Baidam achieves Social Traders certification for impact

Baidam, an Indigenous cybersecurity firm in Australia, has achieved certification from Social Traders, an organisation dedicated to promoting ethical and sustainable business practices.

The Social Traders certification provides a standard for Australian organisations, ensuring authenticity and preventing "social washing". This certification process is a significant milestone for Baidam, which has been vocal about its commitment to ethical business practices and social responsibility.

Jack Reis, Co-founder of Baidam, commented, "Gaining Social Traders certification gives us the opportunity to highlight that what Baidam is doing is what good looks like. It validates what we've been doing since our inception – actually giving back and creating real opportunities for change rather than paying lip service to the notion as a business growth strategy. We are committed to following through on what we promise and believe it's important that others do as well."

Baidam has pledged to return over 50% of its profits to "bridging the gap", an initiative to support Indigenous communities. Over the past two financial years, the company has experienced a 310% growth year-on-year, resulting in a substantial increase in the funds dedicated to these initiatives.

The company has also implemented educational support by establishing scholarships for Indigenous STEM students in several universities, including the University of Queensland, Australian National University, and Edith Cowan University. This move is part of Baidam's broader strategy to foster the next generation of Indigenous professionals in the technology sector.

Additionally, Baidam has contributed over AUD $110,000 for community support through its fundraising golf events. The proceeds benefit organisations such as the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service Queensland and Deadly Choices.

Jack Reis highlighted the company's vision and outreach: "Our goal is not only to fund change, but to inspire it. For example, last year Baidam worked with Deadly Choices to fly ten children from the Torres Straits (a two-stage journey) to Brisbane, where they toured our unique First Nations' co-designed SOC (Security Operations Centre). This event was designed to inspire these youngsters to consider a future in technology – and we've been told that they're still talking about the visit!"

Baidam, established in 2018 by Jack Reis and Phillip Jenkinson, aimed to have a significant impact on the ICT security sector, particularly in improving Indigenous representation in Australia's technology landscape.

The company's clientele includes notable national corporations and a range of governmental bodies at local, state, and federal levels. Baidam provides a comprehensive suite of services, from cybersecurity advisory and consultancy to managed services delivered through its Security Operations Centre.

Baidam's dedication to ethical business practices has also been recognised through numerous awards, including the Cyber Security Awards: Indigenous Cyber Security Business of the Year, and the Ethical Business Awards: Indigenous Business of the Year, both in 2024.