Professor Sean B. Maynard

Professor Sean Maynard is a distinguished cybersecurity academic in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology at the University of Melbourne, where he specialises in cybersecurity governance, information systems, and strategic security management. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical implementation, addressing critical challenges in organisational cyber resilience and board-level security governance.

 

In his administrative capacity as Associate Dean, Academic, Professor Maynard plays a pivotal role in shaping educational strategy and maintaining academic standards. His teaching philosophy emphasises critical thinking and practical application, demonstrated through innovative approaches to student engagement and assessment.

 

Professor Maynard's research investigates organisational responses to cyber incidents. His scholarly contributions advance understanding of how organisations detect, interpret, and respond to cybersecurity threats within complex operational environments. He brings unique cross-cultural expertise to his research, with comprehensive knowledge spanning Australian and Malaysian regulatory environments.

 

As an active contributor to academic discourse, Professor Maynard regularly conducts peer review for prestigious cybersecurity journals and international conferences. His reviews are noted for methodological rigour.

 

Professor Maynard's current initiatives include developing frameworks for board-level cybersecurity reporting, advancing understanding of director accountability in cyber risk management, and creating practical implementation guides for directors. He is particularly focused on translating complex technical concepts into strategic insights accessible to non-technical executives and board members.

 

Professor Maynard also is a director of Melbourne Security Associates, a boutique cybersecurity consulting practice positioned as a strategic advisory service in the Malaysian market. His consultancy provides PhD-level expertise to boards and executive teams, focusing on cybersecurity governance frameworks, risk management strategies, and the critical distinction between corporate governance and security governance. This practical experience enriches his academic work, ensuring theoretical insights are grounded in real-world application.

 

Professor Maynard's unique combination of academic rigour, practical experience, and cross-cultural expertise positions him as a thought leader in cybersecurity governance, contributing significantly to both scholarly advancement and industry practice.