With nearly 20 years of experience in Cyber Security and a Master’s degree in Security from RMIT University, Hardik brings deep expertise in protecting complex digital environments. His career has spanned major IT vendors and financial institutions, where he has upskilled and overseen areas such as security, network security, security operations and vulnerability management.
Hardik joined Transurban to take on a meaningful challenge - safeguarding critical infrastructure like roads and tunnels from sophisticated cyber threats. Drawn by the reputation of Transurban’s cyber team and the opportunity to contribute to a purpose-driven organisation, he’s passionate about translating technical insights into business value and strengthening customer and community trust through proactive risk management.
Tell me about your background, your role at Transurban, and what drew you to join the team?
I bring nearly two decades of experience in Cyber Security, following the completion of my Master’s degree in Security from RMIT University. My career began at a major IT vendor, where I learnt the fundamentals of IT security and professional communication. Following my time there, I joined a well-known financial institution, where I spent several years overseeing key areas including information security, network security, security operations, and vulnerability management.
The opportunity to join Transurban presented a unique and exciting challenge, leveraging my expertise to safeguard critical infrastructure such as roads and tunnels against sophisticated cyber threats. I was introduced to the cyber team at Transurban through professional connections and was impressed by the team’s reputation for excellence. It has proven to be an outstanding environment for advancing both my technical capabilities and leadership development.
What does your role as a Cyber Threat and Vulnerability Specialist involve, and how does it contribute to keeping Transurban secure?
As a Cyber Threat and Vulnerability Specialist, my role involves staying ahead of emerging cyber threats, proactively identifying security gaps before they can be exploited, and communicating findings to relevant technology stakeholders to ensure timely remediation. I also play a key role in maintaining Transurban’s compliance with regulatory requirements and safeguarding customer information through robust security practices.
Can you tell us about a project that’s been particularly exciting or challenging and what made it stand out?
One of the key challenges in Cyber Security is effectively communicating technical complexities to business executives in a way that clearly conveys the associated business risks. As part of a recent initiative, I contributed to the development of a risk-based vulnerability dashboard designed to present threat insights in a format that is both accessible and actionable for senior stakeholders.
This dashboard has facilitated meaningful dialogue at the executive level, helping to prioritise remediation efforts based on risk impact. By aligning technical findings with business objectives, the project has significantly enhanced decision-making and contributed to a more focused and strategic approach to risk reduction.
What do you find most rewarding about your work and how does Transurban support you in making an impact?
Each timely risk remediation not only strengthens business partnerships and enhances customer trust but also contributes to delivering broader value to the community. Personally, playing a role in reducing cyber risk provides a strong sense of purpose and professional satisfaction.
In addition, Transurban’s commitment to work-life balance, flexibility, and human-centric values fosters a dynamic and engaging work environment, making the experience both rewarding and sustainable.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of Transurban and the role of cybersecurity in shaping it?
What excites me most about Transurban’s future is its ability to meaningfully connect communities, enhance road safety, and establish itself as a trusted and relatable brand. Achieving these outcomes while maintaining robust protection of customer information against cyber threats reflects the organisation’s commitment to both innovation and security.
