"Startups die when people stop believing," says Vaughan Shanks, Co-Founder and CEO of Cydarm Technologies. In the engaging latest of Future Secured, hosted by Tom Finnigan and Jason Murrell, Vaughan opens up about the lessons he’s learned navigating the complex cyber security startup landscape. From the early days of fascination with public key cryptography to leading one of Australia’s most innovative cyber security companies, Vaughan shares his insights into resilience, growth, and the belief that sustains startups.

Key discussion points include:
- Resilience in entrepreneurship: "It’s often darkest before the dawn."
Scaling with strategy: Delivering value instead of just adding headcount.
- Navigating today’s funding dynamics: What’s changed in the post-COVID landscape.
- Political impact on cybersecurity: How regulations and government support shape the industry.
- Cydarm’s vision for 2025: Growth focused on expanding the customer base and refining their mission.
- Whether you’re a cyber security professional, an entrepreneur, or someone interested in the intersection of technology and resilience, this episode is full of actionable advice and industry insights.

Takeaways:
- Vaughan’s early fascination with public key cryptography set the course for his career.
- Transitioning from government to entrepreneurship shaped his unique leadership perspective.
- Startups thrive on resilience and belief—both internal and from stakeholders.
- Scaling a startup means prioritising value over just increasing headcount.
Post-COVID funding dynamics have reshaped opportunities in cybersecurity.
- The political landscape significantly impacts cybersecurity startups in Australia.
- Cydarm’s focus for 2025 is sustainable growth and expanding its customer base.

Sound Bites:
"Startups die when people stop believing."
"It’s often darkest before the dawn."
"Scaling isn’t about headcount—it’s about delivering value."
"We need more support from government to compete globally."
"Resilience isn’t optional—it’s foundational for entrepreneurs."
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Vaughan Shanks & Cydarm Technologies
02:53 Early Inspirations in Cybersecurity
05:56 Professional Experience and Transition to Entrepreneurship
08:59 Founding Cydarm: Lessons Learned
12:03 Resilience, Belief, and the Lifeblood of Startups
15:01 Sales, Marketing, and Building a Brand
17:54 Scaling Smartly: Growth Beyond Headcount
22:34 The Importance of Commitment and Mental Resilience
27:32 Sidearm’s Growth and Market Positioning
33:22 Cybersecurity’s Political Landscape and Funding Challenges
39:32 Strategic Goals for Cydarm in 2025

In this episode of Future Secured, hosts Tom Finnigan and Jason Murrell are joined by Kylie Watson, Head of Security – APJ MEA (Asia Pacific, Japan, Middle East and Africa) DXC Technology's, to explore the human side of cyber security and incident response. With over 30 years of experience spanning military service and consulting, Kylie shares her unique perspective on managing high-pressure incidents, addressing biases in decision-making, and fortifying critical infrastructure in the face of cyber warfare. From the challenges faced by SMEs to the pressing need for diversity in cybersecurity, this episode offers actionable insights for navigating the ever-changing digital landscape.

Takeaways:
Kylie Watson’s journey: Military background and decades of cyber security expertise.
Human factors: Understanding biases and their impact on decision-making in cyber incidents.
Foundations of cyber security: Basic practices are still under-implemented across industries.
Critical threats: Cybercrime and warfare demand protection of critical infrastructure.
SME focus: Practical guidance for small and medium businesses to build resilience.
VUCA model: Leveraging frameworks for decision-making under pressure.
Diversity matters: Female representation enriches cyber security perspectives.
Awareness is key: Training and preparation are essential to prevent and respond effectively.

Sound Bites:
"Cyber is a war game."
"Human biases play a huge role in how we handle cyber incidents."
"Small businesses often underestimate the real impact of cyber threats."

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Cyber Security and Kylie's Journey
09:24 - High-Pressure Incident Response in Cyber Security
14:30 - Foundational Cybersecurity Practices
18:04 - The Fifth Frontier of War: Cybersecurity and National Security
23:32 - Human Biases in Cyber Incident Management
23:59 - Understanding Cybersecurity Threats for SMEs
24:56 - Decision-Making Under Pressure: The VUCA Model
30:25 - Increasing Female Representation in Cybersecurity
39:49 - Practical Cyber Security Tips for Small Businesses

LTGEN Michelle McGuinness, Australia’s National Cyber Security Coordinator, joins hosts Tom Finnigan and Jason Murrell and reflects on her first year in the role, sharing insights on the evolving cyber threat landscape, major legislative changes, and government-industry collaboration to strengthen Australia’s cyber defences.

The conversation highlights the importance of culture in cyber security, the challenges of engaging small and medium businesses, and why information sharing and national coordination must improve. McGuinness also discusses the Cyber Security Act, the need for practical support for businesses, and how building a resilient workforce with diverse talent is key to long-term national security.

With cyber threats evolving rapidly, the message is clear—Australia must move from playing catch-up to leading the charge.

Takeaways:
✔️ Cyber security is a national priority, not just an IT issue.
✔️ The Cyber Security Act is a major step forward in Australia’s cyber defences.
✔️ Cultural change is needed—cyber security must be as instinctive as workplace safety.
✔️ Small businesses are highly targeted—they need better tools and education.
✔️ Information sharing between sectors must improve to reduce national risk.
✔️ Workforce shortages are a growing challenge—diverse talent is key to solving them.
✔️ Public awareness campaigns are crucial—without engagement, policies won’t work.
✔️ Cyber security must be integrated into business decisions, not just compliance checklists.
✔️ Future strategies must focus on equipping businesses with real, actionable resources.

Sound Bites:
📢 “Cyber security is not just an IT problem—it’s a national security issue.”
📢 “The Cyber Security Act is a game-changer for Australia’s resilience.”
📢 “A vulnerability to one is a threat to all—we must act together.”
📢 “Small businesses are on the frontlines, and they need better support.”
📢 “We need to build a cyber security culture as strong as workplace safety.”
📢 “Diversity in cyber isn’t just about fairness—it’s about capability.”

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction: Australia’s Cyber Security Landscape
02:35 – A Year in the Role: What’s Changed?
06:12 – The Cyber Security Act: Why It Matters
09:08 – From Awareness to Action: Changing the Culture
12:45 – Challenges for Small Businesses in Cyber Defence
15:30 – Why Information Sharing Must Improve
18:22 – Addressing the Workforce Shortage in Cyber Security
21:15 – Diversity in Cyber Security: More Than a Buzzword
24:30 – Looking Ahead: Priorities for Australia’s Cyber Future
27:10 – Final Thoughts: What Needs to Happen Next