Defence & Security Podcast Network

From banks battling big tech for AI talent to ransomware attacks exposing sensitive medical records, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft unpack another eventful week in cyber security – including why your supermarket fridge might be a bigger security risk than you think.
AI is reshaping everything from banking to elections, but are organisations keeping pace with the risks? Hollingworth and Croft explore the race for AI talent, the collapse of Firmus' proposed $44 billion ASX listing, and growing concerns about AI-generated deepfakes in electoral advertising. With AI adoption racing ahead of governance, the pair examine the challenge of balancing innovation, economic opportunity and accountability.
Then it's on to the week's cyber crime headlines, from French supermarkets hit by compromised refrigeration systems to ransomware groups claiming vast troves of sensitive healthcare data. The incidents affecting a pair of Aussie healthcare providers highlight the risks of third-party providers and compromised back-ups. Hollingworth and Croft also discuss why connected operational technology needs stronger security controls and why organisations must treat their suppliers as part of their own cyber perimeter.
There's good news, too. Australia's new ASD Essentials framework marks an evolution of the Essential Eight, reflecting a threat landscape increasingly shaped by AI. And in a standout example of AI used for good, Indigenous rangers in Arnhem Land are using MegaDetector to streamline wildlife monitoring, cutting the images requiring analysis by 81.4 per cent.
Tune in to Cyber Uncut for the latest developments, sharp analysis and a reminder that technology's biggest risks and most promising applications can emerge from the same place.
Enjoy,
The Cyber Uncut team

Amentum is looking to expand its presence in Australia's defence and national security sectors, with a focus on contested logistics, theatre logistics and support for naval infrastructure.

Speaking with Defence Connect news editor Robert Dougherty at Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition 2026, Amentum Australia managing director Kim Katheklakis discusses the company's growth strategy and its priorities for supporting Australian Defence Force capability.
The conversation explores Western Australia's growing defence industry investment, opportunities for collaboration across state governments and the development of supply chain partnerships to support contested logistics across northern Australia.
Katheklakis also shares her views on workforce challenges, international knowledge-sharing under AUKUS, the importance of building sovereign capability and the role of industry in integrating solutions to meet Australia's evolving defence requirements.
Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

Israel Aerospace Industries expands into the Indo-Pacific region as it pitches solutions for local deployment of missile, uncrewed aerial vehicle, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems.

Speaking with Defence Connect news editor Robert Dougherty at Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition 2026, Israel Aerospace Industries' marketing director, Maxim Zemer, discusses the company's expansion into the Australian and Indo-Pacific regional market.
The conversation explores the importance of new containerised solutions for air defence and other purposes, as well as why the Australian market is considered to be particularly important for IAI.
Zemer also shares his views on industry trends, AI development, human-in-the-loop theory and cooperation with local companies at Land Forces 2026.
Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

How is Lockheed Martin Australia strengthening defence capability, expanding local manufacturing and delivering complex programs for the Australian Defence Force

Speaking with Defence Connect news editor Robert Dougherty, Major General (Ret'd) Jeremy King, chief executive of Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand, discusses his transition from senior Defence leadership into industry and the challenges of delivering major capability programs across Australia and New Zealand.
The conversation explores Lockheed Martin's growing role in Australia's guided weapons enterprise, including the local assembly and firing of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System missiles and development of domestic production capacity for GMLRS and Precision Strike Missiles.
King also discusses collaboration with Australian industry partners on warhead development, testing and the integration of local suppliers into global supply chains.
The discussion examines Lockheed Martin's involvement in major Defence programs, including the company's investment in the Air Power Precinct at RAAF Williamtown in NSW.
Looking ahead, King discusses the challenges of growing Australia's developing skilled workforces, expanding apprenticeship programs and helping Australian small and medium-sized businesses meet the technical and quality requirements needed to participate in global defence supply chains.
He also reflects on the value of his career in the Australian Defence Force and how the experience on both sides of the acquisition process informs his approach to industry leadership.
Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect Spotlight team

Cyber Uncut returns to discuss AI giant conspiracies, data centre impacts, and the dead internet theory.
Are AI giants like OpenAI having their agents hack things on purpose? Senior journalist Daniel Croft and managing editor Liam Garman touch on the theory that these tech giants want their AI models hacking, as any publicity is good publicity.
The two start by discussing dead internet theory and bots causing division, starting with the 2016 election. They then discuss local hacks and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia's AI copyright changes.
Finally, the two talk about data centres and the impact they could have on markets. Are data centres set to cause a "mining boom" effect in small, regional towns? How are rental and housing markets going to be impacted? Should data centre developers be building housing right next to their projects? The answer might not be as clear as you might think.
That's this week in the Cyber Uncut podcast.
Enjoy,
The Cyber Uncut Team