Building Resilience in a Disruptive Digital Landscape while Being Green by Design: Addressing the Carbon Footprint in Cybersecurity | An Australian Cyber Conference 2024 in Melbourne Conversation with Sian John | On Location Coverage

Guest: Sian John, Chief Technology Officer, NCC Group

On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/sian-john/

Hosts: 

Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber]

On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martin

Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast & Audio Signals Podcast

On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli

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Episode Notes

During the recent AISA Cyber Conference 2024 in Melbourne, notable figures Sean Martin and Sian John engaged in a compelling conversation about emerging trends and significant topics within the cyber industry. The discussion covered a range of subjects from the importance of availability in operational technology (OT) security to the environmental implications of artificial intelligence (AI) and analytics. Sean Martin noted the communal focus of the conference, highlighting how initiatives driven by members of the industry, like those led by the AISA Perth chapter (as noted by Sian John), contribute significantly to the cybersecurity community.

Sian John MBE provided an in-depth perspective on the global regulatory landscape, pointing out how digital disruption is driving an increase in regulations. She emphasized that privacy regulations now affect more people worldwide than ever before. John observes that while some regions might roll back regulations, the overall trend is increasing around regulatory scrutiny.

Another key topic was the carbon impact of AI and analytics. Sian John pointed out the substantial environmental cost associated with training large language models, referencing research by PwC and Microsoft showcasing the significant carbon footprint involved. She argued for the need to integrate sustainability into technological advancements, coining it 'green by design.'

The conversation also touched on the vital importance of OT security in the context of achieving net-zero carbon emissions and advancing renewable technology. John pointed out that while OT security has been a topic of discussion for some time, the urgency is now heightened as regulatory focus intensifies and renewable energy projects increase. When it comes to triggers that drive action, finance could win out over regulation in this case.

The dialogue also explored the broader implications of security, extending beyond the traditional realms to incorporate business resilience. Martin stressed the necessity for organizations to adopt a risk-aware approach that encompasses both cyber and business risks. He posits that mature organizations, which effectively integrate resilience into their operations, are more adept at navigating regulatory changes and emerging threats.

Finally, the cost of security and operational efficiency was discussed. Both speakers agreed that in a world with rising power costs, the drive towards efficient, sustainable practices is also economically motivated. This underscores the intersection of cost, regulation, and sustainability in today's business strategies. As the conversation drew to a close, the future-oriented outlook shared by both speakers reflected a pragmatic approach to the complexities of modern cybersecurity, emphasizing efficiency, regulatory compl