CyberConnect: Bridging Vancouver's Cyber Community

From the President's Desk:

I am thrilled to share key insights and exciting upcoming events with our ISACA Vancouver Chapter community. Our mission to position Vancouver as a leading cyber hub is gaining momentum, and community engagement, particularly within the business sector, is vital to our success.

Celebrating Partnerships and Progress

A special thank you goes out to IBM and GlassHouse Systems for a fantastic executive dinner at Glowbal, where we explored the nuances of Data Security in a Hybrid Cloud Environment. The evening was insightful! The 2024 IBM Breach Report was mentioned and provided eye-opening data from over 600 organizations that experienced breaches:

• The global average cost of a data breach in 2024 has soared to a record $4.88M USD, marking a 10% increase from last year.
• The most common type of data stolen or compromised was customer PII, at 46%. Gartner predicts that 75% of the world’s population will have its personal data covered under modern privacy regulations by year end.
• Breaches involving stolen or compromised credentials took the longest to identify and contain (292 days) of any attack vector.

Our keynote speaker, Ian Wight , Global Ambassador for IBM Security, introduced us to the multi-layered data security model. He offered a take on data security using a car analogy that really drove the point home! Picture this: You're in a sports car, approaching a sharp curve. The top-notch braking system allows you to tackle this curve at speed, confidently and safely. Similarly, in the world of digital innovation, data security controls are like those brakes. They don't just slow us down; they enable us to deploy technologies like AI and big data, all while safeguarding our sensitive data.

Data Security Explained: Car Safety Edition

So, here's a fun spin on how data security controls work, using car features! Just like you wouldn't hit the road without your seatbelt and GPS, these controls ensure you navigate the digital highway safely.

• Access Controls: These are like your car’s remote keyless system. Just like you need the correct key fob to unlock the car and start the engine, access controls ensure that only authorized individuals can access sensitive data.
• Multi-factor Authentication (MFA): This is similar to having both a car key and a security code (an app) to start your car. It's that extra step that makes sure the person starting the car is really supposed to be behind the wheel.
• Regular Audits and Monitoring: Think of this as the check engine light on your dashboard. It keeps an eye on your car’s health and alerts you when something needs to be checked or fixed, helping you maintain optimal performance.
• Data Backup and Recovery Procedures: Picture this as your spare tire. Just in case you get a flat, you have a backup ready to go that gets you back on the road without delay, ensuring minimal disruption to your travel plans.

Securing the Future: A Multi-Layered Approach

Adopting a multi-layered security strategy is akin to equipping your vehicle with the best safety features for a long journey—it's about preparedness and resilience. Each layer acts like a different safety protocol in a car, from seat belts to airbags to anti-lock brakes, collectively ensuring comprehensive protection. Even if one system encounters a hiccup, others stand ready to safeguard your most valuable asset—your data.

Thanks again to Eric Cranfield , Funmilayo Alamu, FSM , Jeff Wilson , Andrew Lyall for partnering with ISACA Vancouver! Also, a special callout to Rob Davidson for participating on the data security panel with IBM and Glasshouse Systems! Officially, you are my favorite CISO!!

Upcoming Event Alert: Cyber BBQ & Insights with OWASP

Mark your calendars for August 21st! We are hosting a joint barbecue with OWASP? Foundation Vancouver Chapter at Stanley Park. This casual meetup is an excellent opportunity for ISACA and OWASP members to network, exchange ideas, and enjoy some fantastic barbecue. The OWASP Foundation, with its commitment to open-source security best practices, combined with ISACA’s expertise in IT systems auditing, risk management, and cyber security, sets the stage for a powerhouse of learning and collaboration.

Let’s gather to strengthen our connections and expand our knowledge in the relaxing backdrop of Stanley Park. This event promises to be not just fun but a fertile ground for sowing seeds of innovative security solutions for Vancouver and beyond. Thank you Farshad Abasi for supporting this event.

Looking Forward

Engaging with each of you, sharing insights, and fostering a collaborative environment are what drive our chapter forward. Together, we are not just participating in the global cybersecurity landscape; we are actively shaping it to be more resilient and innovative. Thank you for your continued dedication and enthusiasm.

Warm regards,

Mary Carmichael CPA CMA, CISM, CISA, CRISC

President, ISACA Vancouver Chapter