Adam Boileau

CyberCX (Cyber Security Experts)

Adam Boileau is an executive director at CyberCX, with 25 years experience in the infoSec industry. Outside of that, Adam is known as the cohost of weekly infosec news podcast Risky Business, and the frontman of Kiwicon, the NZ hacker conference.

Topic: “From the Early Days of Computing to the Digital Age: The Evolution of Cyber Risk and Assurance, How We Got Here, and What the Future holds?”

Cyber risk refers to the potential loss or damage that can arise from a failure in the security of an organisation’s digital systems and networks. This can include data breaches, cyber attacks, and other incidents that can compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical information. 

Assurance, on the other hand, refers to the processes and controls that organisations put in place to mitigate cyber risk and ensure the security of their digital assets. This can include security audits, risk assessments, and other measures that are designed to identify vulnerabilities and ensure that appropriate controls are in place to mitigate them.

The evolution of technology and the increasing reliance on digital systems and networks have led to a corresponding increase in cyber risk. This has been driven by a range of factors, including the growing sophistication of cyber criminals, the proliferation of new attack vectors, and the increasing interconnectedness of digital systems. 

To address these challenges, organisations have turned to a range of cyber assurance practices and technologies, including threat intelligence, vulnerability assessments, and advanced security controls. These measures are designed to help organisations stay ahead of evolving cyber threats and ensure the security and resilience of their digital assets.

Internal auditors attending the speaker session on “From the Early Days of Computing to the Digital Age: The Evolution of Cyber Risk and Assurance, How We Got Here, and What the Future holds?” will gain insights into the historical development of cyber risk and assurance practices, as well as a forward-looking perspective on emerging cyber threats and technologies.

They will learn about the increasing complexity and sophistication of cyber risks, as well as the various assurance practices and technologies that organisations use to mitigate these risks. By understanding the evolution of cyber risk and assurance practices, internal auditors can help organisations stay ahead of emerging cyber threats and ensure the security and resilience of their digital assets in the future.

Melissa Cross

Financial & Professional Risks Manager (Crombie Lockwood)

Melissa is the Southern Region Manager of Crombie Lockwood’s Financial & Professional Risks team, and has 25 years’ experience advising corporate clients and professional services firms on all aspects of liability risk and insurance, including Cyber risk and insurance. The cyber risk landscape is in a constant state of change and Melissa will discuss the current insurance market position.

Crombie Lockwood Is part of Gallagher, a global leader in insurance and risk management services. In New Zealand, Crombie Lockwood arranges insurance on behalf of over 100,000 clients throughout New Zealand, placing insurance premiums of more than $1 billion, and were the first broker in New Zealand to have developed their own Cyber insurance product backed by underwriters at Lloyd’s of London.

Matthew Evetts

Director of Connectivity and Security (Datacom)

As Director, I am privileged to own cybersecurity for our customers. Adopting Datacom’s existing focus of helping not only to secure our customers’ organisations, but to enhance and fortify their cybersecurity maturity. This is backed by a team of some of the most highly qualified cybersecurity professionals in the country. 

Beyond the technology, my passion lies in the value and necessity cybersecurity poses for organisations: Why is it so critical to their overall business strategy? How can it help organisations? What roles and responsibilities do cybersecurity present for all employees? And importantly, what difference will a highly qualified, dedicated and security-first team make to their organisation?

My goal (and subsequently, success) in this role is to establish Datacom as the de facto choice for cybersecurity, especially for those organisations who have adopted cybersecurity as part of their overall strategy. With the help and expertise of my team, I want to grow our already significant footprint to leverage that scale in a way which benefits all our existing and future customers.

I bring 19 years of experience in business and IT domains, where I honed a set of skills targeted towards bridging the worlds of business and technology and making people the centre of progress. Over the years I have also worked with a range of public sector agencies, affording me with the necessary insight to tailor our approach to the needs of government.

Jennie Vickers

IT Specialist (Risk NZ)

Announced late in 2021 as the inaugural supreme IFSEC Global Security Influencer of the year 2021-22, Jennie is currently consulting on health and safety innovation and strategy and also keynote speaking on security, safety and the sweet spot where good contract management meets the two. 

Jennie made New Zealand her home over 25 years ago having forged a successful career in the UK as a commercial/business/ IT lawyer with organisations like Slaughter & May, EMI Music, Pace Microtechnology, Comshare and Synthomer. In New Zealand, a long spell in the utility sector covering electricity, gas and telecommunications, gave Jennie a deep understanding of OT and IT enterprise risk management and related Board responsibilities.

The last 8 years saw Jennie in the association space, as a CEO and an ANZ Business Development Director for WorldCC. The common thread was thought leadership and connecting people in the Defence, Security and Infrastructure Sectors in both New Zealand and Australia and further afield.

As a result of the IFSEC win, initially as the top Influencer in the Category- “Associations and Thought Leaders” and then as the Inaugural overall winner, Jennie has been using her position of influence to connect people and businesses and governments to secure better security and business outcomes for others.

A lifetime and constant learner, Jennie recently achieved a QEHS Lead Auditor Certification and is now studying towards a Masters in Digital Transformation, Cyber Security Professional quals and Art Appreciation. Already in the bag, Jennie has a Masters of Management, a Degree in Law and is admitted to practice law in the UK, Australia and New Zealand.

Furter Awards in 2021/2022 included being a Finalist in the Inaugural 2022 New Zealand OSPAs Outstanding Female Security Professional Category and Co-winner of the 2021 New Zealand Security Sector Network (NZSSN) Women in Security Awards Aotearoa (WiSAA) ‘Thought Leader’ category.

Jennie loves being involved in the CyberRisk world because of the speed with which the landscape constantly evolves. Keeping one step ahead has never been harder.