Building digital trust key to stemming rise in cyber attacks

Following the recent rise in cybersecurity attacks, a greater focus on building digital trust in people, systems and data may help to position organisations to mitigate this risk, says the new MD of BSI Australia, the global standards and business improvement company.

Charlene Loo, joined BSI Australia and New Zealand in 2017 after a career in finance and IT spanning companies including Navitas and The Australian Human Resources Institute.

As Managing Director at BSI Singapore, Loo collaborated with a government agency to launch a cybersafe program resulting in Singapore being voted as the top campaigner for the program.

Evidence from the OAIC suggests that several major data breaches impacted millions of Australians' personal information in the second half of 2022. In that light, Loo suggests senior leaders have the potential to be better able to protect their client data by adopting the most proficient and best-in-class cybersecurity strategies available within their organisations.

Loo is encouraging organisations to consider developing greater levels of trust and resilience in how data is gathered, shared and protected for the long-term benefit of their operations, clients and society.

Loo arrives at an exciting moment for BSI in the region, with a renewed drive to grow the business through a culture of innovation and fostering strategic partnerships. Loo will take over from Chris Meehan, Chief Operating Officer, who has been acting as interim MD since December 2022.

"Given today's cyber threat landscape and the emergence of new technologies, organisations focused on the future will be those that have the correct protocols, policies and procedures in place to keep their information safe, data secure and infrastructure robust," says  Charlene Loo, Managing Director, BSI Australia and New Zealand.

"The pandemic, remote working, increased digitisation and the changing regulatory landscape have impacted business models and the types of risks organisations now face. A best practice approach to managing information as an asset is becoming crucially important to create a more secure digital world.

"When digital trust is baked in, this helps instil confidence that an organisation empowers its people, systems and technology to ensure safety, security, compliance, privacy and its ethical responsibilities are met," says Loo.

"Digital transformation is becoming central to how we do business, how we live and how society operates. Embedding digital trust in the areas of information security, cybersecurity and privacy has the potential to accelerate progress towards a sustainable world.

"If there were a collective push now and focus on digital governance, privacy and risk management, this could significantly reduce cybersecurity breaches, increase greater levels of trust in engaging in things digitally and give way to the opportunities that new technologies and the digital world present."

Commenting on her new role, Loo, says, "I'm excited to be joining BSI Australia and New Zealand at this exciting time of growth. 

"BSI has so much to offer organisations from helping them turn ambition into action on their journey to net zero to embracing digital transformation or prioritising the well-being of their employees.

"I'm looking forward to continuing the great work of the team in forging enduring relationships with organisations, enabling continuous innovation and bringing insights to key issues facing people, organisations and society."

Michael Lam, BSI Managing Director of APAC Assurance, adds, "As a dynamic, experienced and purpose-driven business leader, Charlene will be well-placed to help organisations across Australia and New Zealand to make progress towards a sustainable and digitally secure world.

"I'm thrilled to have this opportunity to continue to work together, and I know she will be a terrific asset to the business."