'Optic Security Group converged with Cyber Resilience Group' partnership talks converged security at CyberCon

The 'Optic Security Group converged with Cyber Resilience Group' partnership joined with nbn Australia CSO Darren Kane to talk the practicalities of converged security at Australia's largest cyber event in Melbourne.

'Converged security' is a topic that's been talked about for a couple of decades now, but the idea of achieving a converged approach to security is still novel for most organisations.

Grant McKechnie, Chris Keune and Nicholas Dynon, representing the <Optic Security Group converged with Cyber Resilience Group> partnership, along with nbn Australia CSO Darren Kane, led a timely CyberCon 2025 panel discussion on the topic of "From firewalls to fire alarms: How converged security is the future". 

The main takeaway?... it's about the people, the people, the people. 

Transitioning from a traditional to a converged approach to security is a journey, and it only works if an organisation takes its people on that journey. 

Above: Grant McKechnie, Nick Dynon, Chrise Keune, and Darren Kane.

The experience of organisations that have already attempted the journey to converged tells us that it's a change that needs to be driven from the top, with clear reporting lines, clear role descriptions, and a culture that drives collaboration and minimises the potential for conflict.

Yes, technology is an important enabler, but people and culture are pre-requisites to success.

The conference opened the previous morning with an address by Australia's National Cyber Security Coordinator Lieutenant General Michelle McGuinness CSC. 

LTGEN McGuinness stated that among recent successes has been an uplift in the national mindset where cybersecurity is no longer considered optional but essential. 

Above: LTGEN McGuinness makes her keynote address.

For businesses, the benefits of this mindset can be seen in the impact and speed of recovery from an attack for a business that's prepared - compared to a business that isn't.

Cybersecurity, she says, is national security. It is a "whole-of-nation" endeavour in which our critical infrastructure organisations, our businesses, and our citizens "are on the frontline of national defence". It will take every one of us.

Every time we come together to talk and engage on cybersecurity, we drive awareness and uplift.

LTGEN McGuiness also reminded us that October is CyberMonth2025, a time for every Australian to think about getting serious about cyber security, and that the Australian Government has some great resources on how to build a cybersafe culture.

Above: Nick Dynon and Chris Keune at CyberCon 2025... it's about the people!