The event focused on strategies for staying ahead of adversaries, developing detection and prevention strategies, prioritising vulnerabilities, and strengthening security operations centre (SOC) capabilities.

Our Head of Technology and Security, Melissa Lumley was invited to participate in a panel discussion at the Operational Technology (OT) Cyber Resilience Summit NSW 2024 in Sydney last week. This event brought together an array of security leaders to share their strategic and technical expertise and offer practical takeaways on how best to protect OT in your business.

The panel ‘Managing Vulnerabilities and Prioritising Risk in the Evolving Threat Landscape’ focused on, addressing strategies for staying ahead of adversaries, developing detection and prevention strategies, prioritising vulnerabilities, and strengthening security operations centre (SOC) capabilities.

Managing risks involves staying informed about threats, implementing security measures, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and awareness. Melissa highlighted several important takeaways from the event:

  • Insider risk is an important factor when securing your environment. Use your procurement teams as your first line of defence where possible to ensure that third parties are suitably scrutinised.
  • Proactive threat intelligence gathering, regular security assessments, and a layered defence strategy, including both technological solutions and employee training, are effective strategies to stay ahead of adversaries.
  • Prioritise vulnerability treatment based on the potential impact and likelihood of exploitation, then aligning with business requirements such as legal and regulatory responsibilities. 
  • Manage critical incidents with a well-defined incident response plan that includes containment, eradication, and recovery processes.
  • Continuous monitoring, incident response drills, and skilled personnel are best practices for SOC capabilities. Successful segmentation limits lateral movement within the network and contains breaches.

We are proud of Melissa’s significant contribution to this important discussion on enhancing our cybersecurity measures. As a woman in tech and information security, Melissa has not only provided us with her valuable insights and expertise but has also served as an inspiring example of diversity and excellence in this field. Her analysis of emerging cybersecurity trends and her recommendations for proactive defence strategies are invaluable to our organisation.

Her input will play a crucial role in shaping our future cybersecurity initiatives. By implementing the strategies and best practices outlined, we aim to fortify our defences against potential cyber threats and ensure the safety and integrity of our data. Melissa’s work exemplifies our commitment to staying ahead of the curve in cybersecurity and continuously improving our security.

“Being a woman in technology is not just about breaking barriers; it’s about shattering expectations and setting new standards. It’s about bringing unique perspectives to the table and driving innovation through diversity, so as a woman in technology, participating in the OT Cyber Summit panel discussion was a remarkable experience.

 It was an honour to share the stage with other industry leaders and contribute to the vital conversation on cybersecurity. The collective wisdom and diverse perspectives presented were not only empowering but also a testament to the progress we’ve made in the field. This summit was a shining example of how collaboration and knowledge exchange can lead to innovative solutions and a stronger security posture for all. It’s a reminder that when we come together, we can tackle the most complex challenges and pave the way for a more secure future.”

Melissa’s achievements reflect the important contributions of women in the technology sector. Her leadership and expertise underscore the importance of diverse perspectives in tackling complex security challenges.

Her success story is a testament to the positive impact that diversity can bring to the tech industry and our ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity in all areas of our business.