Cyberattacks are fast becoming our biggest global threat - so why aren’t we better prepared? Matt O’Kane takes us on an inspiring journey from overcoming blindness to leading a cybersecurity business, shining a light on the evolving landscape of cyber threats. He critiques current cyber education methods, revealing how they often prepare students for calm seas rather than the turbulent waters of real-world challenges.

O’Kane advocates for a hands-on, competitive approach to cyber education, likening it to a digital playground where students can safely explore, tinker, and compete. By cultivating curiosity and resilience in young cyber defenders, he envisions educational environments that balance safety with the freedom to innovate. This narrative calls for a bold reimagining of how we prepare for the cyber threats of tomorrow.

Progress? is a UNSW Centre for Ideas project, with illustrations designed by Lucy Klippan, video production by AVI and All things All Creatures, and podcast production by Matt Sladen and Kara Jensen-MacKinnon. 

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