Defence Connect Podcast Network

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Liam Garman sits down with Rodney Cottam to discuss his work with Invictus Australia and his 560-kilometre run in seven days. The pair unpack Cottam’s military service and injury which left him with brachial plexus palsy. They then discuss the support offered to Australia’s veteran community by Invictus. Cottam wraps up unpacking his approach to resilience and veteran wellbeing. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, co-host Liam Garman is joined by Steve Kuper, senior analyst and government relations manager at Defence Connect, to unpack deepening social tensions in the United States ahead of the US election. The pair begin the podcast discussing whether modern journalism, with a focus on opinion over reporting, has worsened the political divide in the US. Kuper and Garman then discuss Russian interference during the 2016 election and give insight into the Senate’s findings on how protest movements were exploited to achieve Russia’s political objectives. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Sean Pereira, CEO of AI powerhouse Analytical Progression, to unpack and demystify the misconceptions surrounding AI and its future in Defence industry. The pair discuss a range of topics, including: Breaking down some of the misconceptions surrounding the AI revolution and how it is changing the ways in which AI will impact not only our daily lives but reshape the way in which data analysis in defence will be transformed. Focusing on the way in which AI will be used as a complementary tool that empowers decision makers to analyse vast amounts of data and make time-sensitive decisions with a high degree of confidence. The role AI will play in helping to secure critical technology and data sovereignty at a time when cyber attacks are rapidly increasing in both frequency and complexity. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Michael Mestrovich, chief information security officer at data security firm Rubrik, joins host Liam Garman to examine the nature of modern cyber security threats, how much easier it is to become a cyber criminal, and keeping up with changing regulations. The pair begin the podcast with a discussion on the evolution of ransomware and the intersection of state financially motivated cyber crime. Mestrovich and Garman then examine the role of zero trust as the backbone of cyber security and the importance of cyber resilience. The podcast wraps up with a deep dive into data security posture management and looks at some of the challenges the sector will to face in the coming years. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

Dr. David Kilcullen, a former diplomat and expert in conflict analysis, joins the discussion on the evolution of warfare and military technology. He explores complex warfare dynamics over the past 25 years, highlighting shifts in tactics seen in Ukraine and Europe. The conversation dives into the impact of technological advancements on both state and non-state actors. Additionally, Kilcullen addresses the need for national resilience amidst rapid military changes and the importance of innovative strategies in current conflicts.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by former Australian Army leader and former Commander Forces Command, MAJGEN (Ret’d) Gus McLachlan. McLachlan previously attended Royal Military College - Duntroon and the University of NSW, while completing a 37-year career with the Australian Army. He retired as Major General in December 2018.   The pair discuss: The reignition of intense military conflict in the Middle East, drawing on McLachlan’s previous service as a UN peacekeeper in southern Lebanon. The reliance of Israel’s military forces on modern fighter jet aircraft, use of explosive pagers and what the nation’s military objectives might be. The possible implications of the conflict for Australia and Western allies. The Australian Defence Force’s new recruitment campaigns and ends with a rapid-fire quiz about current issues. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, hosts David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft detail multiple Australian hacks, theft of frequent flyer points, LockBit striking back, and the launch of the Australian Cyber Network. Croft gets things started with a rundown of Australia’s first standalone cyber security legislation before outlining a recent insider threat incident that saw the passports of Qantas customers potentially exposed in a scheme to steal frequent flyer points. Hollingworth then follows up with the LockBit claiming a new Australian victim and the rise of a new ransomware gang, Sarcoma – which has already listed three Aussie companies and one Kiwi firm. Finally, the pair discuss the Australian Cyber Network’s launch and the importance of growing our cyber security workforce, before finishing up discussing a new Russian attempt to ban gaming chat platform Discord. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, we are joined by Yehuda Lahav of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to discuss the growing synergies identified in Australia’s Defence Strategic Review.  We discuss the company’s ambitions and opportunities for the Australian enterprise, particularly given the nation’s increased focus on integrated air and missile defence capabilities.  We also highlight the way IAI is operating in Australia and the company’s emphasis on supporting the development of Australia’s Sovereign Defence Industrial Capability Priorities and the broad ambition of the Defence Industry Development Strategy.  Finally, we discuss what sets Israeli defence innovation and industrial capacity apart from its Western counterparts and the methodology, processes and capacity that provide Israel with a qualitative edge over potential adversaries.   Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, hosts David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft detail multiple recent law enforcement operations that have made a considerable dent in criminal and cyber criminal activity around the world. Croft opens the podcast with the most recent developments in law enforcement’s efforts to tackle the LockBit ransomware gang, with four arrests made and sanctions placed against one of the gang’s major affiliates. Hollingworth then details the incredible story of the Australian Federal Police’s Operation Kraken, an investigation into the Ghost criminal messaging network, which it turns out was – allegedly – run by an Aussie! He’s now been arrested, and a lot of other criminals besides. The pair wrap up with news of charges being laid by the US Department of Justice against Iranian hackers, and they offer some simple but important advice as part of Cyber Security Awareness Month. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, Phil Tarrant, Major General (Ret’d) Dr Marcus Thompson and Liam Garman unpack the recent escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah and how state actors disrupt their non-state adversaries. The podcast begins with an analysis into the fragility of supply chains, examining the pager attack, and how adversaries can conduct espionage through acquisition. They then discuss strategies at disrupting non-state adversaries, including whether a decapitation strategy would work for Hezbollah in spite of its failure to disrupt irregular forces elsewhere. The podcast also examines the division that this represents in Australia, with announcements that the Australian Federal Police will go after those waving Hezbollah flags. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team