Heidi is a highly respected senior leader with extensive experience across the national security domain, spanning cyber security, finance and big tech. With a career built on driving intelligence, operational excellence, risk management and strategic transformation, she has successfully led diverse teams through complex cybersecurity challenges – earning a reputation for inclusive leadership, collaboration, and integrity in protecting and strengthening Australian’s against cyber threats.

She is currently serving as the Assistant Director General Cyber Uplift, in the Australian Signals Directorate. Cyber Uplift Branch works directly with Government and Industry to assess their cyber defences and provide recommendations to strengthen defences, from issues ranging from Secure by Design, through to mitigation advice relating to known attack pathways in both IT and OT environments.

Heidi moved across from Uber Australia and New Zealand, where she led the safety support program, prior to that she undertook a number of senior roles within the private sector with a remit that ranged from social media content and policy operations, to intelligence and analytics for financial crime threat mitigation.

Heidi began her career with a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Asian Studies, launching a dynamic career that’s taken her across international borders – from Singapore and Hong Kong and back to Australia.

Session Description

Cyber Defence in a Complex Threat Landscape: ASD’s Role in Safeguarding Australia’s National Interests

ASD’s work in cyber security is critical in supporting Australia’s national security and economic prosperity. In response to emerging cyber security threats, ASD adopts a proactive and multifaceted approach to improving preparedness and building stronger collective cyber resilience.