Future is now

The theme of the 2024 Australian Cyber Conference, held from 26 to 28 November, was “Future is Now.” This thought-provoking theme challenged participants to recognise that the future we often imagine as distant is already unfolding before our eyes. 

It reminded me of a comment I have often made that within a year, an AI might claim to be me, leaving me with no way to prove I am the original human.  Now, I’m beginning to wonder if that timeline needs adjusting, perhaps to less than a year.

This begs the question: why did I attend the conference, how did I find the program, and what lasting impressions did I take away?

Why Attend?

I thoroughly enjoyed the interactions and presentations when I volunteered at the Cyber Conference in Canberra earlier this year.  At that time, many of us, recent graduates from the Purple Team Australia cybersecurity program, had participated as volunteers, making the experience even more rewarding.

Initially, I was hesitant about attending the Melbourne conference due to the distance from Sydney and concerns about accommodation.  However, my plans changed when a former cybersecurity classmate announced she would be volunteering.  By then, all volunteer positions had been filled, leaving me with the option to register as a student. With that decision made, I purchased an overnight return train ticket and embarked on the journey, arriving in Melbourne on the morning the conference began.

Program

Initially, I felt the effects of “train-lag” as I went straight from the station to the start of the three-day conference.  However, the energy of the event quickly brought me to life.  From the formal opening ceremony to racing between three levels for the various talks and exploring the display booths, the excitement was contagious.

I am so glad I made a last-minute decision to stay at a hotel within walking distance of the venue rather than with friends. The conference was packed with energy, featuring a comprehensive program, engaging exhibits, and a vibrant crowd. I did not want to miss a moment of it!

During lunch on the first day, I dashed to my hotel with my travel bag and checked in quickly, eager to get back to the action.  That evening, I joined other attendees at the screening of a hacker movie, complete with popcorn.  A great way to wind down after an eventful day.

On the second day, I carved out time to catch up with mentors from the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN).  On the final day, I reconnected with an online lecturer from the Learning People program, someone who had been incredibly supportive, interactive, and excellent at explaining cybersecurity concepts.  Meeting people in person was such a delight!

For three days, I was constantly on the move, deciding which topics interested me most and running from one room to the next.  There was so much to learn, but, as always, only one of me to take it all in.

Memories

One of the highlights of the conference for me was the Career Village, where I learned the importance of having an elevator pitch.  Interestingly, I had always thought of elevator pitches for my business, but not for myself in the context of job hunting in the cybersecurity field.  It was a valuable takeaway that has reshaped how I present myself professionally.

Of all the memories I took away, the one that stood out most was hearing astronaut José Hernández share his incredible story of hope and perseverance.  His journey was nothing short of inspiring.  And no, our shared connection to the Caribbean region, me from Jamaica and him from Mexico, did not influence my choice of conference highlight.  His story was simply unforgettable.

José’s dream of becoming an astronaut began at the age of five.  Two key lessons from his journey resonated deeply with me. The first was the importance of stability, highlighted by his teacher’s analogy comparing the 4 regular family relocations each year to constantly replanting a young tree.  An agriculturalist, Jose’s father understood the disruptive and stunting impact to growth with frequent relocations.  This insight convinced his father to prioritise the children’s education and establish a permanent home. The second was his persistence.  Despite being rejected 12 times by NASA, José used each setback as an opportunity to review, upskill, and refine his approach.  By his 13th application, he was finally accepted into the astronaut program and managed a flight into space.

The conference served as a powerful reminder of the role collaboration, innovative solutions, and knowledge-sharing play in shaping a safer and more resilient digital future. Through events like this, we’re not just discussing cybersecurity, we’re building it together.