Matthew Miller, Author at Techbest - Top Tech Reviews In Australia - Page 27 of 29

Nothing Ear (a) Earbuds White Review


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Discover New Strategic Value: The Influence of the Essential Eight on Businesses


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Discover New Strategic Value: The Influence of the Essential Eight on Businesses

Quick Read

  • The ACSC’s Essential Eight framework has the potential to establish Australia as a leader in cyber security.
  • 38% of information technology leaders anticipate a rise in cybersecurity budgets for 2024.
  • Businesses ought to steer clear of merely ticking boxes and instead embrace a strategic approach to compliance.
  • Privileged Access Management (PAM) can improve security and productivity.
  • Using a platform strategy could help avoid expensive vendor consolidations in the future.
  • Taking a comprehensive approach to the Essential Eight will enhance value and maintain continuous compliance.
The Essential Eight Is An Opportunity To Drive New Strategic Value Into The Enterprise

The Expense and Intricacy of Cybersecurity

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.

Tactical Adherence and Absolute Trustworthiness

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.

Preventing the Necessity of Merging Vendors

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.

Strategic Importance Beyond Meeting Requirements

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.

Summary

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.

Q: Could you explain what the Essential Eight framework is?

The Essential Eight is a series of fundamental strategies created by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) to aid organizations in enhancing their cyber security stance.

Q: What causes the potential for extra expenses with the Essential Eight?

As organizations work to comply with the Essential Eight guidelines, they might implement additional tools, thereby escalating complexity and expenses. This is particularly difficult due to Australia’s limited availability of cyber security professionals.

Q: In what ways can Privileged Access Management (PAM) assist in meeting the requirements of the Essential Eight framework?

PAM offers improved visibility and secure remote access, ensuring compliance standards are met. It facilitates scalable user management and adheres to zero-trust principles, thereby increasing the overall value of the IT environment.

Q: What advantages come with implementing a platform strategy for cyber security?

A platform strategy centralizes critical security elements, lowers resource demands, minimizes coverage gaps, accelerates incident response, and effortlessly integrates with current tools, providing continuous updates and threat intelligence integration.

How does having fewer vendors affect the time it takes to respond to incidents?

Fewer vendors lead to integrated identity security data, allowing for faster incident correlation, assessment, and coordinated responses. This reduces potential damage from breaches.

Q: What does a holistic approach to the Essential Eight entail?

A comprehensive approach entails considering the Essential Eight as a chance for strategic advancement rather than mere adherence to regulations. This guarantees continuous value enhancement and turns cybersecurity into a strategic asset.

Skullcandy Push Active True Wireless Earbuds Review


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Outlier Pro True Wireless Sweatproof In-Ear Headphones Review


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Creative Labs Outlier Pro True Wireless Sweatproof in-Ear Headphones with Hybrid ANC, Black

Nothing Ear 2024 Review


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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

Queensland Implements Obligatory Risk Assessments for AI and Automated Decision-Making


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Queensland Requires Risk Assessments for AI and Automated Decision-Making Systems

Queensland Requires Risk Assessments for AI and Automated Decision-Making Systems

Mandatory AI and automated decision risk reviews to land in Queensland

Quick Read

  • Queensland will require risk assessments for AI and automated decision-making (ADM) in public sector initiatives.
  • Evaluations conducted internally and examinations by external parties will be necessary.
  • The AI governance policy and its accompanying AI risk assessment framework are in the final stages of development.
  • Possible implementation of the ISO42001 AI Management System Standard.
  • Current frameworks, such as the ICT Investment Review, will be incorporated into the new policy.
  • QGCDG currently assists departments with the planning and implementation of AI projects.
  • Examples of AI initiatives include employing drones in farming and the QChat conversational agent.

Implementation of Compulsory Risk Assessments

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.

Formation of AI Regulation Strategy

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.

Adopting Industry Standards

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.

National Framework Agreement

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.

Existing Implementations in Additional States

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.

Range of the New Framework

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.

Continuous Assistance for AI Initiatives

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.

Examples of Ongoing AI Initiatives

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.

Future Assurance Measures

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.

Summary

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.

What is the primary goal of Queensland’s newly implemented policy regarding AI and ADM?

The primary goal is to assess and reduce risks linked to AI and ADM in public sector initiatives by requiring both internal evaluations and external audits.

What criteria could Queensland establish for governing AI-related risks?

Queensland is considering implementing the ISO42001 AI Management System Standard in addition to other pertinent industry standards.

Which states have already adopted comparable systems?

New South Wales (NSW) and Western Australia (WA) have implemented comparable systems. NSW concentrates exclusively on AI initiatives, whereas WA encompasses both AI and ADM initiatives.

How will the new policy be incorporated into the current frameworks?

The new AI risk assessment framework is set to be integrated into current mandatory systems such as the ICT Investment Review and the portfolio, program, and project assurance framework.

Could you give some examples of ongoing AI projects in Queensland?

Illustrations encompass the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries utilizing drones to identify weeds in sugarcane plantations and the QChat chatbot employed across multiple customer service scenarios.

What current support does QGCDG offer for AI projects?

QGCDG assists departments by providing expert consultants in data and artificial intelligence to assess and minimize risks during the planning and implementation of AI projects.

What will the upcoming policy outline concerning assurance checks moving forward?

The upcoming policy will detail the degree of assurance checks required for governmental AI and ADM initiatives moving forward.

Nothing Ear (2) Wireless Bluetooth Earphones Black Review


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Denon PerL Pro True Wireless Earbuds Review


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Denon PerL Pro in-Ear True Wireless Earbuds with Personalised Sound

Services Australia’s expenditure on VMware licensing and support has surged to $94 million.


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Quick Read

  • Services Australia extends VMware licensing and support contracts for approximately $94 million spanning a three-year period.
  • The updated agreement shows a 20% rise in expenses relative to earlier contracts.
  • Broadcom’s purchase of VMware has resulted in higher licensing costs.
  • Services Australia is conducting a comprehensive architecture assessment to enhance its systems.

The Expenses for VMware Licensing and Support for Services Australia Increase Substantially

Services Australia's VMware licensing and support renewal amount rises to $94 million

Services Australia has revealed the extension of its long-term licensing and support contracts with VMware, resulting in a significant outlay of nearly $94 million for the upcoming three years. This latest agreement marks a 20% rise in costs relative to the former contracts, which collectively amounted to $78 million.

The New Agreement

The new agreement that was recently signed takes the place of two individual three-year contracts that Services Australia previously held with VMware for the licensing period from 2021 to 2024, as well as for maintenance and support. Services Australia stated that this contract guarantees the ongoing provision of essential software, support, and associated services for the agency’s key service delivery programs, such as Centrelink and Medicare. Additionally, it merges several expiring contracts into a more efficient arrangement.

Effects of Broadcom’s Purchase

The notable rise in VMware licensing expenses is linked to Broadcom’s purchase of VMware, a transaction worth US$61 billion (AUD$86 billion) in 2022. This acquisition has apparently caused a surge in license renewal fees for VMware, mainly because customers are being transitioned to a new per-core subscription model. VMware has recognized “pricing challenges” for some of their long-standing customers, further increasing the financial strain on organizations like Services Australia.

A Long-standing Relationship

Since at least 2009, Services Australia, formerly the Department of Human Services, has upheld a software licensing enterprise agreement with VMware. Over time, several licensing agreements have been established under this ongoing arrangement, with the latest one amounting to an impressive $44 million, covering both hardware and software solutions.

Upcoming Initiatives: Comprehensive Evaluation of System Architecture

Considering these financial factors, Services Australia is planning to initiate a comprehensive end-to-end architecture review this year. Chief Information and Digital Officer Charles McHardie stated that the review would concentrate on assessing each significant system within the agency. The aim is to gain a clearer understanding of which systems are new and which have become outdated over the years, thereby guiding future investments and technology enhancements.

Summary

Services Australia is poised to invest nearly $94 million to renew their VMware licensing and support agreements over the next three years, representing a substantial 20% increase compared to past contracts. This cost escalation is primarily driven by Broadcom’s purchase of VMware and the resulting increase in licence fees. To meet future requirements and refine their system architecture, Services Australia intends to conduct a comprehensive review of its major systems.

Why has the price of VMware licensing and support gone up for Services Australia?

A:

The cost has risen as a result of Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware, which has introduced higher license fees under a new per-core subscription model.

What is the monetary worth of the new contract between Services Australia and VMware?

A:

The new contract is worth nearly $94 million over three years.

Which programs will gain advantages from this updated agreement?

A:

The updated agreement will facilitate key service delivery initiatives like Centrelink and Medicare.

Q: For how many years has Services Australia maintained a licensing contract with VMware?

A:

Since at least 2009, Services Australia has maintained a licensing agreement with VMware.

Q: What is the objective of Services Australia’s comprehensive architecture assessment?

A:

The purpose of the review is to assess each key system within the organization to identify potential future investments and technology enhancements.

What was the aggregate value of the prior contracts for VMware licenses and support?

A:

The earlier agreements had a total value of $78 million.

Who is Charles McHardie?

A:

Charles McHardie holds the position of Chief Information and Digital Officer at Services Australia.

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