APRA Searching for a New Chief Information Security Officer
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APRA Seeks New Chief Information Security Officer
Brief Overview:
- The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) is on the hunt for a new Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
- This recruitment comes after a $130 million commitment to enhancing cyber security, in collaboration with ASIC.
- The CISO will spearhead APRA’s initiatives in cyber security from both strategic and operational perspectives.
- This position requires exceptional leadership, teamwork with essential stakeholders, and extensive experience in security governance.
- Important stakeholders encompass the Australian Cyber Security Centre, the Department of Home Affairs, ASIC, and the Reserve Bank of Australia.
- The incoming CISO will oversee threat monitoring and responses via APRA’s security operations centre.
APRA’s Tactical Move in Cyber Security
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) is actively searching for a new Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to strengthen its cyber security framework. This initiative forms part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance security across the agency, following a significant $130 million allocation for cyber security upgrades over the forthcoming four years. This funding, secured jointly with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), highlights the critical need for a robust cyber security infrastructure to protect Australia’s financial system.
Fulfilling a Vital Role in Cyber Security
The CISO position at APRA has been unfilled since May 2022, when the former Chief Security Officer (CSO) Mikhail Lopushanski departed to join Heritage Bank. Since that time, the role has not appeared in APRA’s organizational charts, indicating a transitional phase within the agency’s security leadership. The new CISO will be tasked with navigating this environment, collaborating closely with APRA’s Chief Information Officer (CIO) Rogier Roelofs and Chief Data Officer (CDO) Andy Robertson.
The CISO’s Duties
As outlined in the job announcement, the CISO will be responsible for overseeing APRA’s security efforts at both strategic and operational levels. Responsibilities encompass security governance, information security management, and personnel vetting processes. The CISO will also manage APRA’s security operations centre, which is responsible for the monitoring and handling of security threats and incidents. This role necessitates substantial leadership capabilities, especially in establishing connections and partnerships with critical stakeholders while fostering transformational change and building competencies within the team and beyond.
Engaging with Key Stakeholders
The CISO will not operate independently, but will engage with several essential stakeholders, including the Australian Cyber Security Centre, the Department of Home Affairs, ASIC, and the Reserve Bank of Australia. This collaboration is vital for ensuring a cohesive approach to cyber security throughout Australia’s financial regulatory ecosystem. The new CISO’s skill in effectively interacting with these stakeholders will be essential for advancing APRA’s cyber security priorities.
Conclusion
APRA’s pursuit of a new CISO underscores the growing significance of cyber security within Australia’s financial regulatory framework. With a $130 million commitment to security improvements and a strategic emphasis on partnerships with key stakeholders, the new CISO will be instrumental in safeguarding the integrity of Australia’s financial system. The ideal candidate will need to demonstrate strong leadership, strategic foresight, and the ability to navigate a complex regulatory landscape.
Q: Why is APRA hiring a new CISO?
A:
APRA is recruiting a new CISO to address a critical vacancy in its leadership and to advance its cyber security strategy after a $130 million investment in security improvements. This role is vital for sustaining and enhancing APRA’s security stance at both strategic and operational levels.
Q: What are the key responsibilities of the new CISO?
A:
The new CISO will oversee security governance, information security, personnel vetting, and the management of APRA’s security operations centre. They will also engage with key stakeholders, drive transformational changes, and develop necessary capabilities within the team.
Q: Who are the key stakeholders the CISO will collaborate with?
A:
The CISO will closely collaborate with the Australian Cyber Security Centre, the Department of Home Affairs, ASIC, and the Reserve Bank of Australia. Working with these entities is essential for a cohesive approach to cyber security in Australia’s financial regulatory landscape.
Q: How does this hiring decision align with APRA’s broader strategy?
A:
This hiring decision is part of APRA’s comprehensive strategy to strengthen its cyber security capabilities, especially following a substantial investment in this area. The CISO will play a pivotal role in executing this strategy and ensuring that APRA’s security protocols are robust and effective.