Decoding cyber security: Growing an inclusive workforce

Rini Ismail, Jacqui Loustau & Ash Warlum
2026-10-15 4:40 pm
2026-10-15 5:20 pm
Melbourne Room 2

A panel on the new Cyber5050 report: what the survey data says about cyber's skills shortage and the barriers limiting women's participation and progression.

Session Details

Australia’s cyber future depends on who we bring into the workforce — and who we’re leaving behind. Join us for a dynamic panel discussing the findings of Decoding Cyber Security: Growing an inclusive workforce, a landmark new report from the Cyber5050 partnership.

Drawing on national survey data and lived experiences across the sector, the report reveals both the urgent skills shortage facing cyber security and the systemic barriers limiting women’s participation and progression.

In this thought-provoking session, industry leaders and researchers will unpack the report’s key findings — from workplace culture and microaggressions to recruitment bias and retention challenges — and explore practical actions organisations can take now to build a stronger, more inclusive cyber workforce.

Whether you’re a cyber professional, HR leader, policymaker or advocate for diversity in tech, this is a must-attend conversation about the future skills required to secure Australia and the people who will power it.

Come ready for insight, honest conversation, and bold ideas for change.

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