Author: wpengine

Victoria University Appoints Cybersecurity Leader After Extended Search

Following an extensive year-long search, Victoria University (VU) has selected Tara Dharnikota as its new Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). This appointment is part of a comprehensive organizational transformation designed to enhance the university’s digital security and infrastructure.

Revamped Cybersecurity Strategy within the DCS Division

Dharnikota will oversee cybersecurity efforts within the newly created Digital and Campus Services (DCS) division. This department combines IT services and facilities management to establish a more cohesive and strategic method for managing campus operations and digital upgrades. The reorganization signifies an emerging trend in higher education to integrate essential infrastructure and services for improved efficiency and resilience.

Directly reporting to Stuart Hildyard, Chief Digital Officer and Executive Director of Campus Services, Dharnikota’s responsibilities will include advancing the university’s cybersecurity strategy, strengthening cyber resilience, and ensuring adherence to both national and international standards.

Organizational Shift Inspires New Security Perspective

The university’s initiative to reform its operational framework initiated a thorough evaluation of its cybersecurity requirements. Cybersecurity and network operations were formerly managed by Nitan Singh, Director of Cyber and Digital Networks, who left in November 2023. The reorganization allowed the new CISO to concentrate solely on long-term strategic cyber projects, while network supervision is to be managed independently within the DCS division.

A representative from VU confirmed that all principal leadership positions within the department are now occupied, providing stability as the university enhances its internal security capabilities.

Tara Dharnikota’s Experience and Qualifications

Dharnikota transitions to VU from PEXA, where she directed information security management for two years. Her past experience includes nearly ten years at Telstra, where she took on various positions related to cybersecurity operations, governance, and compliance. Her diverse expertise equips her with a well-rounded understanding of enterprise-level security architecture and sector-specific vulnerabilities, especially in education and digital transactions.

This appointment signifies a crucial advancement for VU as it confronts escalating cyber threats targeting Australian educational establishments. The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has indicated that the education sector is one of the most heavily targeted by cybercriminals, underscoring the need for strong leadership in this domain.

PEXA Launches Search for Dharnikota’s Successor

After Dharnikota’s exit, PEXA has commenced the recruitment process for a new head of information security management. This position will involve overseeing security governance, compliance, and awareness initiatives, emphasizing the ongoing necessity for seasoned cybersecurity leadership within Australia’s digital and financial sectors.

Conclusion

Victoria University has successfully appointed Tara Dharnikota as its new Chief Information Security Officer following a year-long search and organizational restructuring. Her focus will be on directing the university’s cybersecurity strategy as part of the newly formed Digital and Campus Services division. With over ten years of experience at Telstra and PEXA, Dharnikota possesses the vital expertise to protect the university’s digital framework amid increasing cyber threats geared towards the education sector.

Q: Why was the CISO position at Victoria University unoccupied for such an extended period?

A:

The position remained vacant for over a year due to an organizational overhaul that included a thorough evaluation of the university’s cybersecurity framework. This restructuring aimed to better integrate cybersecurity with overarching digital and campus infrastructure objectives.

Q: What responsibilities will Tara Dharnikota hold at Victoria University?

A:

As the newly appointed CISO, Dharnikota will be in charge of cybersecurity strategy, risk management, compliance, and incident response across the university, functioning under the direct supervision of the Chief Digital Officer. Her role is crucial in enhancing the university’s cyber resilience and strategic defense measures.

Q: What exactly is the Digital and Campus Services (DCS) department?

A:

The DCS department is a consolidated entity that integrates IT services with campus facilities management. This integration aims to streamline processes and enhance security and operational efficiency throughout the university’s physical and digital landscapes.

Q: What qualifications does Tara Dharnikota bring to her new position?

A:

Dharnikota has accumulated over 12 years of experience in cybersecurity, including roles at Telstra and PEXA. Her expertise encompasses governance, compliance, security operations, and leadership, making her exceptionally qualified to lead VU’s cybersecurity strategy.

Q: Who managed cybersecurity at VU prior to this appointment?

A:

Before Dharnikota’s appointment, cybersecurity operations were under the supervision of Nitan Singh, who was the Director of Cyber and Digital Networks. He left the institution in late 2023, after which the role was left vacant during the organizational restructuring.

Q: What cybersecurity threats do Australian universities encounter?

A:

Australian universities are experiencing increasing threats from cybercriminals, including ransomware, data breaches, and attacks aimed at research and intellectual property. The ACSC has recognized the education sector as one of the highest-risk areas for cyber incidents.

Q: What steps is PEXA taking following Dharnikota’s exit?

A:

PEXA is proactively seeking to recruit a new head of information security management to ensure a continuation of oversight in security governance, compliance, and awareness initiatives, thereby maintaining its digital security leadership.

EU Antitrust Decisions Awaited for Apple and Meta

The European Commission is poised to reveal significant rulings regarding Apple and Meta Platforms in the near future as part of its enforcement of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). These decisions will assess whether the tech giants have breached new EU regulations intending to limit the influence of “gatekeeper” platforms and enhance competition in digital environments.

Comprehending the Digital Markets Act (DMA)

Initiated in November 2022 and enforceable as of March 2023, the DMA is a significant regulatory initiative by the EU aimed at overseeing digital platforms that are pivotal to the internal market. It stipulates a range of responsibilities and limitations for these “gatekeepers” to avert them from unfairly favoring their services or hindering consumer choices.

Under the DMA’s provisions, entities such as Apple and Meta are required to guarantee interoperability, permit users to remove pre-installed applications, and avoid self-preferencing their offerings in visibility or rankings. Non-compliance may lead to fines reaching up to 10% of a firm’s overall global revenue, with repeated infractions resulting in tougher punishments, including potential structural adjustments.

Apple and Meta Under Increased Scrutiny

The European Commission initiated formal investigations into Apple and Meta as of March 2023. Apple is facing examination regarding its App Store regulations, particularly concerning directing users towards external payment solutions and distributing apps outside its closed system. Meanwhile, Meta is under investigation regarding its advertising practices and the alleged bundling of offerings across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, which may restrict consumer selection and hamper competition.

While preliminary penalties may remain relatively small, the broader reputational and legal consequences are extensive. Both Apple and Meta have refuted accusations of wrongdoing, asserting that their business practices promote enhanced user experience and innovation.

Australia Watching Developments Closely

In recent years, Australia has taken a firm approach to digital oversight, with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) advocating for reforms to tackle issues similar to those addressed by the DMA, including the dominance of digital platforms, unfair competition, and opacity in algorithmic rankings.

Observers believe that rulings from the EU could establish a benchmark for nations like Australia, which is deliberating its own Digital Platforms Services Inquiry. A robust enforcement indication from Europe could motivate the ACCC to pursue more assertive regulatory initiatives at home.

Geopolitical Tensions Complicate Matters

The impending decisions unfold against a backdrop of rising trade tensions between the United States and the EU, intensified by previous tariff conflicts and worries over digital sovereignty. Certain EU member nations, particularly France, are advocating for more stringent measures against American technology corporations, perceiving them as a threat to European digital autonomy.

These geopolitical factors are expected to affect both the timing and the tone of the upcoming rulings, potentially further complicating diplomatic relationships between Brussels and Washington.

Conclusion

The European Commission’s expected decisions regarding Apple and Meta under the Digital Markets Act will mark a crucial juncture in global tech regulation. Although immediate financial penalties may be minimal, the wider ramifications—encompassing compliance requirements, modifications to business models, and potential international ripple effects—are significant. Regulatory agencies and technology firms in Australia are observing closely as the EU forges a new path toward fairness and transparency in digital markets.

Q: What is the Digital Markets Act (DMA)?

A:

The DMA is a legislative framework in Europe aimed at curtailing the market power of large digital platforms. It lays down explicit obligations for “gatekeeper” entities to foster fair competition and consumer choice throughout the EU’s digital marketplace.

Q: What prompted the investigation into Apple and Meta?

A:

Apple is under investigation for its restrictive App Store practices, while Meta faces inquiries regarding its service bundling and dominance in digital advertising tools, which may restrict competition and consumer options.

Q: What sort of penalties might Apple and Meta incur?

A:

They may face fines up to 10% of their global income for violations of the DMA. Although initial fines are likely to be modest, ongoing non-compliance could precipitate more serious penalties, including structural changes.

Q: How does this impact Australia?

A:

Australia’s consumer protection agency, the ACCC, is evaluating analogous regulatory reforms. The EU’s decisions could shape Australian policy, particularly as it endeavors to create a fair competitive environment for local tech players.

Q: When is the EU expected to make its decisions?

A:

As per the EU’s antitrust chief, Teresa Ribera, decisions regarding Apple and Meta are anticipated “in the coming weeks,” although a specific timeline has yet to be disclosed.

Q: Are these the first enforcement actions taken under the DMA?

A:

Yes, these represent some of the initial major enforcement moves under the DMA, which became enforceable in March 2023. The outcomes will likely set important precedents for future enforcement initiatives.

Q: Could these rulings alter the global operations of Apple and Meta?

A:

Yes. Given the significance and influence of the EU market, regulatory adjustments in Europe frequently impact company practices across other regions, including Australia, as firms strive to ensure compliance and mitigate further regulatory scrutiny.