Resources and LearningInsider News

Finding a middle ground: Legal action and the quest for cybersecurity culture.

In the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity, the need for strong protection against cyberattacks is clear. Recent developments show that corporate regulator ASIC is taking a tougher stance on holding board directors and executives responsible for their organisations’ shortcomings in this area.

While this approach might seem promising to boost cybersecurity culture, the situation is far from straightforward. In this article, we’ll dive into the implications of this approach and why achieving the right cybersecurity culture demands a more nuanced perspective.

The changing regulatory landscape

In response to the increasing threat of cyberattacks, regulators are taking a more proactive approach. They aim to set a precedent by pursuing legal action against companies that have suffered security breaches due to their failure to take adequate precautions to protect their customers and infrastructure from hackers. At first glance, this seems like a strong deterrent, sending a clear message that neglecting cybersecurity won’t be tolerated.

However, it is far more complex than a simple risk-and-reward equation. While some attackers are driven by financial gain, others have different motivations, often related to geopolitics. Nation-state actors, for instance, might infiltrate organisations not for monetary gain but for strategic advantage or intelligence gathering. This distinction highlights the multifaceted nature of cyber threats, making it challenging to attribute blame solely to victimised organisations.

The challenge of defining “Recklessness”

Another obstacle is determining what qualifies as “recklessness” in cybersecurity. It is constantly evolving, and the threat landscape is constantly shifting. What might have been considered adequate protection one year could fall short the next? Therefore, labelling an organisation as “reckless” often relies on subjective judgments and the benefit of hindsight. This approach could inadvertently encourage a culture of fear and concealment within organisations, undermining the transparency necessary to protect potential victims.

Instead of concentrating solely on punitive measures, a more balanced approach might involve promoting transparency within organisations. Encouraging companies to openly share information about their cybersecurity practices, vulnerabilities, and breach response plans could foster a collaborative environment for addressing cybersecurity threats. This approach can help organisations learn from one another’s experiences and collectively enhance their defences.

Regulation’s role

Regulation undoubtedly plays a crucial role in cybersecurity, establishing a minimum standard for what is expected of organisations in safeguarding their customers and data. However, achieving the right equilibrium between regulation and cultivating a culture beyond compliance is essential. These regulations should provide a security framework and be adaptable to the ever-changing threat landscape, encouraging proactive measures rather than solely penalising shortcomings.

The intention behind legal action against companies that fall victim to cyberattacks due to inadequate protection is to cultivate a sense of responsibility and preparedness. Nevertheless, the cybersecurity landscape is far from uncomplicated, with numerous motivations behind attacks and a constantly shifting threat environment. While regulations are vital, they shouldn’t discourage organisational transparency and cooperation.

In pursuing a robust cybersecurity culture, striking a balance is imperative. Encouraging open dialogue, sharing best practices, and staying flexible in the face of emerging threats are all essential components of a comprehensive strategy.

Staying proactive and informed is crucial

Ericom is leading the charge by assisting many Australian businesses in compliance with the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) Essential Eight Maturity Model. By incorporating our managed security services model, we guide these enterprises through each critical step of this indispensable compliance journey and offer ongoing support vital for maintaining a robust cybersecurity posture.

This continuous assistance benefits businesses by providing immediate response to security incidents, ongoing monitoring for threats, and expert advisory on the evolving cybersecurity landscape, ultimately safeguarding your business, board of directors, and executives in a dynamically changing threat environment. Taking proactive measures with Ericom’s support ensures your business is resilient, secure, and aligned with industry-leading best practices, fortifying your defence mechanisms against sophisticated cyber threats.

This is a shared responsibility, and by taking proactive steps, we can collectively create a safer digital environment for all. Don’t wait until it’s too late – act now to protect your business and data.

30 November, 2023

Share this:

Remembering three-decades of mobility, from the nostalgic charm of pagers, to embracing the freedom of 5G.

by Dino Haritos

I’m taking a trip down memory lane to share some thoughts on how far we’ve come in the world of mobile technology. While I’m usually looking forward to the future, today feels like the right day to take a step back and appreciate the road so far.

I still remember the days when I was rocking a pager and jumping on my bike in a race against time to search high and low for those elusive red telephone booths. But those phone booths were far from private sanctuaries. We had to share them with the public, including vandals and eavesdroppers. You’d stand there, 50 cents in hand, wondering who else had shared this space with you.

Fast-forward to the analogue mobile phone era, where models like the 007 and 018 came onto the scene and changed everything. We were freed from the phone booth and had the power to connect wherever and whenever we pleased. It was the first time I considered a phone as an extension of myself.

Then came the digital mobility revolution, introducing us to 1G, 2G, and eventually 3G networks with better voice quality and range. Not to mention the birth of SMS! Once I got my first mobile car phone – the Uniden CP1000 – I was happy to wave goodbye to my pager in the rearview mirror.

And now 5G is supporting the flexibility of remote working, with video calling through Microsoft Teams available from the smart computers in our pockets. But as our phone upgrades give us more freedom every year, the more we’re connecting to public Wi-Fi networks when our mobiles aren’t performing at their best. It’s as if we’re stepping back in time and into the old phone booths – shared, and uncertain.

As connecting to public Wi-Fi can be risky business, cybersecurity is more crucial than ever. Freeing ourselves from the traditional office space goes hand-in-hand with a demand for enhanced protection. That’s where mobile threat defence and unified end-point management come into play. Think of them as an extra pair of hands that help safeguard against threats and emerging dangers.

Cheers to the past, the present, and the exciting future ahead. I can’t wait to see how technology will keep unleashing us, but let’s work together to keep the journey secure. Reach out to us at 1300 360 369 number to learn more about mobile threat defence.

13 November, 2023

Share this:

Defending Australian businesses, one cyber strategy at a time.

In today’s digital age, cybersecurity has become a significant concern for Australian businesses, with more cybercrime incidents reported every year. In 2022, small businesses found themselves grappling with an average cost of $39,000 per cybercrime report, while medium-sized businesses faced an even heftier burden of $88,000. To support organisations in countering this problem, the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has introduced the ‘Essential Eight’ cybersecurity framework.

As hinted in the name, the Essential Eight consists of eight key areas that can work together to create a defence against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. The success of an organisation’s adoption of these strategies is assessed based on a maturity scale from 0 to 3. Ericom can help organisations choose a level of security that most fits their unique needs, as not all require level 3 maturity. Each strategy addresses a different area of cybersecurity, ensuring a comprehensive approach to safeguarding your digital assets.

Let’s have a look at them in detail:

Application control: Create a list of approved applications within your organisation’s network. Any software not on this list is automatically blocked, preventing potentially harmful applications from running. Application control is particularly effective against malware and unauthorised programs.

Patch applications: Regularly updating software to fix any holes that cyber threats could exploit. Patching applications reduces the risk of attacks by ensuring that software is up-to-date with the latest security enhancements.

Configuring Microsoft Office macro settings: Malicious malware can come through Microsoft Office macros. By configuring Microsoft settings, you can disable macros from running automatically or only allow vetted macros to run, making it harder for malware to infect your network.

User application hardening: Configuring web browsers and other applications to block untrusted content, such as Flash, ads, and Java. By hardening applications, you can reduce the attack area for cyber threats.

Restricting administrative privileges: Only allow necessary personnel to have access to critical parts of the system. This minimises the potential damage if an account is taken over and limits the ability of malware to spread within the network.

Patching operating systems: Similar to patching applications, it’s crucial to regularly update your computer’s main operating systems. Updates often include patches for known vulnerabilities, making it harder for cyber threats to exploit the system.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Requires users to provide two or more verification factors to access a resource. MFA makes it much harder for cyber threats to break in, even if they know a password.

Regular backups: Regularly backing up data ensures that your critical information can be recovered in the event of a cyber-attack or data loss. Backups should be performed frequently and tested regularly to ensure they work correctly.

At Ericom, we specialise in assisting our customers in harnessing the Essential Eight framework. Our expertise extends to conducting comprehensive audits, evaluating your organisation’s current Essential Eight maturity, and crafting a customised roadmap to enhance your cybersecurity network. Our end-to-end support ensures that your digital assets remain secure by validating your targeted Essential Eight maturity, providing peace of mind to your whole team.

The Essential Eight is a vital tool in today’s cybersecurity landscape, offering a proactive approach to safeguarding your digital assets. As cyber threats become increasingly advanced, there’s never been a more crucial time to grasp and employ the Essential Eight. Know where your organisation stands in the face of cyber threats by contacting us for an audit today!

10 November, 2023

Share this:

Discover how Ericom transformed my post-graduation plans into a marketing adventure!

by Aliesha Farrington – Marketing Associate

It’s official! I’ve finally emerged from the trenches with double bachelors in Marketing and Social Media from Swinburne University. My rollercoaster through education has been filled with years of hard work and is a testament to the incredible support that Ericom has provided me, sticking by my side like a true ride-or-die.

Throughout my educational journey, Ericom has been more than an employer; they’ve been a partner in my success story. Just earlier this year, they gave me a taste of the magic that is the marketing team when I completed a mind-blowing 3-month part-time internship.

The thrill of crafting killer events, deep diving into online content, and strategically sprinkling our brand into the industry ignited a fire within me that couldn’t be extinguished.

And guess what happened next? Ericom recognised my passion and potential and said, “Aliesha, let’s make some marketing magic together!” Who am I to say no to that?

So, now’s my chance to upgrade my graduation announcement as I’m thrilled to announce that I’m officially joining the marketing team at Ericom!

To my colleagues, you have been my partners in crime. Together, we’ve conquered client services, navigated the twisty road of buzzwords (like how long it took me to understand “BAU”), and shared countless laughs. I am stoked that Ericom has given me the chance to grow, without having to lose my connection to you.

Thank you for being a part of my journey, and here’s to new beginnings. Stay tuned for more updates, because now it’s my turn to support Ericom into our exciting adventures ahead!

13 September, 2023

Share this:

Technology advancements are set to deliver safer, equitable and sustainable health services to patients.

Step into the vibrant world of #MedInfo23, where healthcare innovation took centre stage! It has been a few weeks since the event, and we can’t stop raving about it. The gathering brought together the broader health ecosystem, and it was an absolute joy to witness the launch of our managed service for virtual care. Stay tuned as we roll out this offering with health services and share more exciting news in the coming months.

The turnout was nothing short of spectacular, with healthcare professionals from every corner of the globe gathering together. The diversity of minds, including researchers, clinicians, and hospital executives, was truly inspiring. Together, we delved into remarkable initiatives, learned invaluable lessons, and explored new models of care, all with one shared goal: to enhance healthcare and make a positive impact on patients’ lives.

The trade exhibit showcased an array of healthcare-centric solutions with a personal touch that featured the customer stories behind these innovations. And worth a mention is the enthusiastic start-ups with their ingenious point solutions bringing a sense of excitement to the event as they find their way within the industry. Overall it was a powerful reminder of the vast pool of talent and creativity available to us.

Let’s talk about the real stars of the show: AI, ML, and data sharing. From the moment experts like Dr. Shashi Gogia spoke about using voicebots to tackle language barriers and support diagnosis in diverse environments, there’s a realisation just how impactful this technology is going to be in this space. Case studies showcased ML/AI implementations supporting wound care, pathology analysis, illness prediction based on live wearable data, and patient communication solutions. However, amidst all the excitement, we also had meaningful discussions about the responsible use of AI and the need for a governance layer to ensure it enhances the quality of care.

Beyond the hospital setting, we explored innovative models of care that are reshaping the healthcare landscape. Telehealth, virtual care, remote patient monitoring, hospital in the home, and virtual emergency departments are all gaining momentum. The focus on delivering care at home, freeing up resources, and preventing unnecessary hospital visits has become a reality. It’s amazing to see how quickly virtual health has become an integral part of healthcare, especially in light of the challenges posed by COVID.

In healthcare, progress is often quite slow, and certain ideas are discussed for years without gaining much traction. Remember the discussions about open communication and interoperability standards in healthcare back in the early 2000s? Although initiatives like FHIR are making headway, in Australia, we still have some distance to cover in our quest for a patient-centric healthcare model where data can be shared when necessary. However, the COVID pandemic has accelerated the adoption of virtual health, propelling it from theory into practice at an unprecedented speed.

Over the past 3-5 years, the progress in this field has been nothing short of extraordinary. Take, for instance, RPA Virtual at Sydney LHD, whose pioneering efforts in virtual health have directly benefited an astounding 32,000 patients. Not only that, but they also provided crucial quarantine discharge support to 15,000 patients and delivered in-person community nursing care to 8,000 patients in the comfort of their homes within just two years of launching. Such an immense achievement becomes even more remarkable considering the challenging backdrop of the COVID pandemic. Despite the turbulence, their dedication and success continue to shine bright, leaving a lasting impact on patient care.

Around 2020, the Calvary/Medibank joint venture for Wellbeing SA achieved a momentous feat, scaling up to become the largest Australian hospital in the home program known as “My Home Hospital,” a success that continues to this day. Similarly, Ramsay Connect’s demonstrated this model of cares benefit by reducing bed days by a staggering 30,000, a feat equivalent to running a 104-bed virtual hospital.  In addition to this, their hospital-at-home program has delivered an impressive $16 million in savings to health insurers.

Let’s not forget to acknowledge our esteemed partners and friends at Propell Health, who have been instrumental in deploying their iHealth devices to Bendigo Health, making it one of the largest installations of its kind in the region. This achievement is further complemented by the rapid expansion of telehealth services in the area. What’s more, virtual health is steadily becoming a standard feature on the digital health roadmap of most health services, both government and private. Coupled with the numerous unsung initiatives being undertaken by healthcare providers, it is evident that virtual health will soon be a norm, just like any other healthcare service. This trend is strongly supported by our international peers who have already successfully scaled such services in their respective countries. The future of virtual health in Australia is undeniably promising!

Now let’s head back to the event! We explored exciting possibilities, such as the concept of monitoring newborns’ weight at home, offering mothers the opportunity to return home earlier with their little ones, especially in remote settings where families have to travel long hours to access medical facilities. Additionally, we explored various aspects of patient care, including rehabilitation, COPD, diabetes, infectious diseases, and sexual health, all with the aim of providing patients the choice to be treated at home or return home sooner. The reassurance that their dedicated nurses and clinicians will continue to monitor and care for them regardless of their location is sure to have a wide uptake.

As an organisation, we have embraced the power of AI while reimagining our virtual command centres and contact centre solutions. This has given us a firsthand understanding of the remarkable impact it has on enhancing efficiency and user experience. Yet, to our surprise, we discovered that the potential of this technology extended far beyond what we initially imagined. The tentacles of AI in this area of tech reached into realms we had not fully anticipated, leaving us inspired about the endless possibilities it holds.

Embracing technology is crucial in supporting these initiatives on a larger scale. From medical devices like iHealth to virtual software for alerting and visualisation, and not forgetting telehealth/video consult solutions that facilitate seamless communication, technology plays a defining role in making these advancements possible. Nevertheless, challenges lie ahead, such as ensuring that the necessary equipment reaches the patients and assisting those who may not be tech-savvy or in compromised health conditions to adapt to these solutions. Moreover, being environmentally conscious adds another layer of responsibility to manage the proper disposal and recycling of devices. Rest assured; we will delve deeper into these matters in an upcoming article.

We are incredibly grateful for the warm reception and support we received at #MedInfo23. As a part of the thriving healthcare ecosystem in Australia, we are excited about the opportunities ahead. Join us on this remarkable journey as we reimagine healthcare through virtual health solutions and strive to create a brighter, healthier future for all.

28 August, 2023

Share this:

Our commitment to employee well-being continues to shine.

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, one thing remains clear: the key to any company’s triumph lies in the satisfaction and engagement of its employees. Ericom, a leading player in the Australian market, has once again exemplified its unwavering commitment to its workforce by participating in the highly regarded WRK+ Best Places to Work study for the second year running.

At the heart of Ericom’s involvement in this study was a two-pronged goal: to gain invaluable insights into what truly matters to its team members and to benchmark its performance against other Australian workplaces. The recognition Ericom received in 2022, earning a coveted spot on the prestigious Best Places to Work list, spoke volumes about the company’s dedication to fostering a positive and supportive work environment.

The WRK+ benchmark survey provided Ericom with a unique opportunity to delve beneath the surface and gain a comprehensive understanding of its strengths and areas for improvement. While it was Ericom’s inaugural participation in a survey of this nature last year, the company has long recognised the significance of prioritising employee happiness through its own internal staff surveys. After all, Ericom firmly believes that a happy and fulfilled team lies at the very core of its success.

What truly shone through in the survey was the incredible response rate, with a staggering 93 percent of Ericom’s staff taking the time to share their opinions. They generously rated various aspects of the company, including how teams collaborate, their compensation, and the sense of purpose they find in their work. This exceptional level of engagement and team spirit serves as a true testament to the outstanding culture cultivated within Ericom.

To arrive at the final scores, staff responses accounted for 60 percent, while the remaining 40 percent reflected the company’s culture, encompassing its policies and values. This balanced approach ensured that both the perspectives of employees and the guiding principles of the organisation were given due consideration.

While Ericom is undeniably proud of its achievements, the company does not view them as an endpoint. Rather, they are seen as stepping-stones toward continuous progress. The organisation believes in setting ambitious targets for its staff, recognising their untapped potential for growth. Equally, Ericom maintains high standards for its management team, constantly striving to climb higher on the list of best workplaces. The company firmly believes that through this ongoing improvement, it will reap the rewards in the form of a motivated workforce and grateful customers.

A sincere congratulations and heartfelt gratitude are extended to every member of Team Ericom. Their exceptional contributions and daily accomplishments form the very foundation of the company’s success.

In the 2023 edition of the WRK+ Best Places to Work study, an astounding 43,000+ employees from 101 organisations across Australia actively participated.

As Ericom embarks on a new chapter in its journey, the company remains resolute in its commitment to employee well-being and recognises the pivotal role they play in driving its continued growth and prosperity. With an unwavering focus on fostering a positive work environment and leveraging valuable insights, Ericom is poised to flourish as an employer of choice well into the future.

9 August, 2023

Share this: