How do you protect a global research institution while embracing bleeding-edge tech like supercomputers, AI and even Bitcoin?

Dan Maslin, Group CISO at Monash University, returns to Future Secured to unpack what’s changed in cybersecurity across higher education and why universities are fast becoming some of the most complex security environments in the country.

In this episode, Dan explains how Monash is balancing rapid AI innovation with long-term resilience, shares insights into Australia’s tax and policy treatment of digital assets like Bitcoin, and explains why cyber leaders need to look beyond just tech to the psychology of trust, communication and leadership.

From ETF legitimacy for crypto to AI supercomputing in research, this is an unmissable conversation for CISOs, academics and cyber leaders navigating the next wave of change.

🔑 Takeaways

• Monash is building a genuine AI supercomputer, designed to fuel academic innovation and enterprise-grade performance.
• Digital assets like Bitcoin are gaining policy legitimacy, but there’s still confusion at the board and regulatory level.
• Cyber teams must adapt to rapid AI deployment, especially in research and marketing functions.
• Education on digital currency and AI is lagging, even within the university system.
• Wellbeing and mental health remain core leadership challenges, especially in high-trust, high-stakes environments.
• Australian cyber leaders need stronger global partnerships, and a more proactive policy stance on emerging technologies.

🧠 Soundbites

“We’re building a genuine AI supercomputer.”
“There’s still confusion about the legitimacy of digital assets like Bitcoin.”
“You can’t separate cybersecurity from wellbeing anymore.”
“Universities are now playing a real role in national cyber resilience.”
“We need clarity, not just curiosity, on AI governance.”

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – Welcome back, Dan Maslin
02:51 – What’s changed at Monash in the last 12 months
06:30 – How AI is reshaping cybersecurity
10:57 – Bitcoin, ETFs and digital asset legitimacy
20:04 – Will traditional finance and crypto coexist?
23:47 – The impact of AI on cyber job security
26:40 – Real-world use cases for AI in research and advertising
28:59 – What Australia needs to stay competitive
36:05 – Why mental health is now a boardroom issue
50:53 – Leadership, delegation and the need for self-reflection