Hck4G-0x12 From-Hacker-to-Defender - Real Cybersecurity Career Insight
Details
## Hck4G#0x12 – Event Details
!!Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/hck4g-0x12-from-hacker-to-defender-what-real-cyber-security-jobs-actually-look-like
From Hacker to Defender – What Real Cyber Security Jobs Actually Look Like
A cyber security meetup for the community, by the community.
Hck4G is an initiative focused on ethical pathways, real-world skills, and building defenders who understand context not just tools.
This session is designed for students, early-career professionals, career switchers, and anyone questioning what cyber security roles actually look like beyond CTFs, hacking challenges, and online stereotypes.
📅 Event Information
Date: 21 January 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM AEST
Location: Building 80/435-457 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 300
Cost: Free (registration required)
Catering: Food and drinks provided
🌍 Livestream Watch Parties
Ghana
Nigeria
(Livestream links will be shared with registered attendees 24 hours before the event)
Talk
From Hacker to Defender – What Real Cyber Security Jobs Actually Look Like
This talk cuts through the noise around cyber security careers.
Rather than focusing on exploits, tools, or certifications alone, this session explores:
- What day-to-day cyber security roles actually involve.
- How technical skills translate into defensive, advisory, and architectural roles
- The difference between lab-based learning and real organisational decision-making
- Why judgement, communication, and ethics matter more than raw technical ability
- How to think long-term about a sustainable career in cyber security
This is a grounded, honest conversation about the industry; what it is, what it isn’t, and how to navigate it responsibly so you can win in 2026.
👤 Speaker Bio – Jason Breytenbach
Jason is a cyber security professional with over 25 years of experience spanning security architecture, operations, consulting, and managed services. He has worked across deeply technical, advisory, and customer-facing roles, helping organisations make practical, risk-based security decisions in complex environments.
With a background that bridges hands-on networking and security engineering, strategy, and communication, Jason is passionate about helping people understand what cyber security really looks like beyond tools and hacking challenges. His focus is on ethical pathways into the industry, human-centred security, and developing the judgement and thinking skills that matter over the long term.
At Hck4G#0x12, Jason will share real insights into cyber security careers, how technical interests evolve into real-world roles, and what aspiring professionals should prioritise as they build their path into the industry.
💻Hands-On Workshop -Powered by CyLynk.com
Practical Foundations: OvertheWire (Bandit) Challenges
To reinforce learning through practice, attendees will participate in a guided, hands-on workshop solving OverTheWire Bandit challenges.
This workshop is not about “hacking for hype”, it’s about:
- Understanding Linux fundamentals used daily by defenders
- Building problem-solving discipline
- Learning how attackers and defenders think
- Developing confidence navigating unfamiliar systems
- The workshop complements the talk by showing how foundational technical skills support real defensive work.
What to Bring
Laptop with internet access
At least 8GB RAM
SSH client or terminal access
Willingness to learn and ask questions
🏆 Prizes & Community
Participants may receive:
Sponsor giveaways
Training or lab access opportunities
Recognition for strong workshop participation
Interested in speaking at a future Hck4G meetup?
Email - [speakers@hck4g.org](mailto:speakers@hck4g.org)
Disclaimer - By Registering for the event, you consent and authorise Hck4G LTD to take your photo and or video image. See our website for our privacy Policy
Interested in volunteering? Visit our website Hck4G.org