Taking Down the Ransomware Threat: New Research, Stronger Policy

Ransomware is an escalating threat to global cyber security and the national security of several countries. Just one week ago, the fourth annual summit of the multinational Counter Ransomware Initiative (CRI) issued a statement on recent measures and results. In response, a select panel of policy specialists will review progress made at the summit in a webinar hosted by the Social Cyber Institute, based in Australia. The speakers will discuss strengths and shortcomings of this diplomatic effort. Closing down payment of ransoms by the victims of such attacks is one measure that is beginning to have some effect in a few countries, but it is far from the whole picture.  The trends in these attacks and their consequences are not looking good. With cybercriminals becoming more sophisticated, it’s clear that a comprehensive, proactive approach is needed to strengthen defences across sectors. For example, leading law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, are stepping up their efforts. Only this month, the FBI took action against a Russian criminal enterprise that had been operating against the US since 2017. Learn about the strategic shifts required to empower governments, businesses, and international collaborations to tackle this growing menace head-on. Join Social Cyber Institute Fellows and Australia’s Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technologies, Brendan Dowling, for this compelling event. Don’t miss this chance to engage with leaders at the forefront of cybersecurity.

Speakers

• Ambassador Brendan Dowling, Cyber and Critical Technologies, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

• Dr Adam Turner, Google Cloud

• Ms Helaine Leggat, Managing Partner ICTLC Australia

  
  

Chair: Dr Mariana Zafeirakopoulos, Program Director of the Master of Design at the University of Sydney

Dr Adam Turner Adam holds a PhD in Security Studies and Criminology from Macquarie University where his research investigated the payment networks of ransomware attacks. He currently works at Google Cloud where he consults to large enterprise customers on their cloud computing needs. He continues his research focus as a Senior Industry Fellow at the Social Cyber Institute and as a member of the RMIT Industry Advisory Board for Cyber (IABC) where he explores the human, organisation and technology impacts affecting cyber security in society and enterprises. In particular the payment behaviour of ransomware attacks and how this data can be utilised for security and policy researchers.

Brendan Dowling was appointed as Australia’s Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology in May 2023. As Ambassador, he leads Australia’s international engagement on cyber affairs and critical technology issues, while delivering cyber capacity building, crisis response and building resilience across our region.  Brendan has had a distinguished career in cyber affairs, most recently leading the Cyber and Critical Technology Coordination Centre at the Department of Home Affairs. He also served as the First Assistant Secretary for Digital and Technology Security Policy in Home Affairs. In those roles he provided national leadership and international engagement on cyber security strategy and coordination, the security of critical and emerging technologies and safety and security online. Brendan held a senior role at Australia’s Embassy in the United States, leading engagement in the United States and across the Americas region on national security, cyber security, critical technology, criminal justice, emergency management, and immigration and border functions. Prior to the US, Brendan was the Assistant Secretary for the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa in Home Affairs’ International Division. In that role, he led the department’s engagement with governments across those regions, as well as with the United Nations and other multilateral institutions. Brendan holds a Master of Public Policy (Economic Policy) from the Australian National University and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in political science and literature from the University of Melbourne.

Helaine Leggat is an internationally recognised expert in cyberlaw, cyber security, critical infrastructure, and data privacy and protection. She is a practising Australian lawyer, International Fellow of Privacy (FIP), Distinguished Fellow of the Social Cyber Institute, Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) and one of a few lawyers in the world to hold the following sought-after credentials: CISSP, CISM, CIPP, CIPT.

Mariana Zafeirakopoulosis a transdisciplinary practitioner and researcher with a background in law, international relations, public policy and design. Mariana worked for the Australian public service and in International Organisation for over 15 years, practising and teaching Strategic insight, innovation and futures thinking before moving into design specialising in human-centred approaches applied to strategy and social design. Mariana is currently the Program Director of the Master of Design at the University of Sydney. Her main research interest is in applying participatory action research to co-create preferred futures for all.