October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, and we’ll be profiling some of the industry’s superstars to help bring attention to this very important sector. Canberra’s home to some some of the most innovative leaders in cyber the world over — get to know them here!

This week we spoke to Phillip Vu , Director of Blue Eagle Technologies. Learn about what they do, what they’re proud of and why Canberra is the best place for them (and you!) to do business.

Tell us about your company. When and why was it founded?

Founded in 2009, Blue Eagle Technologies provides IT consulting services in the ACT and NSW. With over 15 years’ experience in application development and application securities, we’ve successfully delivered IT projects for big clients in both public and private sectors, including Services Australia, the Department of Defence, the Department of Industry, the Department of Health, IP Australia and Telstra.

What products and services do you provide?

After many years working in the application security space, we realised that there are so many pain points in the way we do application security. It takes too long to fix a vulnerability in the code! According to the latest study from IBM, on average it takes 280 days to fix a vulnerability in production once a vulnerability is discovered. Cyber criminals will not wait for 280 days, and that’s why we’re here to help.

Our patent technologies help businesses and organisations secure their software solutions by fast-tracking the application security process to less than a week, unlike the standard application security process which usually takes at least 6 months to a year.

Tell us about the skillset and dynamic of the team.

I founded Blue Eagle Technologies in 2009, and have over 15 years of experience in application development and cyber security (particularly in application security (AppSec), DevSecOps and network security). Minsi Hong joined my team at Blue Eagle in 2020, and she has experience in management and education. Being a very rare out-of-the-box thinker, she’s a pioneer in innovation behind our startup projects.

What advice do you have for startups and businesses around cyber security?

Being a startup ourselves, we still have a lot to learn. IMHO, there are a few key lessons which we’ve learned so far:
1. Protect your IPs if you have them
2. Don’t run out of money; this is a marathon, not a sprint
3. Love what you do and persevere
4. You will make mistakes! Listen to constructive feedback and act quickly to correct those mistakes

What are you most proud of so far?

We help our clients to secure software applications in such a short time, unlike the standard application security process which leaves the applications exposed to cyber criminals for months. We’ve been on this path for many years, and we will keep walking on this path for many years to come.

What quote or philosophy do you stand by?

“The fastest way to achieve success is to first help others succeed”.

Why do you think Canberra is a great place to do business?

The first reason is a bit personal; let me say a few words about my background. Before moving to Canberra in 2009, I lived in many places, such as Perth, Sydney, Melbourne and Wollongong. But then I found Canberra, and it really is the best place for me and my family. People here are so nice and friendly; we care for each other and help each other.

Another reason is Canberra is a perfect place to start a business in cyber security. I feel like people from other states might have wrong impressions about us, like we could be a laid-back city, a regional town with a small population, and therefore a small market. But after living here for many years, I realise there are so many talented, hardworking people in the ACT. Also, with all government agencies based here, the demand for IT and cyber security in Canberra is huge, which is very good for the cyber security sector.

If you’ve attended any Canberra Innovation Network events or participated in our programs, how have they helped you along the way?

CBRIN is good, especially for startups at the seed level, because most of us don’t have experience in sales and marketing.

What does the general public not understand about cyber that just leaves you flabbergasted?

Having worked in cyber security for many years, I am not surprised with the level of cyber security awareness of the general public. Others might complain about this, but for us it might be a good opportunity for startups who have inventive solutions to the problem.

Thanks, Phillip! We love your take on life in the capital, and wish you all the success in the world keeping your clients safe in record time!