Bastien Treptel
Former hacker Bastien Treptel delivers thrilling insights on cybersecurity, social engineering, and protecting your digital future.
Why book Bastien Treptel for your next event
- Learn how hackers think and how to protect your business from real-world cyber threats.
- Hear Bastien’s extraordinary journey from teenage hacker to cybersecurity entrepreneur.
- Get practical tools to strengthen your defences against social engineering and identity breaches.
Non-binding request for Bastien Treptel
Ex-hacker turned cybersecurity leader helping organisations outsmart cybercriminals.
Bastien Treptel is a former black-hat hacker who transformed his past into a mission to make the digital world safer. At just 16, he hacked into one of Australia’s biggest banks, a mistake that changed his life forever. Today, he’s one of the country’s leading voices in cybersecurity, known for his energetic, insightful keynotes. As founder of CTRL:Cyber, later valued at over $100 million, and creator of Ironclad ID, Bastien brings rare insider knowledge about how hackers operate. His presentations blend real-world cases, humor, and actionable advice, making complex cybersecurity issues understandable and urgent for every audience.
From Hacker to Cybersecurity Leader
Bastien Treptel’s story begins at just 14, when he was given his first computer, a gift that sparked an intense fascination with the digital world. By the age of 16, curiosity had turned into skill, and skill into trouble. Bastien successfully infiltrated one of Australia’s largest banks, gaining access to credit card systems. His hacking adventure, fueled by teenage curiosity and a love of pizza, led the police right to his door. That moment marked a turning point: rather than continuing down a dangerous path, Bastien decided to use his talent for good.
Years later, he founded CTRL:Cyber, a company dedicated to protecting businesses from the same kind of cyber threats he once embodied. CTRL:Cyber grew rapidly, becoming a $100 million enterprise before its acquisition in 2021. Bastien’s journey from cybercriminal to trusted advisor has made him one of Australia’s most compelling and credible voices in cybersecurity.
A Mission to End Social Engineering
Through his new venture, Ironclad ID, Bastien is tackling one of the fastest-growing forms of cybercrime, social engineering. Unlike traditional hacking, social engineering exploits human psychology rather than technology. Bastien’s mission is to eliminate identity-based breaches across Australian organisations, helping leaders understand that security starts with awareness. His talks reveal how easily trust can be manipulated and what organisations can do to build stronger human firewalls.
Keynote Experience: Fast, Real, and Impactful
Bastien’s keynotes are unlike any cybersecurity presentation you’ve seen. He brings energy, authenticity, and storytelling that captivate both tech-savvy audiences and business leaders. Each session is packed with gripping real-world cases, live examples of hacker techniques, and immediately applicable lessons. Attendees walk away not only more informed but also empowered to take concrete steps toward digital safety.
Topics often include:
How hackers think and how to think like one to defend your business
The psychology behind social engineering and phishing attacks
Building a culture of cybersecurity awareness in your organisation
The future of cybercrime in an AI-driven world
Beyond the Stage: Entrepreneur, Podcaster, and Innovator
Bastien’s influence extends far beyond the keynote stage. As host of the CyberHacker podcast, which has attracted over 100,000 subscribers, he continues to share his insights with a global audience. His engaging style and deep technical knowledge make complex cybersecurity topics accessible and entertaining. In addition to his professional pursuits, Bastien races in the Australian Drivers Championship and mentors startups working toward safer digital ecosystems.
Why Book Bastien Treptel for Your Event
Audiences don’t just listen to Bastien, they experience his story. From hacking banks as a teenager to building multimillion-dollar cybersecurity ventures, his life is proof that understanding how hackers think is key to stopping them. He combines the credibility of lived experience with the strategic mindset of a modern business leader.
Booking Bastien means bringing one of the most dynamic cybersecurity experts in Australia to your event, someone who can make even the most complex cyber threats relatable and actionable. Whether you’re hosting a corporate conference, leadership retreat, or industry summit, Bastien delivers a keynote that entertains, educates, and empowers.
Keynotes
Keynote by Bastien Treptel:
Cyber Security Dangers
In this eye-opening keynote, Bastien fearlessly exposes the dark underbelly of hacking and illustrates just how vulnerable our lives and businesses are in the digital realm. With a knack for making complex concepts accessible, Bastien unveils the alarming ease with which hackers can infiltrate our lives and devastate our businesses. Drawing on tangible real-life examples, he sheds light on the cunning strategies employed by these invisible intruders.
Imagine a hacker lurking beneath your bed, armed with a litre of petrol, a knife, or worse, the key to your safe. Bastien draws striking parallels between these physical threats and the intangible world of hacking, leaving you equipped with the tools to fortify your defences and protect what matters most.
What the audience will learn:
- The hidden dangers of the digital world and how hackers can easily infiltrate our lives and businesses.
- Real-life examples of hacking incidents to demonstrate the actual threats we face.
- The strategies and techniques hackers use to exploit vulnerabilities in digital systems.
- How digital threats can be as devastating as physical security breaches, with striking comparisons to real-world risks.
What the audience will take away:
- A deeper understanding of the current state of cybersecurity and the ease with which hackers can strike.
- Actionable insights on how to protect personal and business data from digital intruders.
- Practical tools and strategies to enhance digital defences and minimise vulnerabilities.
- A heightened awareness of the invisible threats that exist in the digital realm, motivating proactive steps for security
Keynote by Bastien Treptel:
Cyber and Politics
Amidst the rise of fake news, media manipulation, and deep fakes, our democratic processes hang in the balance. Bastien delves into the intricate relationship between technology, politics, and the fragility of our collective decision-making. Through thought-provoking examples and captivating demonstrations, he navigates the treacherous waters of this digital landscape.
Will technology be our saviour or our downfall? Bastien confronts this question head-on, instilling a renewed sense of hope by highlighting the positive potential that lies within our grasp. Brace yourself for an immersive experience that challenges your beliefs, ignites conversation, and leaves you pondering the power of technology in shaping our world.
What the audience will learn:
- The impact of fake news, media manipulation, and deep fakes on democratic processes and collective decisionmaking.
- The complex relationship between technology, politics, and the vulnerability of our societies in the digital age.
- Real-life examples of how technology is being used to influence public opinion and political outcomes.
- The potential risks and rewards of technology, and how it shapes the future of democracy.
What the audience will take away:
- A deeper understanding of the challenges posed by misinformation and its influence on democracy.
- A clearer perspective on the role of technology in both undermining and strengthening political processes.
- A renewed sense of hope about the positive potential of technology if used responsibly.
- Thought-provoking insights that spark conversation and inspire action to safeguard democratic integrity in the digital age.
Keynote by Bastien Treptel:
Successful Entrepreneur
Unlock the secrets to entrepreneurial triumph as Bastien shares his remarkable journey from teenage hacker to successful business leader. Armed with an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact, Bastien guides you through the challenges and threats businesses face in the modern era.
From humble beginnings, including door-knocking for clients, Bastien weaves a tale of resilience, innovation, and adaptability. As he recounts his path to success, he exposes the lurking perils of pandemics, wars, and cybercrime, forces that relentlessly chip away at profits and undermine progress.
Learn how to navigate the harsh landscapes of today's business world and discover the true essence of entrepreneurial spirit. This keynote will leave you energised, armed with practical insights, and empowered to chart your own course to success.
What the audience will learn:
- The challenges modern businesses face, and how these threats impact profitability.
- How to adapt and navigate the complexities of today’s business world, drawing lessons from Bastien’s personal experiences.
- The essential role of security and cybersecurity in ensuring the success and sustainability of businesses in the digital era.
What the audience will take away:
- Practical insights on overcoming business challenges and turning adversity into success.
- A better understanding of how to protect businesses from modern threats, particularly cybercrime.
- A renewed sense of urgency to prioritize security as a core element of future business strategy and success.
Keynote by Bastien Treptel:
The AI Equation: Technology, Ethics, and the Future of Humanity
This presentation delves into the exciting opportunities and critical challenges presented by the rapid advancement of AI. It covers emerging technologies, potential societal impacts, and the need for proactive strategies to navigate the evolving landscape, focusing on both innovation and ethical considerations.
What the audience will learn:
- The latest advancements in AI technologies, including machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing.
- The societal impacts of AI, such as changes to the economy, employment, and daily life.
- Ethical challenges related to AI, including bias, fairness, privacy, and accountability.
- Proactive strategies for navigating the AI landscape, such as regulation, human-centered AI design, and crosssector collaboration.
What the audience will take away:
- A clear understanding of both the opportunities and challenges of AI advancement.
- Insights on how to approach AI development responsibly, ensuring benefits while addressing ethical
concerns. - Practical ideas for creating regulatory frameworks, fostering collaboration, and adapting to changes in the job market.
- Knowledge to engage thoughtfully in discussions about AI’s role in shaping an equitable and sustainable future.
Keynote by Bastien Treptel:
Hacking with AI: An Entertaining Look at New Attack Vectors and Solutions
This engaging keynote, "Hacking with AI," delivered a captivating exploration of the rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity in the age of artificial intelligence. Far from a dry technical lecture, the presentation offered an entertaining and accessible journey into the world of AI-driven cyber threats and defenses.
What the audience will learn:
- The evolving landscape of cybersecurity in the age of artificial intelligence.
- How AI is both enhancing cyber threats and enabling more effective defences.
- The latest trends in AI-driven cyberattacks and how they impact organizations.
- The role of AI in shaping modern cybersecurity strategies and techniques.
What the audience will take away:
- A clear understanding of the relationship between AI and cybersecurity, including both risks and opportunities.
- Insights into how AI is used by cybercriminals and how organizations can defend against these threats.
- Practical knowledge of how to leverage AI in creating stronger cybersecurity defences.
- An engaging perspective on the future of cybersecurity in a world increasingly influenced by AI.
Bastien Speakers Reel
Watch Bastien Treptel in action!
