The Instillery

15/12/2025

Our Christmas party at Stonyridge Vineyard, Waiheke Island, last week was a fantastic way to close out the year. 2025 was massive. We grew, took on bigger challenges, and honestly learned a lot about what we're capable of when we back each other.

Looking at this photo, we're really grateful for a team that shows up, does the mahi, and makes it look easier than it is.

We've got plans for 2026, but right now we're just taking a moment to appreciate how far we've come this year.

Thanks for being part of it.

We hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us at The Instillery.

30/06/2025

Building Auckland's smartest tech community, one conversation at a time. Brews & Bants brings together curious professionals to learn something genuinely fascinating - this quarter: exposing dark web credential theft. RSVP below to join us: https://hubs.la/Q03t_lwf0

31/05/2025

When "secure" isn't secure enough! Last week's MFA bypass demo event hit different. Seeing how easily attackers can get around multi-factor authentication was genuinely alarming.

The phishing email competition afterwards also showed just how sophisticated these attacks have become since AI went mainstream. Some of those emails were scarily convincing.

Great turnout, and everyone seemed to get real value from it. These hands-on sessions beat theory every time.

Massive thanks to our friends at Phriendly Phishing for co-hosting and to everyone who attended!

Are your people your strongest firewall or your biggest vulnerability?

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22/04/2025

Security automation promised to fix everything but left many with maintenance headaches instead. StrikeReady CTO Alex Lanstein strips away the SOAR hype in this raw TopShelfTech conversation.

Jeremy Nees admits: "Three years ago, I was told I wouldn't get the benefits from automation that I thought I'd get. Looking back, that was 100 percent on the money."

See why flipping from alert-focused to asset-focused changes the game, how "Strikes" prove whether your security tools actually work, and why keeping AI local beats sending your data to public language models.

This conversation gives security teams a way out of alert hell into something that actually works. Watch the full episode and see what you've been missing.

Explore how security operations are evolving with StrikeReady CTO Alex Lanstein and Jeremy Nees discussing SOAR limitations, threat intelligence triage, and AI's role in modern SOCs.

23/03/2025

Ever tested if your security tools actually catch threats when they matter? StrikeReady's Strikes expose vendor promises by testing real threats in YOUR environment. Unlike red teams or standard emulations, Strikes use your exact EDR setup with your specific configurations.

Alex Lanstein shows how Strikes launch VMs with your actual security tools, run real malware samples, and reveal exactly how your defenses respond. Brutal truth about your protection, not wishful thinking.

Watch why smart security teams verify their tools actually work instead of crossing their fingers. Because when attacks hit, promises won't protect you.

Catch the full TopShelfTech episode with Alex here: https://hubs.la/Q03cYT1B0

21/01/2025

In case you missed the news last week!

We're teaming up with Wiz to revolutionise cloud security in the APAC region! With Wiz's cutting-edge Cloud-Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) and our expertise in cloud-native capabilities, we're set to make cloud security simpler and faster.

Wiz and The Instillery partner to enhance cloud security in APAC with Wiz’s Cloud-Native Application Protection Platform, simplifying and accelerating secure cloud adoption.

02/12/2024

Cybersecurity at a crossroads: Threats skyrocket, experts dwindle. Can AI be the ally we desperately need? Our latest blog cuts through the noise, revealing how machine learning and human insight forge an unbeatable defence. Discover how this powerful synergy is redefining security's front lines. Are you ready to transform your overwhelmed team into an unstoppable force?

Security Intelligence

Auckland - Future HouseL4, 24 Balfour Road, Parnell, 1052Hamilton - Level 3 SkyCity346 Victoria Street, 3204Wellington - Level 431 Warning Taylor Street, 6011

27/11/2024

Is your cybersecurity budget being sucked into a financial black hole? You're not alone in this cosmic conundrum. Challenge the gravitational pull of endless tool acquisition and reveal how a unified Security Command Centre can stabilise your cybersecurity orbit. Discover how to escape this financial singularity in our latest blog.

Security Intelligence

Auckland - Future HouseL4, 24 Balfour Road, Parnell, 1052Hamilton - Level 3 SkyCity346 Victoria Street, 3204Wellington - Level 431 Warning Taylor Street, 6011

24/11/2024

👀 $127M raised. $750M valuation. Zero warning. Meet Eon.io - the stealth startup shaking up cloud backup, brought to you by the minds behind CloudEndure

Watch Jeremy Nees's short clip on why this launch matters and watch this full video (or read the blog recap) here: https://hubs.la/Q02Z8XV60

18/11/2024

While you rest, cybercriminals are hard at work, probing your defences. But what if your security never slept? Our latest blog explores real-time threat intelligence – your AI-powered digital guardian. Learn how this approach transforms reactive defence into proactive protection, cutting response times dramatically. Ready to outpace cyber threats? Discover how to safeguard your digital assets around the clock.

Security Intelligence

Auckland - Future HouseL4, 24 Balfour Road, Parnell, 1052Hamilton - Level 3 SkyCity346 Victoria Street, 3204Wellington - Level 431 Warning Taylor Street, 6011

05/11/2024

Our vCISO Sam Leggett recently shared 12 important security practices during . From basic hygiene to advanced threat prevention, these tips are essential for any business leader.

🎯 Missed them? Catch the full breakdown on our YouTube Podcast: https://hubs.la/Q02X1BBC0

🔥 UPCOMING: Join Sam live next Thursday for an interactive webinar on social engineering defence. Learn practical strategies to protect your team from increasingly sophisticated phishing attacks: https://hubs.la/Q02X1zSL0

04/11/2024

Low-code platforms: innovation enabler or IT headache? Our latest blog cuts through the hype, offering a balanced view of citizen developers. Learn how to foster innovation while maintaining IT integrity. Don't let the low-code trend blindside you – get the insights to align this approach with your IT strategy.

Demystifying Citizen Development: Explore the rise of citizen developers and low-code platforms, challenges, best practices, and the future landscape of software development.