Cyber Report:
First Edition

In today's ever-evolving digital landscape, the virtual and real worlds collide, and protecting critical infrastructure and supply chains is imperative. This demands a new approach to protecting our interconnected world through collaboration, shared insights, and unified strategies.

At SAGE Group, we understand that cyber security isn't just about technology; it's about safeguarding society. To ensure we're supporting our clients to do this, we've made it a strategic imperative to enhance our own cyber security capabilities, and cyber is a fundamental aspect of our discussions with you. 

SAGE Group proudly champions innovation and thought leadership in operational technology (OT) cyber security, recently bringing together industry-leading cyber providers in Melbourne for our first Executive Roundtable in a proactive stride towards securing our future.

Insights from the Executive Roundtable are now being made available to the public in our newly developed Cyber Security Report – Demystifying the risk landscape for Australian critical infrastructure and supply chains.

Below are five key takeaways from the nine-page document – available for download on-demand.

Key Takeaways from the Report:

1. Critical Infrastructure is a High-Risk Landscape

All businesses face the constant threat of cyber-attacks, but the stakes for critical infrastructure and supply chains are uniquely high as these organisations play a vital role in the Australian economy. The consequences of these industries falling victim to a successful attack range from financial loss and service disruptions to damaged infrastructure and even the potential loss of human life.

2. The Risks of Transformation

The risks facing OT systems have amplified with the growing trend of connecting OT to IT networks using Industrial Internet-of-Things (IIoT) devices. While this connectivity offers enhanced control and visibility, many OT systems lack the robust protections that modern IT systems enjoy, leaving them vulnerable.

3. Building Capability Rapidly

To meet the mounting cyber security challenges, organisations must adopt a proactive and comprehensive approach. Developing a long-term plan that prioritises security at every stage of the transformation is essential. We need to ensure that security is built into every aspect of our systems.

4. A Shared Responsibility

Cyber security is not a problem for a select few; it's a collective endeavour. The Issues Paper explores the importance of involving a broad spectrum of stakeholders, from leadership to the broader workforce. Cyber security is not merely a technology issue but also a human one, with critical implications for how we work and interact.

5. Strength Through Collaboration

The challenges facing critical infrastructure and supply chain operators are complex, and therefore the power of knowledge sharing is imperative. We must collaborate, both within and between organisations and with government bodies. Sharing insights, threat intelligence, and best practices can help us navigate this ever-changing landscape more effectively.