‘Cyber’ While it sounds futuristic, it’s pretty straightforward. Cyber refers to anything related to computers, information technology, and virtual environments. Cybersecurity is the protection of these systems. Given how much of our business and personal lives intertwines with computer technology, keeping our cyber activity secure is as essential as securing our homes.
Cyber risks pose significant threats to Australian businesses, leading to financial losses, reputational damage, operational disruptions, and legal consequences. This isn’t simply an IT problem, but an organisational risk affecting all business functions.
Knowing how to address cybersecurity can be a challenge for business leaders. The CyberWest Hub is on a mission to support WA businesses in becoming cyber secure by educating all business leaders about cyber risk, and what they can do to ensure their business is prepared for a cyber incident, and able to recover and return to business with minimal loss.
The CyberWest Summit 2025, Western Australia's leading event for cybersecurity education and awareness, will take place in Perth on May 28–29 at the Pan Pacific. The Summit is designed to provide practical, up-to-date insights to help organisations prepare for and respond to growing cyber threats.
The 2025 program brings together a diverse group of national leaders and experts:
- Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki AM – Science communicator and author, addressing the human side of technology and risk.
- Dr. Catherine Ball – Futurist and technologist, discussing how innovation is shaping the cyber threat landscape.
- Lieutenant General Michelle McGuinness CSC – National Cyber Coordinator, presenting the government’s approach to national cyber preparedness.
- Brendan Dowling – Australia’s Cyber Ambassador, speaking on international cyber diplomacy.
- Katherine Mansted – Executive Director of Cyber Intelligence, CyberCX, offering insights into the strategic security challenges facing Australia.
The program will focus on both technical and strategic responses to cybersecurity risks, covering issues such as threat awareness, organisational resilience, and incident response. Highlights include:
- The True Cost of a Cyber Attack – Understanding the Impact on Your Business – Examining the financial and operational consequences of breaches beyond IT.
- Every Second Counts – Navigating Crisis Communication – A panel discussion highlighting the critical importance of timely response during cyber incidents.
- Cyber Crime is Global – A Discussion from an International Content – Discussing multinational cooperation and the challenges of policing cybercrime.
Recent data underscores the importance of these discussions: in 2024, small businesses reported average cybercrime-related costs of $49,600, while medium businesses faced an average of $62,800*. These losses include legal expenses, reputational damage, downtime, and ongoing recovery costs.
“Cybersecurity is no longer an IT issue—it’s a business continuity issue,” said Emma O’Neil, Director of CyberWest Hub. “The risks are real, the attacks are increasing, and organisations—large and small—need to be proactive. CyberWest Summit is about giving businesses the knowledge and connections they need to future-proof their operations.”
Event Details:
- Dates: May 28–29, 2025
- Location: Pan Pacific Perth, 207 Adelaide Terrace
- Tickets and Program: https://eventandconfco.eventsair.com/cyberwest-summit-2025/
CyberWest Summit is delivered by CyberWest Hub with support from the WA Government’s New Industries Fund, Edith Cowan University, and the City of Joondalup.
*Source: Australian Signals Directorate, Annual Cyberthreat Report 2023-2024.
