CEO, Cyber Institute, Australian National University

What drew you to working in your chosen field?

I've always been attracted to strategic, systems-level issues, including the intersection of technology and strategy, making a difference and working on matters of national importance.

Which of your many career achievements do you feel is your greatest and/or most exciting?

I have to nominate my Phd, as it really changed both what and how I think, including about cyber. I had a fantastic team at the BoM; working with those guys–women and men–was fulfilling. And now at the Cyber Institute, I have a chance to build Australia's capability in cyber, for which I am deeply appreciative.

What would you say is the currently the biggest challenge facing the international cyber community?

I am starting to think of cyber as a universal acid: what was once restricted to desktops is now affecting all aspects of our lives and business, and the trust we have in business and in institutions–here, and given the global nature of the internet, internationally. We need better partnerships between government, the private sector and individuals–and one suitable for the digital age.

How could Australia further engage with our international partners to harness the opportunities of the digital age?

Values are going to be of increasing importance in how we think about and address problems, given the fast-moving and disruptive nature of technology and associated social and economic change. Building a community of shared values based on liberal, democratic and free-market principles will be increasingly important.