Mr. Ryan Fraser1, Ms. Nadia Taggart1, Mr. Ben Chiu2
1Aarnet, Australia, 2ARDC, Australia
Biography:
Ryan is the Director, Digital Research at AARNet. Ryan leads AARNet’s engagement in research and delivery of services and infrastructure to support research activities
Nadia Taggart is the Director, Cyber Security Strategic Development, at AARNet
Ben is the Director, Services for the Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC). He holds strategic responsibility for key ARDC services including the Nectar Research Cloud, and the development and operations of services that support researchers to create and use FAIR data. Ben has over two decades of experience in uplifting digital technology, data infrastructure and cybersecurity postures across public, not-for-profit and private sectors.
Abstract:
The academic research sector, the cornerstone of innovation and knowledge for Australia, faces significant challenges in maintaining robust cyber-security measures. This Birds of a Feather (BoF) session aims to identify and discuss the critical gaps in cyber-security within the infrastructure that underpins the sector. Despite the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber-attacks, is the Digital Research Infrastructure (DRI) sector lifting its game to meet the challenges or is there more that we can do?
Key representatives from the sector will frame the concerns and challenges for DRI providers and explore the unique vulnerabilities inherent to the academic research environment, including decentralized infrastructures, open-access policies, and the collaborative nature of research projects.
Additionally, the session will address the disparity in cyber-security maturity levels across institutions, the need for specialized training for researchers, and the challenges posed by the integration of diverse and often outdated legacy systems and different geopolitical influences on research.
Through a collaborative discussion, we aim to identify these gaps and foster a culture of cyber-security awareness. By sharing experiences, best practices, and potential solutions, attendees will contribute to strengthening the overall cyber resilience of the academic research community.
Join us in this vital conversation to protect the integrity and future of academic research from the ever-evolving cyber threats.