Cyber security and the evolution of technology was the focus at this year's Hinkler Innovation Series breakfast, held at the Bundaberg Multiplex on Thursday.
The annual event was established by Bundaberg Regional Council to recognise innovation and entrepreneurship both locally and at a global level.
Co-founder of Australian information security firm CTRL Group Bastien Treptel and cyber security specialist Gabe Marzano were guest speakers at this year’s event and spoke about how easy it could be to fall into a hackers trap.
“It doesn’t have to be sophisticated technologies or mechanisms, or processes,” Gabe said.
“It can be as simple as launching a website and advertising some very adorable puppies for sale.
“Then you’re vulnerable to that transfer of money and those exploitations.”
Bundaberg Regional Council Organisational Services portfolio spokesperson Steve Cooper said the Hinkler Innovation Series provided important information on how to secure data to prevent a cyber-attack from happening.
Cr Cooper said it was pleasing to see a variety of community members attend the event.
“There are people from all walks of life here, from the ag sector, the small business community, schools and government networks,” Cr Cooper said.
“Cyber security is an important part of Council and also vital for those in business.
“It’s extremely important to have the right processes in place to keep data safe.”
Also speaking at the Hinkler Innovation Series breakfast was local business owner Geoff Augutis from Queensland Computers and Bundaberg Regional Council's Chief Information Officer Mitch Miller.
Geoff said the recent changes in lifestyle meant there was more priority for people to increase cyber security.
“I think it is one of those things that everybody knows it’s important, like going to the dentist, but it doesn’t mean everybody’s doing it,” he said.
“Those who are doing it (increasing cyber security) are getting good results, and those who aren’t are making themselves significantly more vulnerable.”
