Who speaks on behalf of the profession?
Previous comments and articles about the need to build relationships between government and business have generated some discussion.
Clearly, something needs to change and relying on the government simply will not do.
The conversation, however, repeatedly returns to who should speak on behalf of the security profession?
Part of the problem is the nature of security. A head of security for a major corporation, for example, could hardly speak out on security issues for fear of falling foul of their media/communications/branding/marketing department (or communications prevention department, depending on your viewpoint).
In other industries the role would fall to the likes of industry associations or institutes.
The Australian Security Industry Association Limited (ASIAL) performs well in providing member services to primarily small to medium size security providers. ASIS — despite attempts at rebranding as an international organisation — remains resolutely US-centric in content, American in outlook, and swallows up fees without investing in local operations.
The effectiveness of other institutes and associations wax and wane depending on individuals championing their cause. None could claim to be a political force.
The solution would be a platform for meaningful dialogue with a view to communication and cooperation across a range of public and private organisations and issues.
But the dialogue needs to take place between those who know about security and those with the power to do something about it in order to ensure that Australia is prepared to respond and recover from an incident, regardless of the cause.
It is also a dialogue sadly silent today.
Safeguarding Australia 1017 National Security Summit will be addressing the issue of trusted information sharing ina special pre-summit workshop and during the summit proper. Mr Alastair Milroy, former head of the National Crime Authority, will chair the workshop. To find out more, visit: https://safeguardingaustraliasummit.org.au
There needs a fundamental "re branding" exercise when so many IT companies (including telco wannabees) who think IT security is "Security". and too many government sgencies put their security solely in the hands of retired police officers or ex desk clerk military personnel . Security needs to re define itself. Risk Management belongs to the financial sector so what is Security now?
Fearless Security Innovator @ Calamity
7 年Rod, It's all well and good determining who is going to "speak" on behalf of the profession. However what is also required is government leaders who are prepared to "listen". Regrettably the security industry/profession has negligible vote-winning appeal and "more cops" seems to be the popular political agenda as always. I think we all know what it will take to reverse this trend and get politicians to start doing what some of us have been crying out for, for years. That is, a major incident (or should I say *yet another* major incident). ASIAL do some good work on a day to day level, although I continue to regret that it is represented on stage by 'life members' who are among the biggest spivs I've ever come across and a relic of the security industry we can do without.
Security Consultant | Anti-Graffiti Strategist | Problem Solver
7 年I think it is probably up to a collective of individuals who want to drive change to become the voice. The right people with the right attitude and who knows what good things can be achieved. While it's a nice thought that groups like ASIAL might contribute, they are focussed on other things.
Long-time security affairs writer, communications trainer and special advisor.
7 年Based on feedback and information, I have arranged a workshop on trusted information sharing: https://securityisyourbusiness.com/2017/04/networks-key-sharing-information/
Sadly many groups have run misguided agendas, or individuals have used it as a platform to 'pat themselves on the back' rather than achieve structural change or fundamental reform. I don't have all the answers, but perhaps the first item would be to honestly review and learn from the recent history.