Join Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect Dr Erdal Ozkaya tonight (7-8:30pm AEST) to hear about current threats and his fascinating doctorate research.
I first met Erdal back in 2012 when he was Chief Technology Officer for an IT infrastructure design company called Fastlane. Erdal’s enthusiasm and vitality was infectious and I couldn’t help but suggest he channel it into postgraduate study.
Erdal soon went on to enroll in one of our cyber security master degrees, later taught some of the subjects, published several best-selling books on cyber security and just last year graduated from our Doctor of IT. Today Erdal “travels the world helping companies to be more secure…
Agenda
• Update on the current international cyber security threat profile
• Erdal’s doctoral journey
• Erdal’s latest book – ‘Inside the Dark Web’
• Q&A
The webinar runs tonight at 7-8:30pm AEST Wednesday 20th March – click below to reserve your ‘seat’:
https://itmasters.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NGviotYcQdaCAD2PTeyllw
@Martin Hale
Erdals update on the current cyber security threat profile
Ransomware Remains a Top Threat: Ransomware attacks continue to evolve and increase in sophistication. They are now more targeted, with attackers often focusing on specific industries or organizations with critical infrastructure. Double and triple extortion tactics are becoming increasingly common, where data is not only encrypted but also stolen and threatened to be leaked or sold if the ransom isn’t paid.
Supply Chain Attacks are on the Rise: The SolarWinds and Kaseya attacks highlighted the vulnerability of supply chains. Attackers are increasingly targeting third-party vendors and software providers to gain access to their customers’ networks. Dr. Ozkaya would likely emphasize the importance of thorough vendor risk assessments and continuous monitoring.
AI and Automation are a Double-Edged Sword: While AI and automation can enhance cybersecurity defenses, they are also being leveraged by attackers. For example, AI-powered phishing attacks are becoming more sophisticated and difficult to detect.
The Rise of Cloud Vulnerabilities: As more organizations adopt cloud services, new attack vectors emerge. Misconfigurations, insecure APIs, and lack of proper access controls can expose sensitive data and systems. Dr. Ozkaya might focus on the need for robust cloud security practices and continuous monitoring of cloud environments.
The Human Element Remains Critical: Social engineering attacks, such as phishing and spear phishing, continue to be a successful tactic for cybercriminals. Dr. Ozkaya would likely reiterate the importance of security awareness training and education for employees.
The Importance of Proactive Defense: With the constantly evolving threat landscape, Dr. Ozkaya would likely advocate for a proactive approach to cybersecurity. This includes threat hunting, vulnerability management, and incident response planning.
Charles Sturt University -CSU
Location: Primarily located in New South Wales, with campuses in Bathurst, Albury-Wodonga, Dubbo, Orange, Port Macquarie, and Wagga Wagga. It also has campuses in the Australian Capital Territory and Victoria.
Type: Public university
Established: 1989, though its history dates back to 1895 with the establishment of the Bathurst Experiment Farm
Named After: Captain Charles Sturt, a British explorer who made significant expeditions into regional New South Wales and South Australia
Focus: It’s the largest regional university in Australia, known for its strong focus on practical, career-oriented education.
Notable Strengths:
- High graduate employment rates (consistently above the national average)
- Wide range of online courses, enabling flexible learning
- Research strengths in various disciplines, including agricultural and veterinary science, education, environmental sciences, and more.
Recent News:
- A research team is co-designing a university-led model to support the health and wellbeing of older adults in the Port Macquarie-Hastings region.
- The university is opening it
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