Bots, webforms, and cyber-security

In this session, Ben Rithichai will take us on a Pokemon adventure as he tells us about the different types of bots on the web, and the various methods that can be used to prevent them; and Shawn Thomson is going to inform us all about cyber-security fundamentals.

Thanks to our sponsors Zendesk, StarRez, Affix, and Twilio there will be lots to eat and drink; we have great presenters lined up; and there will be plenty of opportunity to network and socialise at the event and at the Mitre Tavern afterwards.

• Agenda *

18:00 - Doors open, food arrives
18:30 - Presentations
20:00 - Head to the Mitre Tavern

• The Presentations *

Gotta CAPTCHA'm All! (...And Other Methods to Identify Bots and Protect Web Forms)
Ben Ritthichai

♪ I want to be the very best, like no one ever was.
To catch them is my real test, to block them is my cause!
I will travel across the web, searching far and wide.
Teach website forms to understand, the power that's inside!
Malicious bots! Gotta catch em' all!
It's you 'gainst me, I know it's my destiny!
Protection! Oh, you're my best friend, in a web we must defend! ♪

Join Ben in a Pokemon adventure as he tells you about the different types of bots on the web, and the various methods that can be used to prevent them. From multi-factor authentication, to honeypots (yum), CAPTCHAs, and more!

Originally born in Thailand, Ben grew up over a span of countries, including the US, Australia, India, and Thailand. Eventually, Ben arrived again in Australia (for good) in 2013, where he started his Bachelors of Information Technology and Systems at Monash University, majoring in Games Development. After a successful Industry Based Learning Placement at Australia Post, he was kept on as a permanent part-time front-end web developer. 4 years later, he is now a permanent full-time Associate Front End Dev at Australia Post.

Ben is also a proud LGBTQ+ individual, and avid gamer. On any given weekend it's a coin toss whether you'll find him partying with his community or being a hermit and playing video games all day. He's also a big fan of pop, and pop adjacent music, so if you want to make friends with him, just mention the words "Carly Rae Jepsen" and "Lorde" and watch him light up like a sleeper agent.

Cyber Security Fundamentals for Web Professionals
Shawn Thomson

Web technology is moving quicker than ever and security is constantly chasing its heals, finding bugs and creating extra work for developers. However, despite the common perception, cyber security is not a dark art; it's mostly common sense. In this presentation, we'll explore the fundamentals of cyber security and the top patterns you can use, and anti-patterns to avoid, to make you a better web developer. We'll be covering top security tips for:

UX and frontend
APIs and backend services
Development
Infrastructure
Project management

Join us, have some fun and earn your security stripes!

Shawn is a champion of leading engineering methodologies and pragmatism in cyber security, helping organisations to transform their businesses to be more insightful, sustainable and secure.
Shawn's passion sits at the intersect of cyber security, engineering and great working cultures.
Shawn leads business transformations; developing ambitious, integrated cyber security capabilities and their sustainable operation.
Shawn has worked in twelve countries and contributed to successful outcomes for his clients in countless industries.