Navigating IT and cyber security challenges can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Our experts at Australian Cyber Defence offer clear, actionable advice to help you understand your risks and opportunities, with no commitment required. Book a consultation today to discuss how we can help you secure and optimise your business, providing you with the peace of mind you deserve.
About Us
ABOUT US.
About Australian Cyber Defence
We started Australian Cyber Defence because small businesses deserve big protection—without the big bills. Veteran-owned and proudly Aussie, we saw a gap: the big players have entire IT departments, but small businesses are left juggling dodgy printers, cybersecurity scares, and email woes on their own.
That’s where we come in. With decades of experience from the military, government, and corporate sectors, we’re here to level the playing field. Our mission is simple: provide small to medium businesses with the same top-tier IT and cybersecurity solutions that the big guys get—without the enterprise price tag. We handle the tech so you can focus on what you do best—growing your business and kicking goals.
And the best part? We’ve built a network of specialist consultants who work with us on a contract basis, bringing you the expert knowledge you need without the overheads of full-time staff. From tech support to strategic guidance, we've got you covered with the right people at the right time—so you can stay lean and mean while keeping your business secure and efficient.
Meet Luke, Beard Champion 2024
Our Founder
Luke’s journey into the world of cybersecurity started with nine years in the Royal Australian Air Force, where he worked on everything from cyber security to intelligence and ICT systems. During his time in the ADF, he had multiple deployments to Iraq and other areas of the Middle East, where he supported operations in some of the most challenging and hostile environments. After leaving the ADF, he spent time at Telstra’s Defence Security Operations Centre in Canberra, keeping an eye on military ICT systems and responding to cyber security incidents—basically, he was the guy making sure the bad guys stayed out.When his third daughter came along, Luke traded the Canberra cold for family-friendly Adelaide, where he joined Deloitte as a specialist manager in Cyber Risk. There, he worked with everyone from Energy Australia to Transport NSW, Brisbane City Council, and the Department of Premier and Cabinet. Luke quickly became a master at translating complex tech speak into plain English, making sure his clients—whether government, big industry, or SMEs—understood what was at risk and what they needed to do about it. Now, he’s bringing all that experience to Australian Cyber Defence, making sure small and medium businesses get the same level of expertise and care without the big-business price tag.
Our Team
Meet Our Legend Specialists
Michael Ashby
VOIP, NBN, Cloud and Networking Consultant
Doesn't let the fact that he lost the 2024 beard competition keep him down.
Michael’s the go-to guy for modernising your communication and network setup. He’ll get you set up with high-speed NBN, make sure your routers and switches are working seamlessly, and help you integrate cloud solutions to keep your team connected and productive. Need a VOIP system? He’ll sort you out with everything from opening hours and voicemail to setting up your phones for maximum efficiency. Whether it’s simplifying your business tech or boosting your communications, Michael’s got you covered
Kendall Schutz
Medical Compliance Consultant
Graciously withdrew from the annual ACD beard competition.
Kendall is a seasoned medical practice manager with over 20 years of experience, specialising in helping medical specialists and allied health practices streamline operations, navigate compliance, and boost profitability. She focuses on creating efficient, patient-focused solutions that take the hassle out of day-to-day management, so you can focus on delivering great care. Whether it’s optimising your systems, navigating the maze of compliance, or finding ways to improve your bottom line, Kendall ensures your practice runs smoothly, stays compliant with the latest regulations, and doesn’t get bogged down in the admin.
Oliver Ciancio
Mergers and Acquisitions Consultant
Believe it or not, this is the best he could do.
Olly is the dealmaker you want on your side when it’s time to take your business to the next level. With years of experience navigating mergers, acquisitions, and investments, he’s got the expertise to guide you through every step—whether you’re looking to sell or bring in a fresh partner. From start-ups to established businesses, Oliver works with you to identify opportunities, assess potential deals, and close the transaction, all while making sure your interests are front and centre. His hands-on approach ensures you get the best outcome, making complex deals feel straightforward and less stressful.
When he’s not helping businesses grow or making strategic moves, Oliver’s also involved in various advisory roles, investing in innovative ventures, and mentoring the next generation of business leaders. With a knack for spotting potential, Oliver helps companies scale without losing their soul.
Joe Reppucci
Risk, Compliance and Strategy Consultant
Resident Silver Fox
Joe Reppucci brings a wealth of experience managing complex, long-term projects across multiple sectors, including defence, finance, and energy. From implementing high-stakes IT solutions in submarine manufacturing to steering large-scale oil and gas exploration projects, Joe has seen it all. He’s led high-performance teams at top multinational IT companies, balancing stakeholder needs and coordinating interconnected projects that span years. Whether it’s helping businesses tackle tech challenges or overseeing complex, multi-year initiatives, Joe is the expert who makes sure everything connects and delivers.
Brighid Marsden
Educational Content Development and Delivery
Terrific Choice in Husband
Brighid is on a mission to make cyber security training less of a chore and more of a conversation. With a background in nursing and teaching, she knows how to connect with people and deliver training that’s engaging, practical, and straight to the point. From password security to spotting phishing scams, Brighid makes sure your team understands the basics without all the jargon. She’s all about making cyber awareness easy to digest and, most importantly, keeping it relevant to your everyday work.
Our Partners
Helping us do our thing.
