Digital resilience is essential in today’s interconnected world—it has become a cornerstone of global security and economic stability. As the business landscape rapidly digitises, so does the quantity of data security breaches, with cyber criminals preying on the weaknesses of technologically illiterate businesses. (Mousa, 2024)
Many organisations are legally required to store massive amounts of data for extended periods—making them high-value targets—yet they remain unprepared for a data hacking incident. As Alistair MacGibbon, chief strategy officer at CyberCX, stated, ‘You should never have set-and-forget for any technology or legal situation’. For Australian businesses, prioritising advanced digital security systems and safe, secure cloud storage has never been more critical. (Taylor, 2023)
Digital Resilience Has Become Vital for Business Security
The importance of secure cloud storage and sophisticated data resilience soared during the pandemic, when most organisations shifted to more decentralised ways of working. As businesses’ digital systems became more complex and decentralised, they also became more vulnerable to cyber threats. Particularly because hybrid working models involve connecting devices to unsecured Wi-Fi networks, and this creates gateways for cybercriminals. (Lebre, 2023)
This digital security weakness was exacerbated by the higher chance of human error—the leading cause of cloud data breaches in Australia. When very few businesses offer regular cyber security training for their employees, people can easily make small, unknowing mistakes that put their employer’s data in danger. (Lebre, 2023)
And as the data security of businesses rapidly declined, technological advancements allowed cyber-crime incidents to skyrocket. In the 2021-22 financial year, the number of businesses experiencing cyber-attacks nearly doubled from the year before (Lebre, 2023). According to the Australian Government’s 2023-30 Cyber Security Strategy, “Technological advancements have enabled malicious actors to develop vast data profiles on businesses, individuals and officials for intelligence gathering and commercial purposes,” which means, “Mishandling of sensitive and critical datasets can cause grave damage to Australia’s national interests”. (Taylor, 2023)
Stephen Chey, an expert from a critical infrastructure resilience advisory firm, believes that preparing in advance is the key to business cyber security, recommending that organisations focus on building resilient systems that recover quickly from disruptions—rather than using offensive strategies like retaliatory hacking (Mousa, 2024).
A Slow Transition to Cloud Computing
After the surge in high-profile data hacks in the last couple of years, Australian businesses have finally begun to take action, working to adopt a more holistic approach to resilience by incorporating redundancy and backup systems. Unfortunately, this progress is hindered by lingering confusion around cybersecurity terminology and the general public’s lack of understanding when it comes to digital threats. (Mousa, 2024)
Also, due to the longevity of existing legacy platforms and processes, some businesses remain hesitant to upgrade their data systems. For example, the sprawling Services Australia has only just begun the process of replacing their 12-year-old wide area network with a suite of technologies that enable their teams to operate in a predominately cloud-based environment (Crozier, 2024).
And the fact is, even when businesses do make the shift to upgraded digital systems, this is not a fix-all solution. Although transitioning to cloud computing can make businesses more secure and resilient, they must understand how the service is utilised and how it matches their business’s digital needs in order to ensure effective cyber security.
Building a Future-Fit Network
There are two main offerings for businesses looking to upgrade their system to the cloud: onshore and offshore data management.
Onshore data management remains a popular choice for organisations looking to keep their data and processes within Australia. Companies often appreciate the peace of mind they experience knowing that their most delicate resource is housed in data warehouses within the country, where they can visit the data warehouses and see the security processes in place. This option also ensures business data is being handled in line with Australian data privacy laws.
In contrast, offshore data management enables businesses to tap into a wider network of cloud providers that otherwise would not be available within Australian borders. Companies can access more mature cloud storage solutions and different security structures, and leverage providers with more specialised skills than those available onshore. Ultimately, the choice of data storage service and provider should be carefully considered, with the decision dependent on the size, industry, and risk profile of the business.
Data Security Should Be Synonymous With Storage Solutions
The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) clearly outlines the risks associated with using cloud storage, “Cloud computing, by default, does not provide improved cyber security without effort on behalf of the cloud consumer to perform their security responsibilities in securing the cloud. If not properly managed, maintained and configured, it can increase the risk of a cyber security incident occurring”. (ASD, 2024)
However, with the digitisation and decentralisation of the business landscape, cloud storage capabilities have become an unavoidable necessity. So, trusting your critical business data to the right cloud storage provider is imperative.
When engaging a cloud services provider, businesses should prioritise checking their security protocols.
- What processes and systems do they have in place?
- How often do they assess their security?
- How transparent is their reporting?
- Are they assessed by Infosec Registered Assessors Program (IRAP) assessors (a body of ASD-endorsed cybersecurity professionals)? (ASD, 2020)
Day-To-Day Functionality Also Needs to Be Front of Mind.
- Do they provide the right level of service for your industry?
- Is it a cost-effective solution?
- What are their customer service terms?
- Do you want a provider in your time zone? (ROI CX Solutions)
Navigating a Shifting Landscape
With evolving digital system standards, cyber security threats, and adapting workplace set-ups, managing the digital requirements of a business in 2024 is a challenging feat. And while the complexity of modern digital systems is unavoidable, fostering resilience through an informed understanding of cloud computing and a commitment to current system advancements is crucial for navigating the unpredictable future of cybersecurity. (Mousa, 2024)
Contact the team at CV Check to discuss how the right data storage option can support the safety, security, and flexibility of your business.
References:
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). (2023, June 22). Cyber security incidents double between 2019-20 and 2021-22 [Media release]. https://www.abs.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/cyber-security-incidents-double-between-2019-20-and-2021-22
Australian Signals Directorate (ASD). (2024, January 18). Cloud Assessment and Authorisation. https://www.cyber.gov.au/resources-business-and-government/maintaining-devices-and-systems/cloud-security-guidance/cloud-assessment-and-authorisation
Australian Signals Directorate (ASD). (2020, July 27). Cloud Assessment and Authorisation FAQ.
Crozier, R. (2024, January 10.) Services Australia to overhaul telecoms for first time in 12 years. itnews. https://www.itnews.com.au/news/services-australia-to-overhaul-telecoms-for-first-time-in-12-years-603877
Crozier, R. (2024, July 28). Gov revamps cyber security leadership in ministerial shake-up. itnews. https://www.itnews.com.au/news/gov-revamps-cyber-security-leadership-in-ministerial-shake-up-610178
Lebre, M. (2023, September 19). Navigating remote working cyber risk. Technology Decisions. https://www.technologydecisions.com.au/content/security/article/navigating-remote-working-cyber-risk-443313289
Mousa, N. (2024, September 25). Cybersecurity: Is Australia falling behind the rest of the world? Australian Institute of International Affairs.
ROI CX Solutions. (nd). Onshore vs Offshore: A Guide to Business Outsourcing Options.
https://roicallcentersolutions.com/blog/onshore-offshore-business-outsourcing-guide
Taylor, J. (2023, November 22). Labor to reconsider mandatory data retention laws for companies in light of major hacks. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/nov/22/labor-mandatory-data-retention-laws-companies-hacks-cyber-security-strategy
