Techbest – Top Tech Reviews In Australia
The best in Australian gadgets and technology
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Panasonic B110 True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds with Built-in Mic, Compact Design and Charging Case (RZ-B110WDE-K)
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Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 Noise Cancelling Headphones, White
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Technics HiFi True Wireless Multipoint Bluetooth Earbuds with Noise Cancelling, 3 Device Multipoint Connectivity, Wireless Charging, Impressive Call Quality, LDAC Compatible, Silver (EAH-AZ60M2ES)
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Sony WF-C500 True Wireless Headphones – Up to 20 Hours Battery Life with Charging case – Voice Assistant Compatible – Built-in mic for Phone Calls – Reliable Bluetooth® Connection – Orange
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Nothing Ear (a) Earbuds White, with ChatGPT integration, 45 db ANC, Bass Enhance Algorithm, Up to 42.5 Hours Listening Time
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One of the main challenges related to the ACSC’s Essential Eight framework is the increased cost. Research conducted by Andrew Milroy at Focus Network revealed that 38% of IT leaders anticipate a rise in their cyber security budgets for 2024. The Security Leader’s Peer Report by Panaseer indicates that enterprise security teams typically utilize an average of 76 security tools. In Australia, most companies are positioned between stage one (“focus on prevention alone”) and stage two (“limited access management and visibility across the network”) on the four-stage path to achieving cyber security maturity.
This could result in an increase in tools aimed at enhancing cyber security maturity, which could introduce complexity and inefficiencies amid Australia’s unprecedented shortage of cyber security professionals. Businesses need to implement a strategic plan to comply with the Essential Eight framework and advance their cyber security maturity rapidly.
Meeting the requirements of the Essential Eight should extend past merely fulfilling checklists or using compliance as a strategy. For instance, numerous elements of the Essential Eight encourage organizations to adopt a zero-trust mentality concerning identity, emphasizing the principle of least privilege. Instead of taking a minimalistic approach, implementing Privileged Access Management (PAM) can offer enhanced visibility, enable secure remote access, satisfy compliance criteria, and streamline user management as the organization grows.
Adopting a zero trust approach not only satisfies compliance requirements but also increases the IT environment’s value to the business, enabling organizations to be prepared for future compliance needs.
PwC research indicates that Australian organizations are more confident than the global average about possessing the “appropriate quantity of cyber security technology solutions.” Nevertheless, they still rank low on the maturity scale. A deficiency in strategic planning could result in a quickly expanding and expensive environment that becomes challenging to manage efficiently.
Taking a platform-based strategy for cyber security, where one provider handles various elements of the Essential Eight, can avert future projects aimed at consolidating vendors. This method centralizes critical security management tasks, thereby requiring fewer resources and minimizing possible coverage gaps. It provides a more transparent view of the overall cyber security expenses and aids in enhancing cost efficiency.
Having fewer vendors and platforms can accelerate incident responses, which is a critical goal of the Essential Eight and sound business practice. Consolidated identity security data enables faster incident correlation, evaluation, and reaction, thereby reducing potential harm from breaches.
Platforms also enhance agility by seamlessly integrating with existing tools such as Microsoft controls. With regular updates from a reliable platform provider, organizations can stay ahead of new threats, consistently maintaining a strong security stance.
The Essential Eight framework has motivated numerous enterprises to rapidly enhance their cyber security maturity for compliance purposes. Nonetheless, simply fulfilling the minimum standards may turn the cyber security setup into a sunk cost.
On the other hand, organizations that approach the Essential Eight as an opportunity for a comprehensive and strategic framework will not only stay compliant but also acquire a valuable asset that continuously benefits the entire organization.
The ACSC’s Essential Eight framework provides Australian businesses with the chance to excel in global cyber security. By focusing on strategic implementation instead of merely fulfilling requirements, using technologies such as PAM, and adopting a platform approach to prevent future integration challenges, organizations can substantially improve their cyber security maturity. This comprehensive perspective not only ensures compliance but also offers lasting benefits, turning cyber security from an expense into a strategic advantage.
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Skullcandy Push Active True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds for iPhone and Android with Charging Box and Microphone, Ideal for Gym, Sports and Gaming, IP55 Waterproof – Orange/Black
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Creative Labs Outlier Pro True Wireless Sweatproof in-Ear Headphones with Hybrid ANC, Black
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Nothing Ear 2024 White, 45 dB Smart ANC, 24-bit Hi-Res Audio, Up to 40.5 Hours Playtime,11 mm Dynamic Bass Boost, Microphone Included, ChatGPT Integration, Support 2.5W Wireless Charging
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The Queensland government plans to implement compulsory internal assessments and external evaluations for public sector projects that utilize artificial intelligence (AI) and automated decision-making (ADM). The objective of this initiative is to identify and manage the unique risks linked to these technologies.
As stated by Chris McLaren, who holds the position of Queensland’s Chief Customer and Digital Officer, the Queensland Government Customer and Digital Group (QGCDG) is nearing completion of an AI governance policy. This policy is accompanied by an AI risk assessment framework that aims to direct the implementation of AI within multiple government sectors.
The QGCDG is also considering the implementation of the ISO42001 AI Management System Standard along with other relevant industry standards. This would facilitate the identification and management of AI risks throughout their lifecycle within the Queensland government.
All the ministers responsible for data and digital matters from the federal and state territories recently concurred on a national framework that advises, but does not require, assurance scoring and controls for government projects. This framework highlights the importance of internal evaluations and external reviews, dependent on financial and risk criteria.
New South Wales (NSW) and Western Australia (WA) are presently the sole states that have implemented these types of systems. NSW’s system pertains exclusively to projects incorporating AI, while WA’s encompasses both AI and ADM projects.
Although QGCDG’s framework is currently in its finalization stage, it is set to encompass both AI and ADM in extensive projects. This new policy will be incorporated into existing mandatory systems like the ICT Investment Review and the portfolio, program, and project assurance framework.
Even though new frameworks have been introduced, QGCDG has been assisting departments in the planning and implementation of AI projects. The existing assurance process considers risk factors associated with AI and ADM. When needed, risks are addressed with the Digital Economy Leaders Sub-Group, responsible for overseeing digital investments.
One significant initiative features the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries utilizing drones with classification algorithms to detect weeds in sugarcane fields. Another instance is QChat, a supportive chatbot implemented in multiple departments to enhance customer facilitation, regulatory technology, productivity, and cybersecurity.
All artificial intelligence initiatives under the Queensland government are presently documented with the QGCDG. They use an assurance profiling instrument to decide if just an internal evaluation is sufficient or if an extra external review is needed. The upcoming policy will establish the assurance check requirements for forthcoming projects.
The Queensland government is on the verge of introducing compulsory risk assessments for AI and ADM in public sector initiatives. The goal of this measure is to guarantee that risks are properly assessed and managed. Supported continuously by QGCDG, various departments have started incorporating AI into diverse applications, such as agriculture and customer service. The upcoming policy will offer an organized framework for future technology implementations, aligning with national standards and improving oversight.
