The Northern Beaches Council in Sydney is embarking on a significant cybersecurity initiative as it searches for its first Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). The council, formed by the amalgamation of Manly, Pittwater, and Warringah councils in 2016, is responsible for serving over 260,000 residents and managing substantial revenue, with more than $358 million reported in 2021-2022.
Key Responsibilities of the CISO
The CISO will join the council’s Workforce and Technology Division, reporting directly to the Chief Technology Officer, Michael Turner. Among the core responsibilities of the CISO is the development of a robust security management framework, drawing from leading cybersecurity standards like the Australian Signals Directorate’s Essential Eight controls and America’s National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) cybersecurity framework.
The role of the CISO comes as a direct response to the council’s resilience strategy, adopted in June 2022. This strategy highlights that “cyber attack” and “digital network failure” are among the top six community concerns motivating the need for resilience. It further points out that the council’s preparedness for cyber attacks is relatively low, partly attributed to the diverse ownership structures of digital network systems.
Aligning with Digital Transformation Initiatives
In recent times, the Northern Beaches Council has been actively engaged in several digital projects. These initiatives encompass the implementation of new SAP modules, the rollout of enhanced customer request management systems, and the deployment of advanced reporting tools. The appointment of a CISO underscores the council’s commitment to securing these digital transformation efforts.
The search for a CISO marks a significant step for the Northern Beaches Council in enhancing its cybersecurity posture, aligning with its resilience strategy, and safeguarding critical digital initiatives that serve the community.
