
What we’re about
SecTalks is the largest non-profit security community that expands across multiple continents. SecTalks hosts free monthly sessions on technical security topics, and practical security challenges. We have a mix of sessions for both beginners and seasoned professionals.
What happens at a SecTalks Gold Coast?
Knowledge sharing, practical hands-on learning and networking. We arrange an informal catch-up where someone will present on an infosec related topic.
We welcome learning from all areas of security, including:
Penetration Testing, Red Teaming, Social Engineering, Phishing, Exploit development, Security Automation, DevSecOps/ SecDevOps / Secure Development, Application Security, Security Architecture, Cloud Security, Security Operations, SIEM, Incident Response, Threat Hunting, Forensics, Network Security, Governance, Risk Management, Compliance and more.
Who is the Meetup for?
Anyone interested in infosec. Experienced professionals through to newbies.
It is not a place to come loaded with business cards and looking to sell services or products.
How does SecTalks Gold Coast operate?
Volunteers (@Codingo Michael Skelton, @CyberSecRicki Ricki Burke) run it for the benefit of local people coming together to share ideas, learn and network. Be patient with us :)
Upcoming events (2)
See all- SecTalks Gold Coast 2x4 - May 2025 SecTalks Gold Coast with Reece GallagherCohort Innovation Space, Southport
The Gold Coast SecTalks May event is happening Tuesday, May 6th, 2025, at COHORT Innovation Space, 16 Nexus Way, Southport. As usual, things will kick off at 6pm and end around 8pm.
Reece Gallagher will be speaking to us about Building a Resilient Data Security Program: Practical Lessons and the Path to Maturity
Synopsis: Drawing from extensive experience advising diverse organizations on implementing data security programs, this session explores the good, the bad, and the ugly of such initiatives. As Australian organizations achieve maturity in Security Operations, they are beginning to tackle the next frontier—data security.
This session examines the key motivations driving data security programs, including preparing for generative AI, minimizing the impact of data breaches, and meeting compliance obligations. Delivered through a practical “notes from the field” lens, attendees will discover the defining traits of successful programs and common pitfalls to avoid. Topics include securing leadership sponsorship, fostering business buy-in, and reengineering business processes, all anchored in a robust organizational change management framework.
Building on these organizational insights, the session introduces essential technology enablers such as data classification, data loss prevention, encryption, data minimization, and data lifecycle management. A recommended roadmap for deploying these technologies, along with their dependencies, will guide attendees in navigating the complexities of data security implementation.
Key Takeaways:
-The imperative to implement data security programs including AI readiness, defence in depth against data breaches and compliance.
-Notes from the field - qualities of successful programs and by contrast, pitfalls to avoid.
-A suggested approach to a successful data security program inclusive of business and process transformation, supported by a robust change management program.Drinks are provided by our sponsor, SovTech, and pizza is provided by the Cyber Audit Team. As usual, our venue is sponsored by COHORT.
- SecTalks Gold Coast 2x5 - June 2025 SecTalks Gold Coast with LachlanCohort Innovation Space, Southport
The Gold Coast SecTalks May event is happening Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025, at COHORT Innovation Space, 16 Nexus Way, Southport. As usual, things will kick off at 6pm and end around 8pm.
In this session, Lachlan Ashcroft will explore critical security pitfalls commonly encountered in software development. The talk covers essential aspects, including planning, defensive programming, supply chain security, secret management, and PII handling. Attendees will gain practical insights on how to enhance their applications' security through real-world examples and actionable mitigations.
Lochie is a Software Engineer with a deep passion for security and systems engineering. He began his career in Identity and Access Management before transitioning into fintech, where his security-first mindset has been instrumental. With experience across the tech stack, he has worked on both product development and developer tooling, focusing on building secure and scalable systems. Lochie enjoys bridging the gap between engineering and security, advocating for best practices that enhance software resilience.
Drinks are provided by our sponsor, SovTech, and pizza is provided by the Cyber Audit Team. As usual, our venue is sponsored by COHORT.