⚠️ Our phones are currently down. Please email us at info@brightstar.co.nz and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. We apologise for the inconvenience.

Save 15% off Brightstar owned or partnered conferences and training courses – use promocode ‘SPRING15’ at checkout. View All Events.

Cyber Security concerns for CIOs a global challenge

The ever-evolving threat landscape: Cyber Security concerns for CIOs

Cyber security remains a constant concern for CIOs, with the threat landscape evolving at an alarming pace. We asked our Keynotes from the 2024 NZ CIO Summit what they believe the biggest challenges/threats facing CIOs in the next 12 months, one topic was top of mind – Cyber Security. Igor Portugal as part of the #CIOSummitCafe discussed the need for vigilance and proactive measures to combat cyberattacks.

Global tech leaders discuss Cyber Security

The rise of AI-powered threats and Geopolitical Impact:

Alex Smart, Chief Technology Officer at Southern Cross Travel Insurance, expressed concern about the growing sophistication of cybercriminals, particularly those leveraging artificial intelligence (AI). “Cyber is definitely a real issue for us,” she stressed. AI can be used to automate attacks and exploit vulnerabilities, making them more difficult to detect and defend against.

The current global situation adds another layer of complexity. Smart pointed out the potential for increased cyberattacks as a consequence of geopolitical tensions. Businesses need to be prepared for a wider range of threats, including those originating from state-sponsored actors.

 
The Data Dilemma

Emily Isle, Chief Digital Officer at MBM NZ, highlighted the challenge of balancing data privacy regulations with robust security measures. “The security risk is just getting more advanced,” she said. As regulations evolve, CIOs need to ensure their cybersecurity strategies comply with data privacy laws while still effectively protecting their organisations.

 
The importance of awareness

Building a strong cybersecurity posture requires a multi-layered approach. Krish Goundar believes that everyone in an organisation plays a role. “Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility,” he stressed. By fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness among employees, organisations can significantly reduce their attack surface.

 
Collaboration is key

The ever-evolving threat landscape underscores the importance of collaboration among IT leaders. Events like the New Zealand CIO Summit and National Cyber Security Summit provide unique opportunities to share best practices, learn from industry experts, and develop strategies for staying ahead of cyber threats.

Join the conversation and be part of the collective defense!

Discover more in Technology, Cyber, Data & CX

Facebook
LinkedIn
Print

More Articles

Article

CFO Summit and Awards | 4 September 2025 | Cordis Hotel Auckland Inspiring excellence — meet the winners In an…

Article

Leading AI & Digital Strategy Workshop For School Principals & Senior Leaders in Education 9am – 4pm | Thursday 23…

Article

Panel discussion: New Zealand trade and exports in a volatile world MC: Rowena Duncum, NZME Rural Lead JournalistThomas Macdonald, Chief…

Article

New crop of PINZ Award finalists named Rural heroes who made their mark advocating for pragmatic regulation and supporting stressed-out…

Brightstar Spring Sale Promotion Terms & Conditions

1. The Offer

This promotional offer is for a 15% discount on the current advertised price of eligible Brightstar owned and partnered conferences and public training courses.

2. Promotional Period

The Spring Sale promotion is valid only from 13 October 2025 through 15 November 2025 (the “Promotion Period”).
All course and conference registrations must be fully completed, paid for, and confirmed by Brightstar within the Promotion Period to qualify for the discount.

3. Eligibility and Redemption

3.1 Eligible Products

The discount applies only to the standard price of Brightstar’s public training courses and conferences as listed on the Brightstar website.

3.2 How to Redeem

To receive the 15% discount, customers must enter the promotional code SPRING15 during the checkout process.

3.3 Exclusions and Limitations

The discount does not apply to, and cannot be used for:
• Custom, private, or in-house training programs.
• Courses or conferences already registered for, or attended, prior to the Promotion Period.
• Any associated costs, including but not limited to, taxes, travel, or accommodation.

3.4 Discount Stacking

This 15% discount cannot be combined with any other offer, promotion, coupon, or discount code. If an eligible course is already subject to another discount, the customer will receive the greater of the two discounts, but not both.

4. Payment and Enrollment

4.1 Full Payment Required

Full payment of the discounted course or conference fee is required at the time of registration. Enrollment is not confirmed until full payment is received and processed by Brightstar.

4.2 Standard Terms Apply

All bookings are subject to Brightstar’s standard terms and conditions of sale for training and conferences, which are available here.

5. Transfers, Cancellations, and Refunds

5.1 Refund Policy

In the event of a cancellation or request for a refund, the refund amount will be calculated based on the actual discounted price paid by the customer, not the original standard price. Standard Brightstar cancellation policies apply.

5.2 Registration Transfers

If a registration is transferred to another individual, no further or additional discount will be applied to the new registration.

6. General Provisions

6.1 Right to Modify

Brightstar reserves the right to modify, suspend, or terminate this promotion, including these Terms and Conditions, at any time without prior notice. However, all registrations completed and fully paid for prior to such modification or termination will be honored.

6.2 Acceptance of Terms

By proceeding with a registration using the promotional code [SPRING15], the customer agrees to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

Times are tough, but professional development doesn't have to be

Invest in your team with our Buy One, Get One Free conference ticket offers across a number of our February-March events. Hurry, offers end 20 December!