Editor’s note: CompTIA is a content partner of WRAL TechWire.
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The chief technology evangelist for CompTIA, the nonprofit association for the information technology (IT) industry and workforce, recently delivered an engaging presentation emphasizing the importance of improving process maturity and avoiding “cowboy IT” in cybersecurity programs.
Dr. James Stanger spoke at an annual event hosted by the Australian Information Security Association (AISA), a leading organization in privacy, information, and cybersecurity.
“With the rapid influx of emerging and exponential technologies, it is crucial for leaders to foster and mature processes that enable the implementation of cutting-edge security analytics and bridge the gap between operational technology and information technology,” Stanger explained.
According to CompTIA’s State of Cybersecurity report, which incorporates data from Australia and New Zealand, half of the surveyed organizations have prioritized determining appropriate responses to cybersecurity incidents this year compared to the previous year. Additionally, 44% of organizations are placing greater emphasis on training and education for their teams.
In his presentation titled “Incident Response: Beyond the Playbook and Table Talk,” Stanger shared valuable insights gathered from conversations with technologists and industry leaders worldwide regarding today’s technological landscape.
Stanger discussed emerging and exponential cyber technologies that should be on everyone’s radar in 2024, how top organizations pave the way for successful cybersecurity practices, the relationship between force multipliers and exponential technologies, and effective approaches to the intersection of human and technological interaction.
In another talk at the same conference, Stanger addressed the critical issue of the divide between Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) in a presentation titled “Overcoming the IT/OT Disconnect: Stories from the Field.” As OT technology, including SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) systems, becomes increasingly intertwined with traditional and nontraditional IT technologies, the industry faces unprecedented cybersecurity challenges.
“As Australia strives to become one of the most cyber-secure nations by 2030, it is crucial for public and private organizations to invest in comprehensive training programs for the workforce and dedicate time and effort to prepare for potential attacks,” Stanger emphasized.
Since 2021, CompTIA, along with AustCyber, Accenture, Burning Glass Technologies, and CyberCX, has been monitoring the state of Australia’s local cybersecurity job market in real-time. They provide resources to bridge the talent gap in the sector. Employers and job seekers can access an interactive mapping tool that tracks jobs and job postings on the AUCyberExplorer website.