We will also explore what organizations are doing about securing the identities within their environment by securing their privileges by using modern techniques to secure their keys

Pannel Three

The Role of AI in Cybersecurity: Thre Rise of Agentic AI

This panel won’t hold back as it digs into how agentic systems are changing the game: autonomous detection, self-directed incident response, and proactive defense that acts without waiting for human input. But these same capabilities are now in the hands of attackers, powering adaptive malware, real-time deepfake campaigns, and automated social engineering that learns on the fly. With insights from security leaders and frontline practitioners, you’ll get a clear-eyed view of both the promise and the peril. Whether you’re adopting Agentic AI or bracing for its use against you, this session will show you what’s coming next.

FEATURING SPEAKERS FROM:

2025 SPONSORS

Keeper

Laura Ross

One NZ

Head of Cyber Security Strategy & Architecture

With over 20 years of experience spanning government, intelligence, finance and telecommunications, Laura is a seasoned cyber security leader, known for driving cyber resilience and securing critical national infrastructure, with a focus on enabling innovation without compromising trust. When she’s not charting strategic security roadmaps, you’ll find her under sail navigating the waters of the Hauraki gulf.

Laura will be speaking on ‘The journey to zero trust’.

Stuart Gilberd

Fisher & Paykel

Head of IT Service & Security

Stuart Gilberd has worked in Cyber Security and Information Technology roles across some of New Zealand’s biggest names, including Air New Zealand, Orion Health, ASB and Fisher & Paykel. He has wide experience working with developers, system administrators, and business groups to implement and run secure modern IT systems. He currently holds the position of Head of IT Service and Security at Fisher & Paykel Appliances.

Stuart will be speaking on ‘A world of vulnerabilities’ 

As long as there has been software there have been software vulnerabilities and in the modern world no cyber security practice is complete without Vulnerability Management. In this session we will look at why Vulnerability Management is so important and then we’ll dive into the trenches to look at ways to make it more effective with less angst.

Greg Behenna

Southern Cross Healthcare

Head of Security

Greg is a cyber security leader with 20+ years of experience across healthcare, retail, insurance, telecommunications, and central government in the UK and New Zealand. With time in both consulting and operational roles, he has focused on developing and implementing transformational programs of work that lift organisations cyber resilience and while reducing risk at pace.

Greg will be speaking on Threat Modelling in Healthcare: Understanding Risk in a Unique Industry Landscape

Adwin Singh

Cybersecurity Domain Lead

CISO Office, Inland Revenue

A seasoned cybersecurity and GRC professional with extensive experience in private and public sectors. Expert in designing robust security systems and programs that align with business goals, delivering tangible value, mitigating risks, and ensuring clear ROI. Skilled in AI governance and security, security consulting, certifications and accreditations, cyber and technology risk management, and GRC coaching/mentoring. PECB certified professional and trainer.

At CybersecCon, Adwin will be speaking on Strengthen cybersecurity posture through partnership, “trust but verify”. 

Strengthening cybersecurity requires partnerships built on “trust but verify”, with our suppliers and partners. We need ecosystem-wide collaboration, shared posture, and responsibility, supported by effective oversight and clear obligations, so let’s talk about, the what, the why and how.

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