ANZ, in partnership with Griffith University and Google Cloud, will return with its second Cybercrime Hackathon in Brisbane on 19 and 20 October, bringing together students, academics and industry leaders to tackle cybercrime and scam scenarios reflecting the threats facing Australians today.
Across two days, participants will work as part of a simulated financial crime task force, investigating suspicious financial and digital activity, analysing cyber and fraud intelligence, and developing solutions to strengthen cyber resilience. Students will be supported by mentors from ANZ, Griffith University, Google Cloud and Queensland Police Service.
The Hackathon winners will be eligible for internship opportunities with ANZ, providing participants with valuable industry experience and a direct pathway for young Queenslanders into the technology workforce.
ANZ Managing Director Queensland, Bruce Rush, said the Hackathon reinforces ANZ’s commitment to investing in Queensland talent, creating career pathways and helping build the capability needed to tackle cybercrime and financial crime.
“Queensland is home to world-class universities and a growing technology sector. By bringing together students, academics and industry experts, we’re helping create pathways into the workforce while showcasing the incredible talent and innovation emerging across the sunshine state.
“Following the success of last year’s inaugural ANZ Hackathon, we’re proud to once again bring this event to Queensland. By partnering with Griffith University and Google Cloud, we’re investing in local talent, strengthening cyber capability and helping unlock the state’s potential as a centre for innovation and future workforce development.”
Griffith University student and 2025 ANZ Cybercrime Hackathon winner, Radhika Agarwal, said:
“I signed up for the ANZ Hackathon as a first-year university student looking to challenge myself, gain hands-on experience and learn something new. Working alongside industry experts on a realistic cybercrime investigation gave me a completely new perspective on cyber security and showed me how the skills we learn at university are applied to solving complex problems impacting millions of people around the world.
“Winning the Hackathon and completing an internship at ANZ gave me the opportunity to build real-world experience, learn from experienced professionals, develop confidence in my skills and better understand the wide range of career opportunities available in cyber security.
“My biggest piece of advice for students considering the Hackathon is not to be intimidated if you’re still learning. You don’t need to have all the answers before putting yourself forward for opportunities like this – some of the most valuable learning comes from simply participating.”
Cybercrime and scams continue to have a significant impact across Australia, with the Australian Signals Directorate’s Annual Cyber Threat Report 2024-25 revealing:
More than 84,700 cybercrime reports were submitted nationallyOne new cybercrime report was made every six minutesQueensland accounted for 28 per cent of all cybercrime reports nationally, the highest share of any state or territory and a disproportionately high reporting rate relative to its population
The Hackathon builds on ANZ’s strategic partnerships with Queensland universities, supporting research, training and workforce development while connecting students with industry mentors and real-world challenges, underpinned by ANZ’s commitment to Queensland.
Griffith University’s strengths in digital innovation, fraud prevention and cyber security are central to ANZ’s work in protecting customers and communities from scams and financial crime.
Griffith University Vice President – Industry and External Engagement, Professor Bronwyn Harch said the Hackathon provides students with an invaluable opportunity to apply their knowledge in a realistic, high-pressure environment and learn directly from industry experts.
“Experiences like this build confidence, strengthen employability and help prepare graduates to make an immediate contribution to Queensland’s skilled workforce.”
For more information, visit: www.griffith.edu.au
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ANZ Cybercrime Hackathon returns to build Queensland’s next generation of cyber talent
2026-10-19
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