Author: Nicholas Webb

Logan Council Takes Action: New EV Chargers Added to Enhance Electric Fleet

In a pivotal move toward sustainable city development, Logan City Council has implemented a range of electric vehicle (EV) chargers to bolster its increasing fleet of electric vehicles. This action represents a significant achievement in the Council’s steadfast commitment to lowering carbon emissions and advocating for eco-conscious transportation solutions.

Quick Summary

• Logan City Council has introduced 5 Ocular IQ Commercial Tethered EV chargers to bolster its growing electric vehicle fleet.
• The Council operates on 100% green energy, enhanced by solar roofs on Council properties.
• The Ocular chargers offer intelligent charging functions with various modes like Fast, Solar Assist, and Solar Only.
• Notable features include live charging updates and mobile app management for user ease.
• This initiative supports Queensland’s extensive efforts toward sustainable transport and EV infrastructure.

Logan Council’s Pledge to Sustainability

Situated in the southern region of Brisbane, Queensland, Logan City Council has recently taken a bold step by deploying five Ocular IQ Commercial Tethered EV chargers. These devices will facilitate the charging of the Council’s expanding electric fleet, highlighting Logan’s commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation.

The Council is not only adopting electric vehicles but is also underpinning these efforts with 100% green power, further reinforced by rooftop solar installations on its facilities, thus enhancing sustainability and lessening dependence on fossil fuels.

Ocular IQ Chargers: An Innovative Charging Solution

The Ocular IQ Commercial Tethered chargers provide more than just standard charging capabilities for EVs. These sophisticated charging stations employ smart technology that enables users to optimise their charging patterns in line with available solar energy, making them particularly effective in Queensland’s bright climate.

The stations offer various charging modes, including Fast, Solar Assist, and Solar Only. This versatility allows users to either focus on a rapid charge or maximise solar utilisation, according to their requirements. Such flexibility makes the chargers suitable for both public and fleet uses.

Smart Features for an Improved User Experience

These Ocular chargers come equipped with advanced functionalities aimed at making the electric vehicle transition smoother for users. Live charging updates are displayed on a large LCD screen, and users can oversee and manage their charging sessions through a mobile application. This level of responsiveness and accessibility is designed to encourage a greater number of individuals to switch to electric vehicles.

Queensland’s Extensive EV Infrastructure Initiative

This action taken by Logan Council is part of a wider movement throughout Queensland, where local authorities are increasingly investing in EV infrastructure. As more councils and entities adopt electric vehicles, there is a rising demand for solid and dependable charging infrastructure. Logan City Council’s initiative is an advancement towards making sustainable transportation accessible for all, promoting a shift from fossil fuel-based vehicles to cleaner, electric options.

Collaboration and Professional Insights

The deployment of these chargers was the result of a collaborative effort, with Ocular crediting the expertise of Chris Lunney from the Cinc Group. His contributions were vital in guaranteeing that the project adhered to high standards of quality and efficiency. The chargers’ robust design, comprising a sturdy metallic frame and a sizeable LCD screen, renders them suitable for both public and fleet charging needs.

Capable of delivering 7kW to 22kW, these chargers can accommodate various charging requirements, whether it’s a quick boost or a complete charge. Logan Council opted for a tethered cable setup, allowing personnel to simply connect and charge. Upon completion of the charging session, the cable is secured into a stationary port on the charger stand, ensuring it isn’t left on the ground and thereby maintaining an orderly and safe charging setting.

Conclusion

Logan City Council’s launch of five Ocular IQ Commercial Tethered EV chargers unequivocally showcases their commitment to sustainable urban progress. By harnessing 100% green energy and cutting-edge charging technologies, the Council not only diminishes its carbon footprint but also paves the way for other local authorities in Queensland to emulate. This initiative represents a significant stride towards ensuring that sustainable transportation is attainable and encouraging the shift towards electric vehicles.

Q: What distinguishes the Ocular IQ Commercial Tethered charger?

A:

The Ocular IQ Commercial Tethered charger stands out due to its intelligent charging capabilities and various modes, including Fast, Solar Assist, and Solar Only. It also provides real-time charging updates via an LCD screen and app control, enhancing user convenience significantly.

Q: How does Logan Council energize these EV chargers?

A:

Logan Council powers these EV chargers using 100% renewable energy, supported by rooftop solar technology on Council buildings. This approach guarantees that the energy utilized for charging vehicles is sustainable and environmentally sound.

Q: What is the wider influence of this initiative in Queensland?

A:

This action is part of a larger trend in Queensland where local governments are progressively investing in EV infrastructure. By enhancing the accessibility of sustainable transportation, this initiative promotes a transition from fossil-fuel-reliant vehicles to cleaner electric options.

Q: What advantages does the tethered cable system used by Logan Council provide?

A:

The tethered cable system simplifies the charging experience. Staff can easily connect and charge without requiring additional tools. When charging is complete, the cable is securely housed in a static port on the charger stand, ensuring it’s not discarded on the ground, which improves safety and cleanliness.

Rapid Overview

• The Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) is on the lookout for a permanent Chief Information Officer (CIO).
• This newly created permanent position is an advancement of a temporary CIO role set up in March 2023.
• The CIO will spearhead a multidisciplinary team managing IT functions, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and more.
• The role will oversee the DTA’s Azure cloud platform and collaborate closely with the Chief Operating Officer to synchronize ICT projects with business aims.
• This initiative signifies the DTA’s transition from a focus on routine IT management to a more strategic IT framework.

DTA Moves Forward with Permanent CIO Position

The Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) has begun the process of hiring for a permanent Chief Information Officer (CIO). This step follows the establishment of a temporary CIO role in March 2023, indicating the agency’s desire to strengthen its IT leadership framework.

Main Duties of the CIO Position

The permanent CIO role is situated within the business services division of the DTA’s corporate sector. The position will govern the agency’s ICT activities, infrastructure, cyber security, property management, and records administration across all DTA offices in Canberra and Sydney. Furthermore, the CIO will aid remote workers, ensuring the agency’s internal IT resources are resilient, secure, and in harmony with strategic aims.

As per the DTA’s job listing, the CIO’s duties encompass providing guidance, vision, and direction to a compact, multidisciplinary team. The role will also involve managing the agency’s Azure cloud infrastructure and working alongside Chief Operating Officer (COO) Tom Gilmartin to establish ICT needs for new technology rollouts. The CIO will play a crucial role in formulating strategic initiatives that resonate with the DTA’s business objectives.

Growth of the CIO Position

The CIO position at the DTA was first introduced in March 2023 as a temporary role. Over the past six months, it has undergone significant changes. Initially concentrated on daily IT tasks, the role has transitioned towards a more strategic emphasis, leading to the decision to create a permanent CIO position.

Records on LinkedIn suggest that Andy Tripathi, who previously worked as the Deputy CIO for the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate in the ACT government, has been occupying the temporary CIO role at the DTA since its establishment. His experience likely offered essential insights that have influenced the current, more strategic direction for the position.

Strategic Importance of the CIO Role

The DTA’s choice to implement a permanent CIO role is a significant step aligned with its broader mission to propel digital transformation across the Australian government. With the current CEO Chris Fechner—who has substantial experience as a Chief Customer and Digital Officer and CIO—leading the agency, the significance of effective, strategic IT leadership is paramount.

This decision also indicates an increasing awareness within the Australian public sector that digital leadership positions are vital for achieving long-term organizational goals. The DTA’s focus on establishing a permanent CIO role clearly signifies the agency’s dedication to digital excellence and cybersecurity, which are of growing importance in today’s swiftly changing technological environment.

Conclusion

The Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) in Australia is paving the way for a more strategic IT direction by creating a permanent Chief Information Officer (CIO) position. Originally set up as a temporary role in March 2023, this position has developed necessitating ongoing leadership to manage the agency’s IT duties, including Azure cloud operations, cybersecurity, and strategic ICT projects. This initiative aligns with the DTA’s long-term vision of facilitating digital transformation within the Australian government.

Q: What led to the DTA’s decision to create a permanent CIO role?

A:

The DTA initially instituted a temporary CIO role in March 2023. However, as the responsibilities shifted from daily IT management to a more strategic focus, the agency opted to make the role permanent to fit its long-term digital transformation aims.

Q: What are the main tasks of the DTA’s new permanent CIO?

A:

The permanent CIO will oversee ICT operations, infrastructure, cybersecurity, property management, and records administration across the DTA’s Canberra and Sydney sites. They will also manage the agency’s Azure cloud platform and work alongside the COO to synchronize ICT initiatives with the agency’s goals.

Q: Who has been in the temporary CIO role?

A:

Andy Tripathi, formerly the Deputy CIO for the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate in the ACT government, has been serving in the temporary CIO role at the DTA since March 2023.

Q: How does this decision connect with the DTA’s broader mission?

A:

The creation of a permanent CIO role highlights the DTA’s commitment to advancing digital transformation in the Australian government. This position is essential for ensuring that the agency’s IT operations are strategically in line with its long-term objectives, contributing to the overall digital competency of the public sector.

Brief Overview

• Celeste Lowe has been appointed the new CISO at The Lottery Corporation.
• She is set to spearhead a three-year cyber security improvement initiative.
• Lowe has more than 25 years of cyber security expertise.
• Her previous roles include key leadership positions at Ventia, Nine, and Qantas.
• Lowe appreciates The Lottery Corporation’s collaborative culture and teamwork values.

Celeste Lowe Assumes CISO Role

The Lottery Corporation has revealed the selection of Celeste Lowe as its new Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). With the aim of leading a three-year cyber security enhancement program, Lowe takes on an essential position within the company.

Celeste Lowe (Image credit: LinkedIn)

Professional History and Qualifications

Transitioning from Ventia, where she was the General Manager of Cyber Security, Lowe adds extensive experience to her new position. Her career includes valuable tenures at Nine and Qantas, where she significantly contributed to advancing enterprise cyber security. This strategic choice follows the departure of David Jenkins, the previous CISO, who left in May.

Leadership and Strategic Direction

Lowe’s appointment has been positively received by the company’s CIO, Loren Somerville, who praised her comprehensive background in the sector. “The CISO role is vital for maintaining our cyber security protections, executing our security strategy and secure solutions, overseeing cyber security and technology risks, governance, and external certification, and implementing our three-year cyber security uplift program,” Somerville stated in a company-wide communication.

Values and Teamwork

In her statement, Lowe conveyed her excitement about joining The Lottery Corporation, attracted by its commitment to collaboration, teamwork, and supportive leadership. “The distinct challenges and opportunities within The Lottery Corporation’s digital and dynamic space also piqued my interest,” she remarked. “I’m eager to develop the cyber strategy and enhance the cyber and risk delivery capabilities.”

Conclusion

The appointment of Celeste Lowe as CISO at The Lottery Corporation represents an important move in strengthening its cyber security framework. Lowe’s vast experience and dedication to teamwork are expected to effectively propel the company’s cyber initiatives.

Q: What is Celeste Lowe’s new position at The Lottery Corporation?

A: Celeste Lowe has been named the new Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at The Lottery Corporation.

Q: What will be the main emphasis of Lowe’s role?

A: Her main focus will be leading a three-year cyber security enhancement initiative to fortify the company’s cyber security structure.

Q: What qualifications does Celeste Lowe bring to The Lottery Corporation?

A: Lowe comes with over 25 years of experience in cyber security, having held important roles at Ventia, Nine, and Qantas.

Q: Why did Lowe opt to join The Lottery Corporation?

A: She was attracted to the company for its collaborative culture, teamwork dynamics, supportive leadership, and the unique challenges and opportunities it presents.

Q: Who is Celeste Lowe succeeding as CISO?

A: She is taking over from David Jenkins, who stepped down from the role in May.

Brief Overview

• Cybercrime incidents happen every six minutes, undermining trust in services and connections.
• Zero trust represents a tactical methodology, not merely a specific tool, to bolster cybersecurity.
• Attaining zero trust maturity requires adjustment to threats and utilization of current investments.
• Collaborations with specialists such as A23 and HPE are essential for executing zero trust strategies.
• A23’s Zero Trust Maturity Assessment delivers valuable insights and guidance for enhancing security posture.

Comprehending the Evolving Threat Landscape

In the modern business climate, the dangers and risks encountered by organizations are progressing at a remarkable pace. Evidence shows a cybercrime incident every six minutes, making formerly trusted services, connections, and applications potentially unreliable. To address this, companies must continuously monitor the threat landscape and modify their security protocols as necessary.

The Intricacies of Shadow IT

The emergence of shadow IT, where applications are utilized outside the governance of formal security protocols, complicates the integration of novel security tools. As organizations struggle with handling a complex array of security applications, implementing a zero trust framework can prove to be resource-intensive and time-consuming.

The Core of Zero Trust

Zero trust is more than just a singular product or service; it is a holistic strategy focused on overseeing network and application activities, guaranteeing that only authenticated users are granted access, and confirming the absence of malicious entities. This strategy necessitates a conceptual shift to remain agile against threats and optimize existing investments.

Collaborating for Zero Trust Achievement

Realizing a zero trust strategy necessitates collaboration. Firms like A23, in conjunction with Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), concentrate on protecting organizations from current threats while maintaining cost-effective adaptability. A23’s approach fosters a secure operational environment, protecting vital data and infrastructure.

Implementing a Zero Trust Strategy

A meticulously executed zero trust strategy is essential for risk mitigation. It includes verifying all actions, providing minimal required privileges, and continuously scrutinizing system activities. This methodology minimizes the potential effects of breaches, referred to as the blast radius.

Comprehensive Security Policies

Organizations must align their security policies to bolster a zero trust strategy. This entails addressing all facets of infrastructure, including personnel, identity, endpoints, data, applications, and networks, to secure critical operations.

Maximizing Existing Zero Trust Capabilities

Most organizations already have some level of zero trust capability that can be refined. A23’s Zero Trust Maturity Assessment employs an automated data and analytics engine to pinpoint opportunities for enhancing zero trust maturity and delivers actionable recommendations for progress.

Selecting the Appropriate Tools

According to Gartner’s findings, organizations often utilize up to 70 different security applications. Instead of adding more tools, companies require the right solutions and strategic alliances with partners like A23 and HPE to elevate zero trust maturity while avoiding increased complexity.

For a more in-depth perspective, consult our whitepaper on enhancing zero trust maturity with A23 and HPE.

Conclusion

Amidst the shifting cyber threats, implementing a zero trust approach is vital for Australian organizations. By leveraging existing capabilities, collaborating with specialists, and selecting suitable tools, companies can improve their zero trust maturity, safeguarding their infrastructure and data from both present and future threats.

Q: What is zero trust in cybersecurity?

A: Zero trust is a tactical framework for cybersecurity that perpetually validates the identity and actions of users within a network, guaranteeing that only authenticated individuals can access resources, thereby preventing malicious activities.

Q: Why is zero trust crucial for businesses?

A: Zero trust is critical for businesses as it provides a robust security framework that evolves alongside emerging threats, protecting essential data and infrastructure from potential breaches and cyberattacks.

Q: How can organizations establish a zero trust strategy?

A: Organizations can establish zero trust by collaborating with knowledgeable security providers like A23 and HPE, performing thorough evaluations of their existing security posture, and selecting the appropriate tools to enhance their zero trust maturity.

Q: What are the obstacles to adopting a zero trust framework?

A: Issues include the complexity of integrating new tools, overseeing shadow IT, and the time and resources required to realize the advantages of a zero trust framework.

Q: In what ways does the A23 Zero Trust Maturity Assessment assist organizations?

A: The A23 Zero Trust Maturity Assessment utilizes automated data and analytics to offer insights and actionable recommendations for enhancing an organization’s zero trust maturity, ensuring a strategic improvement in their cybersecurity posture.

Protecting Contemporary Businesses: Managing Third-Party Risks

Quick Overview

• Managing third-party risks is essential in a highly connected business landscape.
• Robust programs result in fewer data breaches and improved regulatory compliance.
• Key strategies include API security, principles of zero trust, and ongoing monitoring.
• Clarity in security practices enhances trust and operational effectiveness.

Comprehending Third-Party Risk Management

In a highly interconnected environment, enterprises need to extend their focus beyond internal security frameworks. Bhupinder Singh, President of Asia Pacific and Middle East at Vodafone Business, highlighted the necessity of addressing risks stemming from partnerships with third parties. He remarked, “We are required to partner with third parties, which brings forth extra risks that need effective management.”

Andy Linham, Principal Strategy Manager, compared businesses to fortified buildings, indicating that third-party associates resemble merchants and suppliers entering and exiting these buildings. “While we strengthen the barriers, we must also ensure the security of our engagements with these vital partners to mitigate potential risks,” Linham elaborated.

Establishing a Secure Network

Effective third-party risk management can offer substantial advantages to modern enterprises. As Singh pointed out, organizations with solid risk management frameworks encounter 20% fewer data breaches and have a 2.5 times greater chance of achieving regulatory compliance, paving the way for global growth.

Linham indicated that businesses that focus on security within third-party relations tend to enjoy increased trust and loyalty. “60% of such companies report improved partner connections,” he affirmed.

Technological Innovations and Ongoing Enhancement

Linham underscored the necessity of API security, advising safeguards for both north-south and east-west API traffic. He also recommended the adoption of zero trust network access (ZTNA) and cloud access security brokers (CASB) to strengthen security initiatives.

Singh urged for continuous oversight and reporting to secure ongoing safety. “Expansion relies on perpetual evaluation,” he stated, proposing thorough vendor risk assessments and compliance with zero trust methodologies.

Practical Guidance for Enterprises

Linham encouraged technology leaders to meticulously scrutinize their suppliers’ security protocols. “Reliable partners ought to openly demonstrate how they safeguard your data,” he observed.

Singh highlighted the necessity of nurturing a culture that prioritizes security across the supply chain to lower risks. “Security encourages regulatory compliance, operational efficiencies, trust, and organizational resilience,” he concluded.

For further insights, register for the on-demand webinar here.

Conclusion

Ensuring the safety of modern enterprises in an interconnected world necessitates a robust third-party risk management approach. By employing effective strategies, businesses can minimize data breaches, boost regulatory adherence, and cultivate stronger affiliate relationships. Leveraging technological solutions like API security, zero trust, and consistent monitoring is vital for sustaining a secure business environment.

Q&A Segment

Q: What is the significance of third-party risk management?

A: Third-party risk management is vital as it assists organizations in handling and reducing risks linked to partnerships beyond their internal frameworks, thereby ensuring data protection and adherence to regulations.

Q: What advantages come from effective third-party risk management?

A: Firms with robust risk management strategies see fewer instances of data breaches, better regulatory compliance, and enhanced relationships with partners.

Q: What technological tools can enhance third-party risk management?

A: The adoption of API security, zero trust network access, and cloud access security brokers are critical strategies for strengthening third-party risk management.

Q: How can companies promote a culture of security awareness?

A: Organizations can foster a security-conscious culture by advocating transparency in security practices, performing regular evaluations, and incorporating security measures throughout the supply chain.