Data, Demogorgons and the Upside down world... and a Battleforce Angel!

Presenter: Tara Dharnikota
Track: A
Time: Saturday 1:35pm
Duration: 30 mins
Location: Main

Abstract
A data breach occurs when sensitive data is accessed without authorisation. Each year, there are thousands of breaches to individuals and organisations.

There has been a lot of talk about data leaks and ransomware over the recent years, but not much is discussed about where that data ends up and how it can be used purposefully.

In this presentation, we will be discussing:

• most common aspects leading to a breach, an understanding of sensitive data and if it breaks bad, where in the darknet that breached data could end up,
  
• who are the adversaries and how those adversaries may use that data against individuals and businesses,
  
• and most importantly, how we use Open Source Intelligence at Telstra to protect our staff, and further our Cyber security goals.

This presentation will bring the audience an understanding of how data breaches and data theft takes place, how it gets sold and distributed on darknet forums and marketplaces, and how to protect that data. It will also provide a perspective on OSINT and how it can be used for the good.
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Speaker Bio:
Tara is a highly proficient Cyber security leader responsible for technical direction and leadership for Telstra, one of the largest telecommunication providers in Australia, where she leads and supports Cyber Intelligence teams.

With her career in Information and Cyber Security spanning for around 15 years, she is responsible for ensuring the protection of Intellectual Property company data from external threats and proactively helps take steps to mitigate and reduce security risk.

​Understanding the threats and risks, she has also transferred her insight into action by assisting and guiding her organisation in adopting the ASD Essential Eight cyber security framework.

She has worked with several teams and businesses across the industry and presented in a number of security conferences and is very passionate about mentoring the next generation of security professionals.

She believes in protecting people and helping them help themselves by adopting a security-aware behaviour. A passionate attitude can be infectious!