Department of Health to Consolidate Security Operations Framework

Brief Overview

• The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing is consolidating its cyber security efforts.
• A sole provider will oversee the complete cyber security process, improving threat identification and reaction.
• Health employs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) framework to steer this project.
• The department is pursuing essential capabilities such as SOC, SOAR, incident management, and recovery.
• Current tools under management include Tenable, Splunk, and Microsoft Defender.
• Security use cases will utilize MITRE ATT&CK and MaGMa frameworks.
• David Lang from Services Australia has been appointed as the department’s new cyber security leader.

Insight into Health’s Cyber Security Approach

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing is making notable progress in strengthening its cyber security infrastructure by consolidating its operations under one provider. This initiative is part of a broad enhancement program designed to improve the department’s capability to efficiently identify and address cyber threats.

Consolidating Cyber Security Efforts

No longer relying on a best-of-breed strategy, the department aims to simplify its cyber security operations through consolidation. This centralization encompasses frontline threat detection, orchestration, and swift response, all functioning within a unified framework.

Framework and Desired Capabilities

Following the guidance of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) framework, the department aims to establish a security operations center (SOC), security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR), while enhancing its incident reaction and recovery protocols. This initiative will take advantage of existing tools such as Tenable for managing vulnerabilities, Splunk for security information and event management (SIEM), and Microsoft Defender.

Improving Threat Perception

To further enhance threat awareness, the department intends to integrate security use cases based on MITRE ATT&CK and MaGMa frameworks. These use cases will be augmented by cyber intelligence sharing feeds, bolstering the department’s ability to proactively recognize and neutralize threats.

Leadership and Future Path

David Lang, recently brought in from Services Australia, will lead the cyber security enhancement initiative. His leadership will be crucial in realizing the department’s aspiration for a stronger and more cohesive cyber security stance.

Conclusion

The Department of Health is implementing decisive measures to integrate its cyber security operations, aiming to establish a more cohesive and effective system to combat potential threats. This strategic realignment is backed by the NIST framework and includes the implementation of advanced SOC, SOAR, and incident management capabilities. Under David Lang’s leadership, this transition is anticipated to be executed effectively, securing the department against developing cyber threats.

Q: What is the reason for the Department of Health unifying its cyber security operations?

A: The goal of the unification is to improve efficiency, optimize processes, and enhance detection and response capabilities within a comprehensive cyber security strategy.

Q: Which frameworks are guiding this effort?

A: The primary framework is the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), supplemented with insights from MITRE ATT&CK and MaGMa frameworks.

Q: What tools will the chosen provider oversee?

A: The provider will manage tools such as Tenable for vulnerability oversight, Splunk for SIEM, and Microsoft Defender.

Q: How does the department plan to enhance its threat awareness?

A: By incorporating security use cases guided by MITRE ATT&CK and MaGMa frameworks and utilizing cyber intelligence sharing feeds.

Q: Who is heading the cyber security enhancement initiative?

A: David Lang, who has recently joined from Services Australia, will lead the initiative.

Q: What result is expected from this unification?

A: The anticipated result is a more resilient, streamlined, and effective cyber security framework to protect the department’s digital resources.

• Category: Australia Tech News