Beyond the Firewall: Why Stories Shape Cyber Decisions
February 18 @ 17:00 – 20:00
Overview
Firewalls don’t persuade. Stories do. Join us for a fascination keynote and discussion on how narrative shapes cyber decisions and behaviour
Beyond the Firewall: Why Stories Shape Cyber Decisions
Cybersecurity decisions are rarely driven by frameworks, policies, or tools alone. They are shaped by people, experience, context, and the stories we tell ourselves and others about risk, responsibility, and consequence.
Beyond the Firewall brings together senior cyber and technology leaders to explore why storytelling plays such a powerful role in shaping cyber decisions. From boardrooms and incident response rooms to public narratives and media headlines, the stories that land are often the ones that influence behaviour, funding, trust, and action.
This evening’s keynote presentation and panel discussion will move past technical controls and compliance checklists to focus on lived experience. Expect thoughtful reflections on moments that changed perspectives, stories that helped bridge the gap between technical teams and decision makers, and why the ability to communicate risk clearly and credibly is now a core cyber capability.
Designed for cybersecurity professionals, business leaders, risk and governance practitioners, and anyone responsible for influencing cyber outcomes, this event will offer practical insight into how stories can clarify complexity, humanise risk, and ultimately lead to better decisions.
Join the Cybersecurity Advisors Network (CyAN) for an engaging evening of conversation, insight, and connection as we kick off the 2026 events calendar in Sydney.
A small thank you to early arrivals: the first 15 guests on the night will receive a complimentary gift, with further door prizes announced after the panel.
Agenda
17:15 – 18:00
Check-in & Networking
18:00 – 18:15
Keynote: Firewalls Don’t Persuade. Stories Do
In cyber security, laws and logic alone don’t change behaviour—stories do. This keynote presentation by Melanie Farmer explores the power of effective storytelling to influence decisions, build trust, and move people to act before a breach, not after it.
18:15 – 19:15
Panel Discussion and Q&A
Following her keynote, Melanie Farmer will join Jay Hira and Ned Farhat for a panel conversation exploring how stories, lived experience, and communication shape cyber judgement, leadership decisions, and organisational behaviour. Moderated by Kim Chandler McDonald.
19:15 – 19:30
Closing Remarks & Door Prizes
19:30 – 20:00
Networking and Drinks