The European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) is setting the stage for significant changes in the tech landscape, particularly for companies like Apple, known for their tightly controlled ecosystems. While the DMA aims to enhance competition and consumer choice by opening up platforms like iOS …
Agentic AI is when autonomous AI agents make decisions and execute tasks. It’s poised to revolutionize industries. But with this power comes new cybersecurity challenges. This blog explores the deployment architectures of agentic AI solutions and identifies key attack vectors, offering a glimpse into innovative …
Inspired by recent movements in Europe, where tech giants like Airbus have advocated for a sovereign fund to support local technology sectors, this article explores Australia’s strategic need to develop sovereign satellite communication systems. As digital connectivity becomes increasingly crucial, the time to fortify our independence and security is now.
Historical precedents and contemporary movements highlight the risks of depending on foreign technology. The initiative by European tech firms to establish a sovereign fund to support their local industries serves as a compelling example of proactive steps taken to safeguard regional interests and reduce dependency on non-European technologies.
Similarly, developing sovereign satellite communication systems ensures that Australia retains control over its digital destiny, preventing any entity from having disproportionate power over our national infrastructure.
Investing in sovereign satellite systems not only secures national security but also stimulates economic growth. This initiative would create high-skilled jobs, encourage local research and development, and lead to the creation of new technologies.
Enhanced cybersecurity measures within these systems mean that Australia can implement robust security protocols and respond more swiftly to cyber threats, safeguarding the integrity and privacy of information.
The scenario where international tensions lead to a sudden ‘cut-off’ of satellite services managed by foreign corporations could particularly cripple Australian businesses in less wired areas. While most of Australia’s internet traffic is transmitted via fibre optic cables, which predominantly cover urban areas, satellite communications are crucial for ensuring connectivity in rural and remote regions.
Disruptions in these satellite services could lead to significant communication and transaction challenges in these less connected areas. Moreover, if these fibre optic cables were to be cut—whether through sabotage or other disruptions—the effects could be catastrophic, spreading even to major cities.
Such a scenario would not only lead to significant economic losses but also destabilise the entire business landscape, underscoring the critical need for robust and diversified communication infrastructure.
Taking cues from the European call for a sovereign fund, Australia could explore similar financial structures to support the development of its satellite technologies.
Government initiatives might include grants for R&D, tax incentives for local production, and educational programs to nurture expertise in satellite technology and cybersecurity.
The success stories of countries like Canada and France in developing their satellite capabilities offer valuable lessons. These nations have balanced public-private partnerships and regulatory frameworks to encourage innovation while protecting national interests—approaches that could be adapted to benefit Australia.
In Canada, companies like MDA (MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates) and Telesat have been instrumental in advancing satellite communication technologies. MDA has developed critical infrastructure such as the RADARSAT series, while Telesat operates a fleet of satellites that enhance broadband connectivity and mobile communications across vast distances.
France’s strategy includes significant contributions from firms like Thales Alenia Space, which designs and builds satellites for a variety of functions including telecommunications and Earth observation. Airbus Defence and Space plays a crucial role in the manufacture of advanced satellite systems for both military and commercial uses. Additionally, Eutelsat, as the owner of the London-based OneWeb, exemplifies the strategic importance of maintaining control over satellite communications to ensure national sovereignty.
These examples underscore the benefits of nurturing domestic industries and maintaining control over critical communications infrastructure, providing a roadmap for Australia to enhance its digital sovereignty and secure its satellite communication capabilities.
Designing sovereign satellite systems with cybersecurity at their core ensures resilience against evolving cyber threats. This proactive approach not only protects Australia’s data but also strengthens global confidence in our digital infrastructure.
The necessity for sovereign satellite communication capabilities extends far beyond the realm of technology—it is a strategic imperative vital for ensuring Australia’s long-term security, autonomy, and economic prosperity. As we observe our European counterparts taking decisive steps by advocating for sovereign funds to bolster local tech industries, it becomes clear that Australia must also take bold action.
We must not only support but actively invest in developing and securing our satellite communication infrastructure. This commitment should manifest in increased government funding for space technology research and development, incentives for businesses investing in this sector, and the establishment of robust policies that prioritize national over foreign interests in critical communications infrastructure.
Let us unite—policymakers, industry leaders, and the technology community—to forge a path toward digital independence. By doing so, we will secure a future where Australia remains resilient and competitive in the global digital economy. It’s time for decisive action to protect and advance our national interests. Let’s champion the creation of a sovereign and secure digital landscape for generations to come.
Kim Chandler McDonald is the Co-Founder and CEO of 3 Steps Data, driving data/digital governance solutions. She is the Global VP of CyAN, an award-winning author, storyteller, and advocate for cybersecurity, digital sovereignty, compliance, governance, and end-user empowerment.
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Please welcome our newest member from Dubai, Abid Malik! Abid Malik isn’t just a GRC and cybersecurity advisor—he’s a strategist who turns risk management into business opportunities. With 20+ years of experience across banking, fintech, and multinational sectors, he helps businesses strengthen security, navigate regulations, …
The Psychological Impacts of Cyberattacks
This is the first episode of a story related to individuals who, in a matter of moments, transition from “employees” to “rescuers” in the immediate aftermath of a destructive cyberattack.
But what is a Hero in the context of a cyberattack? And why should it matter to us or the company?
Generally speaking, the definition of a Hero that could match what we speak about is:
“A real person or fictional character who, in the face of danger, combats adversity through feats of ingenuity, courage, or strength.”
Protecting sensitive information has emerged as a pivotal concern for businesses across various industries. The ability to efficiently safeguard crucial data is now a decisive factor in achieving long-term success. It’s an endless battle, pitting skilled hackers against savvy security experts. The attackers are constantly adapting their tactics, always staying one step ahead. In contrast, security professionals must navigate increasingly complex corporate defense systems, where compromises are often inevitable. This relentless pressure has led to alarming rates of stress and burnout among IT teams dedicated to cybersecurity.
Despite their best efforts, hackers’ attacks can sometimes be successful, leading to system failures and data loss. The company then enters a crisis management mode often described as ‘war’ mode. Those managing these crises often employ language evocative of war, suggesting a fight for the company’s survival and the preservation of jobs.
In the immediate aftermath of the crisis, the company’s survival hinges on a select group of individuals who swiftly transform from regular employees into rescuers. These remarkable Heroes work relentlessly under immense pressure and stress, often for days or even weeks, with a singular focus: to prevent the company’s collapse and safeguard their colleagues’ jobs. Their dedication and tireless efforts are crucial in stabilizing the situation, ensuring that the company remains operational and that their fellow employees do not face the threat of unemployment.
Fortunately, most rescue efforts are successful, though they may take time and only partially resolve the issues. However, a more prolonged and lesser-known struggle continues, as the affected computer networks must undergo extensive cleanup and restoration while their security measures are strengthened.
Those who are hailed as heroes often face challenges adapting to their new reality, feeling misunderstood and overlooked despite their significant accomplishments. They fluctuate between feelings of frustration and neglect. Several months later, a cyberattack sparks a new round of consequences, this time directly impacting people’s well-being. Overlooked, fatigued, overburdened, and sick, these heroes may be at risk of burning out.
The fact that these people are sick, unmotivated, or even leaving the company will inevitably have a negative impact on managing corrective measures after the crisis. While external consultants or new employees may fill the void left by these absences, the loss of knowledge will still result in collateral damage due to the lack of expertise and institutional memory.
And don’t forget:
“Cyberattacks are like mosquitoes: you don’t see them coming, but they can ruin your night (and your data)!”
“And some, like tiger mosquitoes, can even ruin your life …”
Didier Annet is an Operational & Data Resilience Specialist and a Certified Professional Coach dedicated to empowering individuals and teams to navigate the complexities of an ever-changing digital landscape.
Find him on LinkedIn: Didier Annet
Learn more in his book:
Guide de survie aux cyberattaques en entreprise et à leurs conséquences psychologiques: Que fait-on des Héros ? (French Edition) – Available on Amazon
Coming soon: The English version – “What Happens to Heroes”
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In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, organizations face unprecedented challenges that necessitate establishing a robust framework to navigate operational agility and economic security. This document delves into dynamic resilience, harmoniously integrating these vital components to foster sustainable growth, adaptability, and long-term success. Through a comprehensive examination of the interplay between agility and security, we aim to provide in-depth insights and actionable strategies for how organizations can survive and thrive amid uncertainty, utilizing digital transformation as a powerful catalyst for innovation and stability.
The modern era of digitalization has introduced a new business model marked by the rapid evolution of technologies, shifting customer behaviour, and volatile markets. As organizations compete to remain competitive in this high-velocity world, the imperative for operational agility—acquiring the capacity to respond rapidly to environmental changes—has arisen. However, this flexibility must be complemented by a robust foundation of economic security, guaranteeing that organizations can ride out any probable disruptions and remain financially secure. Dynamic resilience, therefore, emerges as an imperative framework for attaining this delicate balance, enabling organizations to balance their operational capabilities with enhanced security protocols.
Dynamic resilience encapsulates the inherent capacity of an organization to adapt, respond, and thrive amid complicated adversity while safeguarding its core functions and maintaining economic viability. It comprises several key elements:
Through cultivating dynamic resilience, organizations can cope with current challenges efficaciously and prepare for and respond to future discontinuities, setting themselves up for long-term success and expansion.
The realization of dynamic resilience depends on a delicate sense of the interplay between agility and security. As agility promotes quick decision-making and flexibility in operations, security protocols tend to introduce levels of complexity that can undermine those qualities. Organizations must, therefore, attempt to balance these factors carefully to create a seamless operating environment:
For organizations to successfully operationalize the dynamic resilience framework, they have to implement the following strategic steps:
Amidst relentless digital transformation, companies must discover and embrace dynamic resilience as an essential strategic necessity. By combining operational flexibility with strong economic security, businesses are well-positioned to ride current challenges and best positioned for future growth, adaptability, and innovation. The model presented in this paper is a comprehensive framework for organizations that aim to thrive in an ever-more complex and uncertain world, ensuring that they are resilient and robust in the face of change.
Rupesh Shirke, CISSP
Critical Infrastructure Protection | ICS/OT Cybersecurity | Mentor | Speaker | Writer | Global Advisor | Volunteer | Driving Resilient Solutions for a Secure Future
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