Western Sydney International airport to appoint CISO

Western Sydney International airport is looking to appoint a CISO as it readies to launch operations by 2026.

Western Sydney International Terminal (Credit: Western Sydney Airport)

The airport - known as Nancy-Bird Walton - currently has a cyber security program but is looking to shore up its technology footprint’s “resiliency” as it enters its testing and integration phase.

The CISO will report to chief technology officer Tom McCormack, who told iTnews: “The enabling technology infrastructure for our telecommunications, computer systems and data storage, cyber and integration systems is fully established, and we have commenced testing programs for key systems.

“Cyber-resilience will be tested, continuously, throughout all phases of technology preparation ahead of the airport’s opening and WSI’s new chief information security officer will perform an important role in that work to ensure we are well positioned to transition safely to airport operations in late 2026.”

McCormack added that WSI had made “substantial investments” in its ongoing cyber program.

According to a job advertisement, the CISO will be responsible for “advancing the enterprise cyber security program, safeguarding our technology infrastructure, and ensuring business continuity.

They will also be “responsible for assessing, managing, and reporting on technology, regulatory, and cybersecurity risks".

WSI is understood to open for domestic, international and air cargo operations in late 2026.

Ahead of opening, it is undertaking a period of operational testing across its IT and tech infrastructure, systems and processes.

The at-least 60 technology systems were built by DXC Technology with the intent of being able to effectively communicate with each other and with the systems of airlines, air cargo operators, retail tenants and government agencies.