Home Property Australia Navigating the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape

Navigating the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape

  • June 21, 2023
  • by Sponsored
Stuart Harrison, nbn General Manager Cyber Defence

In today’s interconnected world, digital security has become a paramount concern and nbn, the driving force behind lifting the digital capability of Australia, knows this more than most.

Australia’s nbn network provides digital connectivity to more than 12 million premises nationwide, with 8.3 million of those active.

In 2009, the Australian Government established NBN Co with a distinct purpose: to construct, develop, and manage a nationwide wholesale broadband access network for Australia.

Since this time, the importance of cybersecurity has only risen.

The Annual Cyber Threat Report 2021-22 by the Australian Cyber Security Centre serves as an exemplification of this dynamic. It reveals a substantial surge in ransomware cybercrime incidents, with a notable increase of 75 per cent within a span of a year.

Over the course of 12 months, the ACSC received close to 76,000 cybercrime reports, one every seven minutes. The centre Notified 148 entities of ransomware activity on their networks.

Australian companies encounter a multitude of cyber security challenges, encompassing both conventional and emerging threats.

Anticipating the occurrence of the next data breach or the precise timing of an impending threat often proves to be a complex task.

To counteract this growing trend, nbn has adopted a ‘all hazards, or converged’ security model which prioritises and aligns personnel, physical and cyber security to not only ensure fast and reliable connectivity, but one that aims to create a safe and secure environment too.

“Our organisation is likely one of the early adopters, dare I say pioneers, of the converged security model,” Stuart Harrison, nbn General Manager Cyber Defence, said.

“This model, in its most simplistic form, is about taking a holistic view of security.”

nbn’s security model is based on a comprehensive understanding of security as a whole, Mr Harrison said, and follows the “three lines of defence” principle to fortify its security measures.

Line one comprises the operations team responsible for implementing and maintaining the security ecosystem, ensuring the availability and effectiveness of tools, processes and controls is maintained.

Line two acts as an independent assessor and business partner of line one, identifying any potential gaps, points of improvement or vulnerabilities then working with line to continually improve our effectiveness.

Lastly, line three provides independent assurance of lines one and two ensuring appropriate governance, alignment and accountability is maintained.

During interactions with property developers, nbn aims to focus not just on current connectivity solutions but also on future-ready technology to help ensure it’d ready to meet the digital demands of tomorrow.

In addition, Mr. Harrison emphasised the importance of also providing long-lasting digital security capabilities too.

As nbn extends its connectivity services to new developments and by proxy becomes increasingly important to a multitude of dependant community services such as e.g. electronic signage and public Wi-Fi etc., nbn’s supply chain continues to play a vital role.

Similar to any property company, nbn faces the challenges associated with managing an extensive and complex supply chain. Mr. Harrison highlighted the crucial role the supply chain plays in ensuring the security of nbn is maintained end the ongoing focus the organisation places on working collaboratively with its partners to ensure this happens.  

“Want more insights into current cyber threats and security advice for your development or construction business? Click this link for your free ticket to the ‘2023 ACIF Construction Industry Cyber Security National Webinar hosted by nbn and the Australian Construction Industry Forum.”