Date: 10 April, 2008 - STRATSEC LAUNCHES MELBOURNE OFFICE

stratsec Melbourne was officially launched last week on Thursday 10th April. The question quickly turned to: how do we celebrate this inaugural event?  It was decided that there obviously was not a more exciting way than to invite a selected group clients and security professionals to the Melbourne Supper Club to share a few laughs & thoughts with us.

An esteemed group of professionals was formed to participate as a panel in the stratsec Security Leadership Forum.  Discussing the topic "Security functions and titles: what do they all mean?", our panel members Paul Day (Sensis), Ben Heyes (National Australia Bank) and Andre Da Silva (ANZ Bank) provided some very interesting insights into this issue facing our industry.  The moderator and Melbourne Practice Leader, Lachlan Turner examined the unavoidability that there will always be some confusion about titles, roles and functions in any industry.  

It was discussed that as a relatively young industry, IT security still has some maturing to do.  On a positive note, there are initiatives being undertaken by the Security Professionals who are developing a more common understanding of our roles. Additionally, industry bodies such as AISA provide information and an opportunity to engage in topical discussion.  Within our own organisations though, it seems that our role as security professionals requires a fair bit of educating and influencing others, and this is made easier when defined security and risk frameworks are in place.

Obviously, the panel discussion provoked thought.  We were very pleased to hear our audience joining in and taking advantage of the collective knowledge of the panel and each other.  The audience queried what industry initiatives were being taken in this area, where the lines of responsibilities begin and end for different security teams and even what kept the panel members awake at night!  After graciously and thoughtfully discussing these issues and more, we had a great night of delicious food, drinks and fabulous company.

Thank you to all who attended, those who could not but wished us well and most importantly our biggest thanks go to our panel members ? we could not have done it without you. We enjoyed your company and discussion thoroughly.  The stratsec Melbourne team (Lachie, Barry and Jinan) and the stratsec Partners look forward to one day working with all of you here in sunny Melbourne.

For more information on our capability in Melbourne and surrounding regions please email us at Melbourne@stratsec.net.