Defence Connect Podcast

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Mike Franklin, Australian cyber security lead at Protecht, to discuss the current cyber security landscape, the importance of top-down cyber security culture, and the impact of AI on cyber security. Garman and Franklin begin with a discussion on the current cyber security landscape, such as the importance of risk management and the evolving techniques used by malicious actors. The pair also discuss the importance of differentiating IT risk, such as product availability and other operational issues, and cyber risk. Franklin then highlights the importance of understanding and prioritising an organisation's critical assets and the need for a strong top-down cyber security culture. Finally, Franklin discusses the impact of AI on cyber security and how the role of the technology is quickly evolving from both a defence and an offence perspective. Enjoy the episode, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson explore Australia's readiness to meet its military needs and examine the country's role amid a rapidly changing global landscape. They kick things off with a discussion on Commonwealth funding, before exploring the AUKUS agreement and whether its long-term success is at risk, especially in the context of political volatility in the US. Turning their attention to the Middle East, they unpack recent strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Israel's evolving strategy, and what it all means for Western unity. The episode wraps up with a reflection on Australia's waning strategic influence and how generational change in Washington could challenge the long-standing Australia–US alliance. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Simon Olsen, chief executive officer and co-founder of Arkeus autonomous optical systems, to discuss the changing world of drone warfare and what Australia is trying to achieve in the uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) strategic space. Olsen, the commercial-savvy CEO of Arkeus, has more than a decade of experience working with autonomous optical systems and the overall defence industry. Drawing on experience working with the Australian Defence Force, US branches and other international militaries, Olsen starts the podcast with the origins of weaponised drones from their use of optical cameras in Afghanistan and Iraq. The pair examine the strengths and weaknesses of UAV systems, as well as their use in denied environments and electronic warfare-impacted areas. Exploring the cost-to-benefit ratio of current drones in Ukraine, Garman and Olsen discuss drones using off-the-shelf technology and their persistent use in military operations. Olsen shares his experience of working with front-line personnel and its impact on successive contracts with the Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force. Finally, Olsen reveals the company's goals for the future, AUKUS and his thoughts on upcoming events shaping the overall defence industry in Australia. Enjoy the episode, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft are joined by Australian Aviation's Jake Nelson to talk about the Qantas data breach before our usual suspects talk up the latest AI news, followed by some alarming local hacks. AI is the topic for Hollingworth and Croft as the pair start with a chat about News Corp's new drive to integrate AI into journalists' workflows and the media giant's decision to train AI on the content produced by its writers. Plus, US Senator Bernie Sanders has a fantastic idea about what to do with all the time saved by AI – give it back to the workers! The pair then discuss a pair of successful investigations that have led to the hackers being arrested – one in France that appears to have put the final nail into BreachForums' coffin as both ShinyHunters and IntelBroker are now behind bars, and another here in Australia, as the infamous Western Sydney University hacker was revealed to be an ex-student. Now arrested herself, she started out looking to cheat the university's parking fees, but quickly went straight to the dark side. Hollingworth and Croft finish up with some updates on the Australian government's social media age assurance trials and whether or not YouTube should be part of the ban, and return to an old friend, War Thunder, as another angry gamer has posted restricted material to prove a point. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Michael Shoebridge, Strategic Analysis Australia director, to unpack the debate about Australia's level of defence spending and a host of other topics. The pair discuss a range of issues, including: Responding to calls for Australia to shake off the “shackles” of the Australia–US alliance to pursue a truly “independent” foreign and defence policy and posture. The costs and challenges associated with pursuing such a doctrine, particularly when the government is already balking at lifting spending beyond 2 per cent. The ongoing challenges facing the Australian Defence Force and its capacity to acquire the minimum level of capability required to defend the nation. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of The Progress Report, Defence Connect's Natasha Taylor sits down with Rachel Falzon, founder and national president of the Women in Defence Association, to explore the power of mentorship in shaping meaningful careers. From informal guidance over coffee to a groundbreaking, free national mentoring program, Rachel shares stories of women who have found confidence, navigated transitions from active service to industry, and earned promotions thanks to dedicated mentors. Listen as they unpack the unique challenges women face in defence, the importance of community, and how mentorship is driving retention, leadership, and gender equity across the sector. Join Natasha and Rachel to discover why no woman should navigate this journey alone. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Nova Systems chief executive officer Dean Rosenfield to explore the increasing importance of the defence industry to the nation's security and why it's time for an Australian “prime” contractor. Rosenfield, a highly experienced senior business leader, has more than two decades of defence industry experience and moved from London to Adelaide to take the helm as Nova Systems' CEO. He has previously served as senior vice president of Saab AB, group managing director Saab UK and led businesses in Singapore, the UK, Australia and New Zealand. The pair begin the podcast with a snapshot of the current defence industry environment, its strengths and the challenges it will face. They also discuss the potential role of an Australian prime in shaping national security, sovereignty and clarifying major defence policies. Rosenfield shares some advice for small-to-medium enterprises navigating the defence industry landscape, funding opportunities and government policy. Looking backward, the pair assess how corporate Australia navigated defence industry changes during World War II. Finally, looking forward, Rosenfield reveals his priorities and predictions for the next 12 months.

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft talk about good and bad AI use cases, dramatic hacker arrests in Australia and France, printer vulnerabilities, and why War Thunder is a national security risk. AI is the topic for Hollingworth and Croft as the pair start with a chat about News Corp's new drive to integrate AI into journalists' workflows and the media giant's decision to train AI on the content produced by its writers. Plus, US Senator Bernie Sanders has a fantastic idea about what to do with all the time saved by AI – give it back to the workers! The pair then discuss a pair of successful investigations that have led to the hackers being arrested – one in France that appears to have put the final nail into BreachForums' coffin as both ShinyHunters and IntelBroker are now behind bars, and another here in Australia, as the infamous Western Sydney University hacker was revealed to be an ex-student. Now arrested herself, she started out looking to cheat the university's parking fees, but quickly went straight to the dark side. Hollingworth and Croft finish up with some updates on the Australian government's social media age assurance trials and whether or not YouTube should be part of the ban, and return to an old friend, War Thunder, as another angry gamer has posted restricted material to prove a point. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, Victoria Cross recipient Mark Donaldson joins host Kane Dury to explore the parallels between service life and strategic property investment – and why calculated risk-taking is second nature for Australian Defence Force personnel. Donaldson shares how his military mindset, forged in some of the most demanding operational environments, has shaped his approach to wealth building. While many ADF members may feel disconnected from the property market due to constant relocations or limited financial background, Donaldson's story demonstrates how tactical thinking, resilience, and seeking expert support can unlock powerful long-term gains. The discussion covers lessons learnt from missed opportunities and how military discipline can be transferred to investment planning. Donaldson opens up about how buyer's agents, defence housing benefits like Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme and Home Purchase Assistance Scheme, and trust structures can play a critical role in accelerating portfolio growth. The episode also offers practical advice for young service members: start early, stay disciplined, and don't be afraid to ask for help. With the right mindset, property investment becomes not just achievable, but a potent vehicle for securing financial independence after service. For lessons in property investment from one of Australia's most decorated veterans, listen to Mark Donaldson's story below. Want more tactical insights into building wealth while serving? Catch our previous episode on how relocations can become property opportunities here.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Douglas Abdiel, think tank author, Marine Corps officer and now global vice president - defence at Advanced Navigation, to explore how assured PNT is shaping the future of autonomous capability across land, sea, and air. The discussion begins by unpacking the meaning of assured position, navigation, and timing in a contested environment, and why it has emerged as a strategic priority for modern armed forces in an era of GPS-denied operations. Abdiel shares how his military background has uniquely positioned him to understand and respond to the evolving demands of the battlespace, and how that insight is helping Advanced Navigation redefine resilience at the tactical edge. The pair then deep dive into Advanced Navigation's proprietary AI-powered deterministic fusion models – capable of achieving up to 10x greater accuracy – and the operational advantages they offer for defence primes and front-line users alike. Abdiel provides insights into the company's successful integration efforts with leading defence primes and how their approach is tailored for mission-critical scenarios. Finally, they examine how a veteran-led team gives Advanced Navigation a critical edge in responding to the unique requirements of military customers, and what's next for the company's US expansion strategy.

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft discuss military AI, cyber warfare in the Middle East, the week in cyber security, and why the Pope is coming out swinging against AI. Hollingworth and Croft kick things off with AI news, including AI tech bros earning a military commission in the efforts to build battlefield AI and creators in the UK being told their art can, in fact, be used to train AI models. The pair then discuss the uptick in cyber activity due to the current conflict between Israel and Iran, as hacktivists on both sides take up digital arms. The discussion then moves on to the takedown of a prominent darknet drug market, and some of the big Australian hacks of the week. Hollingworth and Croft wind up with some good news, including the Pope siding with workers and creatives against the rise of AI, and some good AI news as USNW researchers work to develop a chatbot for hospital emergency departments. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this renewable energy and environment-focused episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Felix Bowman-Derrick, Assistant Secretary of Environment and Engineering in the infrastructure division of the Department of Defence's security and estate group. Bowman-Derrick holds a bachelor of environmental science (environmental management, honours) from Deakin University and an executive master of public administration from the Australia and New Zealand School of Government. He has previously worked with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. The pair discuss: Bowman-Derrick's perspectives on how the Australian Defence Force and Defence are improving their renewable energy usage and environmental sustainability under the Net Zero Strategy and Future Energy Strategy. Australia's need to balance these crucial policies with military resilience and lethal capability. The importance of contributing to Australia's emissions reduction target of 43 per cent by 2030 and net zero by 2050, through the Defence estate. Initiatives being implemented and developed, such as energy resilience with large solar farms and the upgrade of lighting and heating systems, to recycling uniforms and tyres into new materials. Defence's priorities for environmental management and policy into the immediate future, examples being displayed at Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 and how industry partners can get involved in the journey along the way. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

What do you do when you walk into your first defence event in your early 20s, wearing a bright pink suit … and realise you're the only woman in the room? In the premiere of The Progress Report, Defence Connect's Natasha Taylor sits down with Olivia Agate – president of Women's Defence Connection and HR partner at Navantia – to unpack what it really takes to show up, speak up, and stand tall in a still male-dominated industry. From rainbow dresses at 6am breakfasts to the quiet power of allyship, Agate and Taylor trade stories of imposter syndrome, backing yourself (and each other), and how simply saying yes can change the entire trajectory of your career. Listen in as two women pull back the curtain on what's working, what's not, and what still needs to change across Australia's defence industry. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Duncan Milne, managing director of aviation and critical services at Babcock Australasia, and Pierre Basquin, chief executive of aviation and CEO France at Babcock International Group, to discuss further expansion into the military aviation industry to meet customer requirements. The conversation begins with a deep dive into the company's efforts to support critical aviation missions in Australia such as medical evacuation and search and rescue. They explore partnerships with small-to-medium enterprises in Australia as part of the wider goals of Babcock's global strategy regarding aviation. Finally, the trio unpack the greatest challenges facing the military aviation industry in the short and long term. Enjoy the episode, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft talk about furry hacking collectives, a spree of ransomware attacks targeting Australian healthcare organisations, and good news for farmers. Hollingworth and Croft start their chat by catching up on a defacement campaign targeting a website administered by the US Department of Health and Human Services. AI-generated images of furries suddenly appeared overnight on the site, with the identity of the hackers – and whether or not they're furries themselves – currently unknown. The pair then get more serious as they discuss the rapid rise of a new ransomware operation and its attacks on Australian healthcare providers. Global only started operating in June but already has three Aussie victims. Hollingworth and Croft discuss who the hackers might be and what their plans are for the future. Finally, the pair talk about some good news, with free new cyber security education resources being made available to Aussie farmers and the ACMA's push to make telcos more supportive of the victims of domestic violence. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this Australian Space Summit & Exhibition 2025 episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by ambassador of Ukraine to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko. The pair discuss: Myroshnychenko's perspectives on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and critical support being provided by Australia to assist against Russian forces. Recent military actions in Ukraine and a massive Russian attack using 300 drones and 17 missiles launched into Ukrainian territory. Speculation that Russia will only negotiate in peace talks when it is sufficiently weakened and brought to the table. Australia's strategic position in the Indo-Pacific region and Russia's growing presence in Australia's area of influence. A need for Australia to bolster its sovereign defence capabilities and possible Ukrainian assistance in achieving this endeavour through battle-hardened expertise, innovation and technology. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Tony Rogers, market leader - defence, and Louisa Bloomer, director of digital technology (Asia-Pacific) at Stantec, to discuss the complexities of managing dislocated design teams in classified defence settings. The conversation begins with a deep dive into data policy and artificial intelligence, including how robust data frameworks impact design workflows. They explore data management and permissions and how Stantec approaches these challenges through their federal enclave architecture. Finally, the trio unpacks the unique challenges of leading design teams in classified environments and looks to the future – including the role of robotics in asset maintenance. Enjoy the episode, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft are joined by special guest Robert Dougherty of Defence Connect to talk about a Ukrainian hacking operation, ransomware attacks on Australian companies surge after a quiet spot, and a popular hacking forum returns. Hollingworth and Croft kick things off with Dougherty as they discuss an offer from Ukraine to assist the Australian Defence Force with integrating AI into combat operations, the uses of AI on the battlefield, and a daring Ukrainian cyber operation that targeted one of Russia's most important builders of military aircraft. Cyber Daily's two journalists then catch up on a busy week for Australian companies trying – and failing – to protect themselves from ransomware attacks. As it turns out, the quiet period talked about in the last episode was just a blip. The hacks, sadly, are back, and they continue to be disruptive, as Fire Rescue Victoria is continuing to learn following a 2022 cyber attack. Finally, the pair wrap up the podcast with news of BreachForum's resurrection, and a welcome move from two IT security giants to clean up the realm of threat actor attribution. Names matter! Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this Australian Space Summit & Exhibition 2025 episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Scott Morrison, Space Centre Australia chair and former prime minister. The pair discuss: Morrison's keynote speech during the Australian Space Summit & Exhibition and his discussions with space industry representatives throughout the event, in particular, his unique perspective since being in politics and now in the corporate space industry environment. The newly announced Space Centre Australia launch site in Queensland and the opportunities it represents for greater space industry collaboration. Australia's relationships in the Indo-Pacific with Japan and South Korea as well as countries in Europe and representatives from the United States of America. The results and his observations about the recent Australian federal election. The increasing calls for the Australian government to lift its GDP percentage spend on defence from 2.3 per cent to at least 3 per cent. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant, Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson and Liam Garman unpack the latest from Ukraine and the ongoing conflict in India-Pakistan, and how diaspora groups are expanding conflict beyond country borders. They begin the podcast discussing Australian schoolteacher Oscar Jenkins, who was sentenced to 13 years in prison by Russia. The trio then discuss the India-Pakistan conflict, and how it has drawn in regional powers and diaspora groups.  They wrap up unpacking a European-Australian defence pact, and whether it will be sufficient to support Australian stability in the Indo-Pacific. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft talk about Meta moving to use user data to train its AI, cyber attacks on local legal firms and boards, and new regulations requiring mandatory reporting of ransomware payments. Hollingworth and Croft kick things off with the news that a German data watchdog has been unable to stop Meta from using user data to train its new AI model. As they say, if the product is free, the product is you – and your Facebook posts. The pair then discuss the latest cyber attacks targeting Australian organisations, with both a Queensland law firm and the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia falling victim to ransomware attacks, as well as The Salvation Army getting listed on a darknet leak site. Hollingworth and Croft also discuss how attacks seem to have slowed down in the last month. Is it a trend or just a blip? Finally, the two wrap up the podcast with a discussion on a new Australian law coming into effect requiring organisations to report paying a ransom and its possible impact on the ransomware economy. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Agsecure's Andrew Henderson to unpack the recent Australian Strategic Policy Institute food security green paper developed by Henderson and Dr John Coyne. The pair discuss a range of topics outlined in the food security green paper, including: Food security fragility: Australia's food system heavily relies on critical imports (e.g. glyphosate, phosphate), with potential disruptions leading to rapid breakdowns. Central coordination, local delivery: Proposes centralised planning (e.g. via agriculture) but decentralised execution, empowering local actors and reducing red tape. Ecosystem perspective: Suggests a holistic “food security ecosystem” approach, connecting producers, processors, distributors and critical inputs. Structured risk assessment: Recommends systematic identification and mitigation of vulnerabilities using structured frameworks, with private sector engagement. Urgency and national security: Highlights immediate action needs due to geopolitical tensions and environmental risks, including building domestic production and resilience. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, co-hosts Liam Garman and Kane Dury, director and lead buyer's agent at Discover Buyers Agency, explore the unique challenges and advantages Australian Defence Force (ADF) members face in property investment as they often relocate. Due to frequent relocations, ADF life complicates traditional home ownership but also offers exposure to various markets nationwide, with the duo suggesting that investors begin with clear investment goals and use available defence benefits like the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme (DOHAS) and Home Purchase Assistance Scheme (HPAS). ADF members also benefit from rental assistance, making ownership more financially viable than it may be for civilians, while flexibility in relocation allows them to target emerging property markets. Dury said that a common strategy involves buying a home, living in it to meet benefit requirements, then converting it into a rental when posted elsewhere. The duo stresses the value of professional advice to navigate complex deals and optimise outcomes, suggesting ADF members take action, leverage their benefits, and invest strategically to build wealth through property. For more key strategies to build a successful portfolio, listen to Kane Dury here. Do you need more information on the market conditions surrounding Australia's largest defence bases? Listen to our last episode here.

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Thomas Fikentscher, CyberArk's head of ANZ operations, to explore the company's international business, cyber security trends, the importance of privileged access, and the importance of taking cyber security seriously. Garman and Fikentscher begin with a discussion on CyberArk's international operations and recent trends regarding how businesses are looking at their networks and what's essential to keep their operations running smoothly. The pair then discuss the importance of understanding and implementing privileged access to data and how that can keep critical infrastructure secure. Fikentscher talks about the recent blackouts in Spain and the challenges of introducing AI agents into workflows. Fikentscher discusses why modern privileged access management (PAM) must extend beyond traditional admin controls as organisations scale across cloud and AI environments. He explains it now needs to secure both human and machine identities, manage ephemeral access and integrate seamlessly into DevOps workflows. Finally, he emphasises the importance of a ‘security by design' approach - embedding security into the architecture of systems and processes from the start to strengthen resilience and compliance, but also to help prevent security lapses that can disrupt business operations and impact bottom lines.   Enjoy the episode, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft have a chat about everything, from the NSW government's new drive to use AI to solve the housing crisis to deepfake takedowns, who may or may not be behind the hacking campaign targeting big-name UK retailers (still!), security issues at the Australian Taxation Office, and the relaunch of HaveIBeenPwned. Hollingworth and Croft start off with positive AI-related news, starting with the Trump administration's decision to enact new laws regarding deepfake and revenge porn, before swivelling to the NSW state government's plan to use AI to help address a housing construction backlog and grow the workforce. Then it's straight into cyber crime, with more twists and turns from the highly disruptive hacking campaign targeting UK retailers. The pair discuss why one chain is leaking money like a sieve as it tries to rebuild, and why another is getting back on its feet. It's a lesson everyone can learn from. Hollingworth and Croft wrap up this section of the podcast with a discussion of the ATO's issues with identity theft following revelations that hackers had compromised some individual accounts and stolen funds. The pair wrap things up with news of one of their favourite research tools – HaveIBeenPwned – launching a V2 of its website, and how useful it is for average consumers and researchers alike. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Dr Ross Babbage, CEO of Strategic Forum and senior non-resident fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. The pair discuss a range of subjects following Babbage's recent trip to the United States, including: Australia's need to prepare for a more direct involvement in kinetic regional conflict in the Indo-Pacific – including recognising that we are no longer on the periphery of geopolitical competition. The multidimensional depth and facets of the challenges being posed by the People's Republic of China: Babbage emphasises that China's strategy includes economic coercion, hybrid conflict and soft power, and that Western assumptions about China's integration leading to liberalisation have proven wrong. How Western governments have failed to effectively communicate the strategic risks to their populations: Babbage argues that public awareness is essential for national resilience and policy support, and that many in the public are willing to act once properly informed. Australia's urgent need to expand and rethink its defence and industrial capabilities to meet the growing expectations of the new US Trump administration. Enjoy the Podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Lee Shelford, sales engineering manager and cloud lead at Genetec, to explore how the company uses cutting-edge technology to help law enforcement agencies combat crime and build safer communities. The conversation begins with Genetec's recent success in completing its IRAP assessment – a critical milestone in demonstrating the company's commitment to cyber security and data protection. From there, Shelford shares how Genetec is working alongside some of the world's leading law enforcement organisations to develop next-generation security solutions. Shelford dives into Genetec Cloudrunner, a powerful tool that enables law enforcement to track vehicles across vast distances – significantly aiding investigations and contributing to a reduction in criminal activity. The discussion then shifts to the Genetec Community Connect Program, which brings together a network of CCTV systems from various partners to provide real-time, integrated surveillance feeds to police and emergency services. Finally, Shelford explains how Genetec ensures the security and integrity of these systems, maintaining strong protections across all connected networks. Enjoy the episode, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft get into a deep ethical discussion after an AI-generated deepfake of a murder victim, untangle the deeply confusing saga of the DragonForce ransomware gang's latest evolution, the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) breaches itself, and the insane back and forth between the People's Republic of China and the CIA. Hollingworth and Croft begin with a robust discussion about a new AI development – using the technology to generate a deepfake video of a murder victim to be played in a US court as a victim impact statement. It's a complex issue, and the pair try to find common ground – but they agree it's a complex issue. The pair then get into the weeds, sorting out the truth regarding the DragonForce ransomware-as-a-service operation, which may or may not be taking over the RansomHub gang. Or maybe the gang is joining DragonForce? It's all very confusing, and Hollingworth and Croft do their best to get to the bottom of a very confusing situation. They also discuss more details that have emerged from behind the scenes of the LockBit gang, and an accidental data breach at the Australian Human Rights Commission. Things get wrapped up with the CIA's bizarre move to recruit Chinese spies, and the rather interesting response of some very dedicated and upset Chinese netizens. It's spycraft in the 21st century, but not as you know it. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, hosts Liam Garman and Robert Dougherty explore the recent spiking of international conflict with cross-border attacks between India and Pakistan, Russia's Victory Day parade and a US presidential visit to the Middle East. The pair discuss a range of topics, including: The recent clashes and weaponry being deployed by Pakistani and Indian military forces in the disputed region of Kashmir and along the Line of Control. The cyber attacks by state-sponsored actors against both countries, as well as the larger “West versus East” alliances at work behind the scenes. Russia's 80th anniversary of the Victory Day parade in Moscow as well as key diplomatic moments and new equipment seen during the commemoration. The Ukrainian government's innovative launch of a new online defence tech marketplace to bridge the gap between military units and defence industry products under a first-of-its-kind “Brave1 Market” online platform. The final wrap-up of US President Donald Trump's whirlwind visit to the Middle East and some of the backroom negotiating being done there. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team  

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Tim Knight, author of the recently released book Gallipoli Soup, to discuss the Gallipoli campaign and how Knight used narrative to bring to life the challenges faced by both Australian and Turkish soldiers in World War I. The pair begin the podcast unpacking Knight's research methodology, and how a passion for understanding led him to write Gallipoli Soup. They discuss how the book was written in a narrative format, with some fictional characters based heavily on memoirs and diary entries from soldiers, to shine a light on the conditions in Gallipoli. Knight shares some of his key lessons of the campaign, including the geopolitical and political events that led to Gallipoli. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Christian Gutierrez, vice president of Hivemind Engineering at Shield AI, to unpack next-generation drone capabilities and the latest advancements into AI–drone teaming. The pair begin the podcast discussing Shield AI's Hivemind Enterprise, and how AI-enabled software solutions are enabling next-generation drone capabilities to achieve their mission objectives. The pair then discuss the evolution of drone warfare in Ukraine, and how modern drone systems are being built to withstand electronic warfare capabilities. Gutierrez and Garman wrap up unpacking Shield AI's recent growth in the APAC region, and why it is looking to expand into the Australian market. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft discuss Meta's newly launched AI that will be powered by Facebook, DeepSeek is back in the news, a horror week of hacks for some massive UK retail chains, LockBit, and the wonderful day and night that was last week's Australian Cyber Summit and Australian Cyber Awards. Hollingworth and Croft begin by talking about the latest in artificial intelligence news, with Meta announcing it will be building its next AI based upon information shared on the social network by its users, and China's revelations that it will be using DeepSeek to help develop its next generation of fighter aircraft. The pair then run down the week in cyber crime, with ransomware gang DragonForce potentially being behind a string of disruptive attacks on some big UK retailers, including Harrods and Marks & Spender – and maybe even behind hacking once dominant ransomware giant LockBit. Hollingworth and Croft also discuss Spectrum Medical Imaging's continuing investigation into its January data breach. The pair wrap things up with a recap of the Australian Cyber Summit and Australian Cyber Awards, held last week. It was a great day and night. The two journalists talk about the importance of giving something back to Australians' network defenders and quality of content presented during the day. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Jeremy Kenealy – director of growth and air defence at Anduril Australia – joins host Liam Garman to unpack how Anduril has developed an open architecture counter-unmanned aerial system and counter-intrusion capabilities, merging a number of traditional and new sensors to enhance situational awareness on tomorrow's battlefield. They kick-off the discussion by exploring the modern battlefield, where small, low-cost drones are creating strategic operational-level impacts. The conversation then dives into how advancements in drone technology, such as swarms, AI and automation have prompted a rethink. Kenealy explains how some sensors, like traditional radio frequency sensors, are becoming less effective in this environment, and how Anduril's Lattice system harnesses a network of collaborating sensors to deliver a clearer, real-time picture of the battlespace. The episode wraps up with a look at how these capabilities are supporting ground defence operations – and includes an update on the much-anticipated Ghost Shark program. Enjoy the episode, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Lumify lead cyber security instructor Louis Cremen and cyber security lead Jeremy Daly. Together, they unpack the essential cyber security skill sets different organisations need - and how businesses can ensure their teams stay ahead of evolving threats. The discussion kicks off with the value of cyber security training and the most in-demand skills among Australian organisations. Cremen and Daly then explore the ongoing debate between certifications versus hands-on experience - and how to strike the right balance. The episode wraps up by questioning whether businesses are investing enough in their people, even as they spend heavily on tools and platforms. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty discusses military tradition and domestic firearms manufacturing with Robert Borsak, regional communities advocate, NSW Legislative Council member and Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party chairman. The pair take an unconventional, “outside the Canberra bubble” look at national defence readiness, including: The traditional and now evolving role of agricultural communities as key populations for the recruitment of Australian Defence Force personnel, who are already familiar with firearms use and horse riding. The continuing discussion regarding the domestic manufacture of defence weaponry in times of conflict, rather than reliance on international supply chains. Borsak's perspectives on the current federal election and the possibility of current US government strategy making its way to Australia. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, co-hosts Liam Garman and Kane Dury – director and lead buyers agent at Discover Buyers Agency – unpack how to identify shady property operators and protect yourself from poor property advice. They kick-off with a warning for listeners about groups who pretend to act in the best interest of property buyers but instead pocket undisclosed commissions from third parties - sometimes as high as $50,000 - on top of upfront fees paid by the buyer. Dury then dives into the world of house and land packages, explaining why their oversupply can limit long-term investment potential. Finally, the pair explore the key factors investors should consider to ensure strong future growth in their property purchases. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Daniel Croft and Liam Garman sit down to unpack whether the federal government's social media age restrictions really address the risks young Australians face online and how governments are looking to create backdoors into social media and tech giants. They begin the podcast by discussing Meta's AI-enabled age verification on Instagram and whether it will actually keep children safe online – before examining alternative social media use cases and the risks they pose for young Aussies. Croft and Garman then discuss the recent cyber incident against UK retail giant M&S and its (lack of) communication strategy. The pair wrap up by discussing how Florida lawmakers are pushing to pass a social media backdoor bill and other examples where this has been floated around the world. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Daily team  

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, hosts Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson, Phil Tarrant and Liam Garman discuss the application of cyber and information in the modern threat environment, and how the White House is changing voting behaviours across the West. They begin the podcast by unpacking Thomas Rid's Cyber War Will Not Take Place, discussing the intricacies of cyber operations and how cyber continues to adhere to the Clausewitzian principles describing the political and physical dimensions of conflict. The conversation then moves across the cyber spectrum to information operations and how cyber is a carriage of information that can be used to destabilise populations. MAJGEN (Ret'd) Dr Thompson and Tarrant unpack Australia's response to global political uncertainty and the threat of tariffs, and how the White House administration is impacting elections across the globe. The podcast wraps up looking at how democracies can use truth as a competitive advantage in the information space. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this special defence aviation episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Robert Dougherty catches up with Cliff Kyle, Sikorsky Australia general manager and former Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm aerospace engineer, on the sidelines of the Avalon Australian International Airshow. The pair discuss the modernisation of the Australian Defence Force's rotary aircraft fleet, including: Uplift in the Australian Army's UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter capability. The servicing and operations of the Royal Australian Navy's MH-60R Seahawk helicopter fleet. Kyle's perspectives on workforce growth, apprenticeship plans, training and sustainable infrastructure. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft talk about Chris Krebs' extraordinary decision to step down from SentinelOne in order to fight the Trump administration, an array of hacks both global and local, and the importance of funding the essential CVE Program. And China has made fascinating claims about US activity against the Asian Winter Games earlier this year. Hollingworth and Croft kick things off with Chris Krebs, who announced his resignation from SentinelOne this week following the signing of an executive order revoking his security clearance. He doesn't want to distract from SentinelOne's work, and he plans on taking this fight to the US government. Croft and Hollingworth then catch up on the week in cyber crime, with the 4chan message board getting hacked by a rival board, car rental giant Hertz Australia confirming it was caught up in a global Hertz data breach, and local outfit TMA Group of Companies falling victim to Sarcoma ransomware attack. The podcast wraps up with the pair talking about funding uncertainty involving the vital vulnerability-tracking CVE Program and how important the program is as a frontline tool against hackers and nation-state actors. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson discuss how businesses can build a culture of security in the modern work environment, protecting critical business IP.  They begin the podcast with a short book review of Stephen Gapps' Uprising: War in the colony of New South Wales, unpacking conflict in colonial Australia – and in particular, the Second Wiradyuri War of Resistance. The conversation turns to information security and the regulation and legislation that guides the storing of personal data by businesses. The hosts then unpack how businesses can develop a culture of security through the development of systems and procedures to protect business IP.  Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this special defence aviation episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Robert Dougherty catches up with Honeywell Aerospace Technologies senior director Lee Davis on the sidelines of the Avalon Australian International Airshow. The pair explore aspects of the changing regional defence landscape in Australia, including: Changes in the Australian defence industrial base and a big picture approach to the AUKUS trilateral defence partnership between Australia, the US and the UK. The continuing discussion regarding servicing and operations of Royal Australian Air Force F-35 aircraft and the broader Asia-Pacific F-35 fleet. Honeywell's perspectives on the current geopolitical and defence landscape, and what that might mean more practically for technology providers. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft chat about emissions, credential stuffing attacks targeting Australian super funds, a ransomware attack on a luxury Sydney hotel, and more Donald Trump chaos. Hollingworth and Croft kick things off with some interesting research that estimates the carbon costs of various AI platforms, with Grok AI coming out on top as the least environmentally punishing chatbot, while ChatGPT generates more than four grams of carbon per prompt. The pair then move on to an alarming week of cyber incidents impacting Australian organisations, from the superannuation hacks that saw both data and retirement funds compromised, Western Sydney University admitting that the data of 10,000 students had been accessed by a hacker, and The Fullerton Hotel Sydney confirming it had been the victim of a ransomware attack last month. Hollingworth and Croft wrap things with a discussion of the impact of AI-based threats that could impact the Australian election, lessons learned from last year's US election from SentinelOne's Chris Krebs, and the news that Krebs earned the ire of the US President and having his security clearance removed. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, hosts Steve Kuper and Rob Dougherty discuss fall out from Avalon 2025, budget week and the federal election. The pair discuss: The industry sentiment, rumours and scuttlebutt heard around the traps of the 2025 Avalon Airshow and Exhibition. The lacklustre defence spending commitment by the government announced during the federal budget. The tight-lipped, coy response from the opposition and its plans for the nation's defence spending. Priorities and focus points for defence and national security in the election campaign. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Dr Andreas Schwer, managing director and chief executive of Electro Optic Systems, joins host Liam Garman to discuss modern counter drone systems including high-energy laser systems and remote weapons stations. The pair begin the podcast with the success of EOS' Slinger weapons system, particularly in Ukraine, where it can connect with radar and automatically engage drone targets in seconds. Schwer then turns to high energy laser systems as a solution to drone swarms, as they can reduce the cost of an engagement to just $1 and automatically destroy up to 20 drones a minute. They then turn to the future of drone and counter-drone warfare, and how this rapidly evolving area is requiring a rethink to business as usual – including the need for kinetic capabilities to bolster electronic warfare as an increasing number of drones contain onboard computing and AI. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft discuss local hacks and the rise of a whole new ransomware evolution. Clayton Utz's Brenton Steenkamp and Debevoise & Plimpton's Luke Dembosky also join in to talk about executive risk and governance. Hollingworth and Croft kick things off with a discussion of a fascinating example of data exposure involving a major Australian taxi company and catch up on the local threat landscape. The pair then talk about the continuing fallout of a very unserious Trump administration and how one of the most important officials serving the White House is using his personal email for important government business. Finally, Hollingworth welcomes two guests to the podcast. Luke Dembosky has been a US federal prosecutor, diplomat in Moscow, and Department of Justice deputy chief. Alongside Clayton Utz partner Brenton Steenkamp, the trio explore emerging executive risks and the challenges of the modern cyber security landscape Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, hosts Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson and Phil Tarrant discuss the heroic actions of Australian soldiers in World War II, before turning to the big issues in the upcoming federal election. The pair begin the podcast discussing Joan Beaumont's book, Gull Force, and the treatment of Australian prisoners of war on the islands of Ambon and Hainan. They then discuss the role of Australia's Reserves in warfare, before unpacking the fundamental importance of seizing and holding ground in warfare. Thompson and Tarrant then turn to the upcoming federal election, unpacking some of the big issues facing Australian society, including housing policy and building forward-looking infrastructure for Australia's financial future. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Advent Atum CEO Andy Wilson joins host Liam Garman to discuss how the company has helped the Armed Forces of Ukraine revolutionise their air defence capabilities. The pair begin the podcast unpacking the evolution of Ukraine's air defence systems, and how Advent Atum is helping to automate the country's 60-year-old air defence capabilities. Wilson then unpacks how the HORAS threat, detection and engagement system is automating the kill chain, including detecting, tracking and neutralising threats. They wrap up the podcast examining how kinetic kill capabilities are increasingly important as drones can undertake onboard computation, thus mitigating the effectiveness of electronic warfare – and Advent Atum's upcoming product showcase in France. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Dr Sanjay Mazumdar, executive director of Defence Trailblazer, joins host Liam Garman to unpack their new combat systems engineering micro-credentials. They begin the podcast by discussing the suite of six courses covering introductory studies to radar systems and C2 to C4ISREW, defence systems and mission engineering. Mazumdar then discussed why micro-credentials are fundamental for upskilling Australia's industrial base to support the Australian Defence Force and the journey to making the micro-credentials. The podcast wraps up by looking at the future vision for the combat systems engineering course, including developing an award-level qualification in combat systems engineering. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, host David Hollingworth and journalist Daniel Croft talk about Apple backdoors, Facebook bans, the disastrous Signal chat that exposed the highest levels of the Trump administration as less than security-minded and how we report on exposed databases. Hollingworth and Croft get the ball rolling with a news wrap-up focusing on malware posing as Chinese chatbot DeepSeek, Papua New Guinea's new trial Facebook ban, and behind-closed-door deliberations on the UK's efforts to get a backdoor into Apple devices. After a short break, the pair get to the biggest story of the week – a leaked Signal chat between senior Trump administration officials that somehow had an American journalist added to the chat. Hollingworth and Croft talk about the security implications, the proper use of apps like Signal, and the alarming revelation that JD Vance may have been the smartest person in the room. To round things out for the week, Croft talks about a recent database exposure suffered by a popular Australian hardware chain, why reporting on data leaks and breaches can be a difficult thing to cover, and why not all data leaks are equal. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team.

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Raj Samani, senior vice president and chief scientist at Rapid 7, joins host Liam Garman to unpack how nation-state threats are actively targeting Australian organisations – and how we can proactively prepare for future attacks. They begin the podcast by looking at those groups that are most actively targeting Australian organisations and how their strategies are different from traditional cyber crime. Samani then unpacks some of the most common mistakes he sees from Australian organisations that are leaving them vulnerable to ransomware, before diving into the operating models of these threat actors, from negotiations and double extortion tactics. The pair then wrap up the podcast by looking at how companies can improve their post-breach response and resilience and the actionable steps they must take to stay ahead of emerging risks. To listen to Samani's previous appearance on the Cyber Uncut podcast, click here. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team.