Clearing cybersecurity hurdles: Queensland's sprint to secure the 2032 Olympics

While 2032 still seems far off, the arrival at the midway point of the 2024 Paris Olympics is a timely reminder of the need for Queensland and the country at large to ready itself in terms of cybersecurity preparedness as it looks ahead as host of the XXXV Olympiad. As the saying goes, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." This is especially true for those who will be tasked with securing the online systems and infrastructure, not just of the games themselves, but Australia's government agencies and businesses at large.  

Australia: A High-Profile Target
Australia is already a prime target for cyberattacks. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) reported a 19% increase in data breaches from July to December 2023, with malicious or criminal attacks comprising 67% of these incidents. The upcoming Olympics will only heighten this attention. 

Queensland and Australia must view themselves as high-profile brands, understanding that they are key targets for cyber threats. This is especially vital for government agencies, which consistently rank among the top sectors for data breaches, along with retail, insurance, finance and health services.

In January 2024, Russian hackers executed Australia's largest government cyberattack, infiltrating 65 departments and agencies and compromising 2.5 million documents. This incident underscores the necessity for advanced cybersecurity measures, not just for Olympic organisers but for all sectors driving the economy. 

Laying the Groundwork
To safeguard critical infrastructure and sensitive data from sophisticated cyber threats, robust identity security frameworks are essential, especially as organisations and governments undergo digital transformation. 

Master Identity Security – Act Now
Identity security is crucial for ensuring a great user experience surrounding the games.  

The high profile of the Olympics poses significant identity-related risks, such as data breaches, phishing attacks, credential theft and unauthorised access. These threats highlight the urgent need for AI-driven identity security frameworks to protect data and ensure seamless service delivery. So, what can be done?

Steps to Success in Government Identity Security
In preparing for the challenges ahead, companies should consider the 80/20 principle. By that I mean focus efforts on addressing the top 20% of threats that cause 80% of the damage. This targeted approach optimises resource allocation and prioritises mitigating the most significant risks promptly.

Referring back to the OAIC data, most of the breaches came from credentials falling into the wrong hands through phishing, compromised or stolen credentials, or other means. This what makes identity security so critical.

1. Modernise Identity Governance
Modernising identity governance is paramount. Legacy systems often lack the flexibility and robust security features needed to combat today's sophisticated cyber threats. By adopting modern identity security frameworks, agencies can automate and streamline all identity processes and bolster their security posture. 

2. Embrace a Cloud-First Approach
Adopting a cloud-first strategy enhances scalability, flexibility and security. Cloud solutions provide advanced security features that surpass traditional on-premises systems, reducing ongoing management costs and complexity. 

3. Implement Robust User Controls
Ensuring proper access controls is foundational to maintaining security. Implementing robust user controls and conducting regular access reviews mitigate unauthorised access risks and lower the likelihood of data breaches. 

4. Foster Government Collaboration
Collaboration among government agencies is critical. Sharing threat intelligence and best practices strengthens cybersecurity resilience. As Brisbane prepares for the 2032 Olympics, inter-agency cooperation will be pivotal in safeguarding data and facilitating secure information exchange. There is the need to triangulate with others who are in the same boat and work together collaboratively.

5. Align with Global Security Standards
Adhering to global cybersecurity frameworks, such as the Australian Cyber Security Centre's Essential Eight and NIST standards, ensures comprehensive and up-to-date security measures. This alignment not only fortifies security defenses, but also drives operational efficiencies across government sectors.

By implementing these proactive measures and leveraging modern identity security solutions, government entities can effectively mitigate risks, protect resources and ensure seamless service delivery - and uninterrupted operations - amidst evolving cyber risks.

Addressing the Talent Challenge
One of the biggest challenges is securing adequate resources, especially skilled cybersecurity professionals. The scarcity of talent makes it crucial to leverage AI and automated threat protection to bolster defenses. Utilising advanced technologies can help compensate for resource limitations, ensuring comprehensive protection against emerging risks.

Call to Action
The time to act is now. Queensland must prepare with eyes wide open, ready to face any threat. 

As the state steps onto the global stage, it exposes itself to unprecedented risks. Ensuring comprehensive cybersecurity measures, triangulating strategies with global partners and leveraging modern identity security solutions are imperative. By implementing these strategies, government agencies can secure all identities, protect sensitive data, ensure uninterrupted service delivery and maintain public trust. 

Queensland has the opportunity to set a new standard in cybersecurity preparedness, but the time to act is now. Let's protect the fort and secure our digital future.