Panel Session: Essential 8 Maturity in Innovation

Mrs Nicole Ozimek
Assistant Secretary Cyber and Networks BranchInformation Management and Technology Division.

Mrs Ozimek joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in January 2020.   As Assistant Secretary Cyber and Networks Branch, Mrs Ozimek is responsible for performing the role of the Chief Information Security Officer, implementing, and overseeing DFAT’s Cyber Security capability.

The branch undertakes Cyber risk assurance, governance, the delivery and management of security enforcing technologies, policy, training, and security operations. Cyber and Networks branch is also responsible for maintaining the Departments Azure platform, 24x7 IT Shift, Gateway and global network.

Prior to joining DFAT, Mrs Ozimek worked in several cyber security, governance, and information technology roles at the Australians Signals Directorate. 

Mrs Ozimek holds a Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology. (Honours).

Daniel Tripovich  – Assistant Director-General Standards, Technical Advice & Research (ADG STAR), Cyber Security Resilience Division | Standards, Technical Advice & Research Branch, Australian Cyber Security Centre.

Dan is currently the Assistant Director-General Standards, Technical Advice and Research (STAR) within the Australian Signal’s Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre Group.

STAR Branch delivers ACSC’s flagship publications, including the Australian Government Information Security Manual, the Essential Eight and Protective Cyber Security guidance to the Australian public. In addition to this function Dan is responsible for the delivery of the ACSC’s Research, International Standards and Technical Advice capabilities to support the secure operation of Critical, Emerging and Operational Technologies.

Dan thrives when leading a team to deliver unique and innovative risk managed technology solutions to our nation’s hardest challenges. 
 

Adam Haskard, Co-founder/Director, Bluerydge.

Adam Haskard is an accomplished cybersecurity specialist with over a decade and a half of dedicated service within the Department of Defence. His domain expertise includes, but is not limited to, information systems, cross-domain solutions, and the intricacies of certification and accreditation procedures.

Throughout his career, Mr. Haskard has demonstrated effective leadership, leading teams comprising both ADF and APS members. His proficiency in Governance, Risk, and Compliance has been crucial, particularly in enhancing cybersecurity for the F35 program.

Prior to his current endeavours, Mr. Haskard honed his skills in various capacities, including that of a Security Engineer within Gateway and Security Operations Centre (SOC) settings, and eventually becoming a SOC Manager, further highlighting his managerial skills and deep-rooted understanding of threat landscape management.

In addition to his operational roles, Mr. Haskard co-founded Bluerydge, a leading player in cybersecurity innovation. His practical knowledge bolsters Bluerydge’s ability to address and mitigate emergent cybersecurity threats.

Mr. Haskard holds the distinction of being a Chartered Cybersecurity Architect and is the recipient of master’s degrees in both Information Technology and Cybersecurity and a postgraduate degree in Strategic Leadership. Furthermore, he is engaged in doctoral research in the field of Secure Robotics at the University of Canberra, underscoring his commitment to scholarly exploration and thought leadership.

Outside the professional arena, Mr. Haskard’s commitment to national security is complemented by his service as a Navy veteran. He is also a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a devoted golfer and a loving husband and father, thereby demonstrating a balanced approach to life that includes family harmony, intellectual pursuits and physical discipline. Adam Haskard’s multidimensional career and myriad interests establish him as a formidable figure in the cybersecurity landscape, one who is committed to continuous professional and personal development.

With 20 years of customer-focused experience, I've collaborated with stakeholders from various backgrounds in both private and public sectors. I specialise in optimizing resources to drive operational excellence and enhance outcomes, utilising process automation, business analytics, and LEAN methodologies.