2023 Wrapped

This will be my last newsletter for 2023 and it marks 6 months since I started writing it, with 26 editions now in the bag.

We've talked about everything from Taylor Swift to AI, from deepfakes to Barbie and everything in between.

This newsletter has been a way for me to share my thoughts on what is happening in the industry, and it's a tool I can use for reflection on what's happened over the course of the year.

Like Spotify wrapped, I've looked through the analytics, and I've collated my favourite parts of each edition, and what appears to have been your favourite.

I'm heading overseas on Friday and will be taking a break for a few weeks from the newsletter, ready to come back in January to chat every Monday about what's happening in the world of Cyber, until then enjoy my 2023 wrapped for 'It's Monday, Let's Chat'

The Real Cost of a Data Breach

Australia has seen some of the largest data breaches in history in the past twelve months, and to target this upwards trend the Australian government is revising its Cyber Security frameworks and policies to strengthen resilience against threat actors.

Australian businesses cannot solely rely on the government's cybersecurity initiatives, each individual business needs to continue lifting this standard with?additional prevention controls, or the consequences of a data breach could cost more than a hefty fine. ?? ?? ??

The Barbie Revolution : Empowering Women in Tech

Despite their achievements, women continue to be underrepresented in the tech industry. According to various studies, women hold only a small percentage of technical roles, 26.7% to be exact, and the gender gap is even more pronounced in leadership positions. This disparity is a reflection of the societal conditioning that limits girls' aspirations and discourages them from pursuing careers in STEM fields.

To Thread or not to Thread?

Spot your Red Flags ?? ?? ??

It's easy for privacy professionals to understand the extent of the issue here, however, how many of Threads downloads are privacy experts? I'd hazard a guess at 1% meaning that the other 99% of users are oblivious to the extent of information Threads collects from them. As a result, Meta had to delay their launch in the European Union, as the company's data handling and sharing practices are now under scrutiny, potentially violating impending privacy regulations. As this isn't the first time Meta has been in the news for dubious privacy practices, previously having faced fines for the likes of improper data collection and lack of transparency or consent under the GDPR.

Deepfakes and Manipulation

So let's back it up, What are Deepfakes? It's a form of artificial intelligence (AI) that has ushered in a new era of counterfeit images, sounds, and videos, posing serious challenges to authenticity, and privacy.

Understanding Deepfake

Deepfake technology is essentially an AI-driven ball of hoaxed images and sounds, woven together through intricate machine learning algorithms. The result? Fabricated individuals and events that never occurred in reality, like the one above of Morgan Freeman.

This technology has gained notoriety for its malicious applications, where it is exploited to deceive the public, spread misinformation, and manipulate opinions.

https://youtu.be/oxXpB9pSETo

The power of networking

What's your 'WOW factor'?

When you meet new people, especially if they are in a position of hiring, it’s essential to showcase your value and expertise.

Online, share your accomplishments, skills, and experiences! If you’ve recently completed a project or achieved a milestone, don’t be afraid to let your network know. This not only demonstrates your capabilities but also keeps you top of mind for potential opportunities.

2023 Wrapped

That's been just a few of my favourite snippets of the past 6 months, and hopefully, I'll continue this newsletter into 2024. It's been such a useful tool for me for learning, reflecting, and connecting with the community.

See ya in 2024.