BMIT is thrilled to announce the second edition of its flagship conference, The Cybersecurity Imperative, to be held on 14 May 2024 at the Hyatt Regency, St Julian’s.
The theme of this year’s conference is ‘Building resiliency today for a secure tomorrow’.
This year’s theme
In an ideal world, every organisation would have a robust security posture, good governance and risk management policies and processes, and detailed plans for disaster recovery and business continuity.
In an ideal world!
Building a resilient business is very much the flavour of the moment, particularly in the financial services industry, thanks to the EU’s Digital Operational Resilience Act, or DORA.
While resiliency building is partially driven by regulation, there is a lot more to building a resilient business, and cybersecurity plays a very big role.
We have a great line-up of local and foreign experts, each bringing years of expertise in governance, law, security, and emforcement.
Brian Wagner, our keynote speaker, CTO of Revenir and formerly Head of Compliance EMEA at AWS, will talk about the challenges facing organisations as they strive to be resilience and why they have no choice but to comply.
Inspector Clive Brimmer from the Malta Police will be exploring the statistics and grim reality of fraud and cybercrime in Malta.
Christian Bajada, head of information security at BMIT, will talk about the role of cybersecurity in resiliency building and how compliance is built on a strong understand of technology.
Prof. Dr Andre Xuereb, from Merqury Ltd, will dive into the complex world of cryptography and how quantum computing will play a very important role in security systems and communications in future – for businesses and nation states.
Dione Vella, BMIT’s Chief Digital and Compliance Officer, will talk about the growing role of employees in building resiliency, and why education and training should be tailored and ongoing.
Dr Ian Gauci, from GTG Advocates, will explain why regulation is beneficial for country- and EU-wide harmonisation. He will answer the question is regulation a necessary evil?
BMIT continues to innovate and invest in its international secure private network to meet the growing demands of its customers, ensuring they can depend on the most reliable and resilient network available in Malta.
15 April 2024 – Leading data centre, cloud, and cybersecurity provider BMIT Technologies plc today announced the successful commissioning of a new connection to its international high-speed network, via the PEACE submarine cable to France.
This investment strengthens BMIT’s network position as the most resilient in Malta and the only one utilising five submarine cables out of Malta.
BMIT has been providing reliable networks since 2016, and the new connection expands the network's capacity, introducing an additional layer of resilience by excluding Italy completely from the route. This setup enhances the already robust network, ensuring continuous connectivity to mainland Europe even in the face of unforeseen challenges. BMIT’s network has been designed to 2n specifications, doubling its capacity in a non-fault scenario, and creating a self-healing infrastructure for optimal performance.
Gordon Bezzina, Chief Technology Officer of BMIT Technologies , emphasised the significance of this network commission: “The addition of the PEACE submarine cable link underscores the considerable investment in our network, to provide 100% uptime during incidents. Using all five submarine cables connecting Malta to mainland Europe enhances our network’s resilience and provides our customers peace of mind that their operations will not be impacted when something goes wrong.”
About BMIT Technologies plc
BMIT Technologies plc is a technology company providing infrastructure, hybrid cloud solutions, and advisory, implementation, and management services. The company helps design, build, modernise and manage the systems that clients rely on for growth, security, and success. By applying our extensive expertise, experience, and excellence we enhance customer experience, provide true value, and increase efficiency. Backed by a robust and trusted organisation, best-in-class infrastructure and a talented team of experts across various technology platforms, BMIT Technologies offers an unparalleled technology experience to any business.
As we edge closer to EURO 2024, the excitement builds not just in stadiums and homes but also across digital platforms worldwide. This anticipation brings an immense surge in online traffic, testing the limits of businesses' digital infrastructure. At a time when every second of downtime can equate to lost customers and revenue, ensuring a resilient, secure, and uninterrupted digital experience is paramount.
The Challenge Ahead
The digital age has transformed how we view and engage with global sporting events like EURO 2024. It's not just about live broadcasts anymore; it's about providing a seamless, interactive digital experience that can withstand the high traffic demands of millions of sports enthusiasts around the globe. This challenge requires robust IT infrastructure, sophisticated cybersecurity measures, and a forward-thinking approach to digital readiness.
Gordon Bezzina, CTO at BMIT, will share insights on ensuring your business's infrastructure is resilient enough to handle the demands of high-traffic events and how to protect against DDoS attacks.
Christian Bajada, Head of Information Security at BMIT, will delve into the broader spectrum of cybersecurity, offering strategies to safeguard against a variety of digital threats.
Ivan Galea, Product Manager at BMIT, will explore how staying informed and prepared with the right solutions can help your business navigate and thrive in the face of cyber threats.
Why Attend?
This webinar is about thriving in the digital spotlight of global sporting events. Understanding the importance of cybersecurity, infrastructure resilience, and proactive measures against cyber threats can make the difference between a winning digital experience and being sidelined by unforeseen challenges.
Secure Your Spot
Whether you're an IT professional or a business owner with a keen interest in the behind-the-scenes digital orchestration of major events, this webinar is for you. Don't miss the opportunity to gain invaluable insights and strategies from industry leaders.
Click here to register and ensure your business is prepared to power through EURO2024 and beyond.
We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be an informative and enlightening session!
Cloud computing has evolved into a fundamental component of the modern business landscape, offering numerous advantages such as scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency. However, the migration of data and applications to the cloud has introduced a growing concern for data breaches and cyber threats.
In light of this, comprehending and implementing robust cloud security measures has become imperative.
Navigating the intricacies of cloud security is a complex endeavour, necessitating an understanding of the risks inherent in cloud computing and the adoption of precautions. This guide is designed to illuminate the prominence of cloud security and address its challenges.
The Significance of Cloud Security
Envision an expansive virtual realm where file storage, application access, and intricate processes unfold without the constraints of local devices – this is the essence of cloud computing.
Yet, as our reliance on the cloud deepens, the imperative to shield sensitive data and critical systems from potential cyber threats intensifies. An alarming number of companies acknowledge compromises in their systems, underscoring the pressing need for resilient cybersecurity measures.
Cloud security constitutes a suite of measures designed to safeguard data, applications, identities and infrastructure within the cloud environment. Beyond defence against external threats, benefits include:
Vulnerability Management: Regular security assessments and updates are pivotal in identifying and mitigating potential vulnerabilities within the cloud infrastructure and applications.
Multi-Tenancy Security: Given that cloud environments often host multiple tenants, stringent security protocols prevent data leakage between tenants and uphold individual privacy.
Business Continuity: Implementation of security measures, such as data backups and disaster recovery plans, ensures the seamless continuity of business operations, even in the face of disasters or system failures.
Regulatory Compliance: Facilitating adherence to stringent data protection regulations across industries, cloud security aids in avoiding legal issues and hefty penalties.
Data Loss Prevention: Robust cloud security measures thwart unauthorised access to sensitive information, mitigating the risk of data loss arising from malicious attacks or inadvertent human errors (oversharing of data).
As cyber threats evolve, cloud security transcends mere data protection; it becomes critical to ensure operational continuity and upholding your customer’s trust.
Mitigating Data Breaches in Cloud Security
One of the most pressing concerns within cloud security is the potential for data breaches. As organisations entrust their sensitive information to third-party cloud providers, the risk of unauthorised access increases.
High-profile breaches have highlighted the magnitude of this challenge, illustrating that even major players in the industry are not impervious. In fact, the sheer volume of data stored in the cloud and the diverse entry points for potential attackers amplify the difficulty of safeguarding information and increase the attack surface.
Organisations must employ robust methods and access controls to mitigate this risk. A proactive approach, coupled with regular data security assessments, is imperative to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.
Shared Responsibility in Cloud Security
Cloud security adheres to a shared responsibility model, where specific security duties are divided between the cloud provider and the user. While this collaborative approach enhances efficiency, it can also introduce a level of ambiguity concerning accountability.
In this model, the user is responsible for ensuring security in the cloud. This includes protecting data stored in the cloud, managing data access, securing applications, and implementing client-side encryption.
On the other hand, the cloud service provider is accountable for securing the cloud. This involves safeguarding the foundational infrastructure that supports cloud services, encompassing hardware, software, networks, and facilities.
Failure to comprehend and fulfil these respective responsibilities can create vulnerabilities in an otherwise well-protected system. Unclear roles may lead to security gaps, data breaches and inadequate controls.
Whether you're looking to fortify your existing cloud infrastructure or embarking on a new cloud journey, BMIT is here to empower your business with state-of-the-art security solutions. Let us help you transform these challenges into opportunities, ensuring that your cloud environment is not only resilient and secure but also a catalyst for growth and innovation.
BMIT Technologies plc is proud to announce the attainment of two competencies from Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) - HPE Storage and Data Services, and Data Protection and Disaster Recovery Solutions.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for our team and reinforces our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions in the realm of data management and security.
HPE Storage and Data Services Competency:
The HPE Storage and Data Services competency validates our team's expertise in architecting, implementing, and managing tailored storage solutions to meet the unique needs of our clients. This competency underscores our proficiency in leveraging HPE technologies to empower businesses with the storage solutions they need in a data-centric landscape.
Data Protection and Disaster Recovery Solutions Competency:
The Data Protection and Disaster Recovery Solutions competency from HPE reaffirms our proficiency in architecting resilient and comprehensive strategies to safeguard our clients' critical data assets, providing business continuity assurance, data security and solutions aligned with regulatory compliance requirements.
Sean Cohen, Chief Customer Delivery & Support Services Officer said: “We are committed to providing our clients with the highest standards of innovation and reliability. These competencies represent our commitment to delivering storage solutions that scale seamlessly, data services that optimise efficiency, and disaster recovery strategies that ensure business continuity. These competencies establish us as a trusted partner with the technical know-how and expertise to do so.”
The Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) is part of the EU’s efforts to regulate the digital sector and enhance operational resilience, boost security requirements to reduce threats and risks from the use of ICT and improve institutions’ ability to prevent and deal with ICT related incidents. DORA applies to both digital service providers and financial entities.
When does it come into effect?
It comes into effect on the 17th of January 2025.
Who does DORA impact?
It impacts all finance actors, including banks, insurance companies and investment firms. It also applies to critical 3rd party ICT-related services (cloud platforms, data analytics services) in the 27 EU member states.
DORA is based upon a foundation of five distinct pillars, each representing a fundamental aspect to regulate the digital sector and enhance operational resilience
ICT Risk Management,
ICT-related Incident Management;
Digital Operational Resilience Testing,
ICT Third Party Risk Management
Information Sharing Arrangements.
Is DORA a challenge? The impact of DORA will vary depending on the size of company, number of employees and revenue but more importantly on their security and compliance posture and maturity. However, every industry player must have an ICT framework in place to mitigate cyberthreats and build resilience. This requires investment in resources and technology. Compliance requires time and effort and for some unprepared entities this may be a problem.
How is your DORA roadmap looking?
The clock is running down. You do not want to be scrambling to tick boxes in January 2025. If you are unsure where you stand with DORA or have doubts about your existing policies and technologies, talk to us today and one of our experts will promptly get in touch to discuss how we can meet your specific needs!
Organisations continually face challenges in adapting and innovating to maintain competitiveness. While some challenges arise from market dynamics, others stem from legislative and compliance requirements.
To address these challenges, many organisations, whether by choice or necessity, embrace a framework or standard to streamline processes, enhance overall efficiency, achieve compliance, and, of increasing importance, bolster cyber resilience. Furthermore, adopting such standards can facilitate communication and collaboration within and across the organisation.
The choice of a framework or standard depends on various factors, including the organisation's needs, its specific objectives, legal obligations, and client demands.
For instance, financial services entities may seek compliance with the Payment Card Industry's PCI DSS or the more recent European Union's Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA). Technology companies might prioritize ISO 27001 or the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, while quality-focused organisations may opt for the ISO 9001 standard. Large enterprises often find value in Cobit 5.
Regardless of the chosen framework or standard, three common elements emerge:
Defining purpose: The organisation selects a framework or standard with a clear purpose in mind, often aligning with industry-specific criteria.
Adherence to criteria: Organisations adhere to specific criteria relevant to their industry when choosing a framework or standard.
Evidence and outcomes: Successful implementation of the framework or standard is a primary outcome, supported by thorough documentation, established processes, and clear responsibilities.
However, it's crucial to recognise that successful implementation isn't solely based on initial adoption. It hinges on a commitment to continuous improvement. Falling into the pitfall of complacency can lead to several challenges:
Without ongoing improvement efforts, processes can stagnate and become outdated, impeding adaptability to changing circumstances.
Over time, inefficiencies can creep into processes, eroding the initial benefits gained from implementing the framework.
Failing to evolve with industry best practices, technology, and methodologies can result in missed opportunities for innovation and growth.
Continuous improvement represents a dynamic approach that necessitates regular assessment, refinement, and optimisation of processes within the framework. Externally, this entails staying updated with industry developments, gathering feedback, and making necessary adjustments to continually enhance performance. Internally, continuously measure, identify failures and inefficiencies, learn from incidents and implement necessary changes, required to always provide a robust echo system on which the organization can continue to grow
Adaptability: It ensures the organisation remains adaptable and responsive to changing business environments, maintaining a competitive edge.
Enhanced efficiency: Regular review and refinement of processes identify and eliminate bottlenecks, reducing waste and increasing overall efficiency.
Customer satisfaction: It helps organisations better meet customer needs and expectations, resulting in higher satisfaction and loyalty.
Compliance: Continuous improvement efforts ensure ongoing compliance with evolving regulations and best practices, preventing costly penalties.
Employee engagement: Involving employees in the improvement process fosters collaboration and innovation, boosting morale and retention.
Innovation: Constantly seeking improvements can lead to innovative breakthroughs and new growth opportunities.
To ensure continuous improvement and valid outcomes, organisations should take the following steps:
Conduct regular assessments of processes to identify areas for improvement, including internal audits, customer feedback analysis, and benchmarking against industry leaders.
Use data and metrics to inform improvement efforts, as data-driven decisions are more likely to result in meaningful enhancements.
Encourage employees at all levels to contribute ideas and feedback for improvement, as they often possess valuable insights into processes.
Clearly document any changes made to processes or procedures resulting from continuous improvement efforts to ensure consistency and compliance.
Keep employees informed about changes and provide training as needed to ensure successful implementation.
Continuously monitor the impact of improvements and be willing to make further adjustments as necessary to achieve desired outcomes.
Frameworks and standards serve as invaluable tools for organisations aiming for efficiency and excellence. Continuous improvement isn't merely a goal; it's an ongoing process requiring commitment, collaboration, and communication from all compliance stakeholders.
Embracing continuous improvement ensures organisations achieve better compliance results and outcomes, while also enhancing their competitive advantage and value proposition.
Remote work has come a long way from a concept to becoming a way of working that is the norm for many businesses.
The history of remote work goes back several decades to the 1970s when flexitime and early telecommuting initiatives emerged, with companies like IBM leading the way in remote work trends.
The 1990s witnessed a significant boost in remote work's acceptance thanks to the expansion of internet access, enabling remote communication and collaboration, laying the groundwork for today's virtual collaboration tools.
The advent of broadband internet, cloud computing, and mobile technology fostered greater workplace flexibility and over the past 10 years or so, major tech companies started promoting remote work as a strategic approach to tap into global talent and enhance work-life balance, with the rise of digital nomads embodying the freedom and flexibility that remote work offers.
Global events like the Covid pandemic and lockdown, accelerated the adoption of remote work, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of remote work models, as businesses saw the need to keep operations going.
Today, remote work is integral to businesses ensuring business continuity, accessing global talent, and improving employee well-being.
Leveraging Technology for efficiency
Remote work's rise has been powered by remarkable technological innovations. Cloud computing enables access to data and applications from anywhere, fostering collaboration and flexibility. Leading providers like BMIT offer robust cloud solutions essential to remote work.
Advanced communication tools have played a pivotal role. Video conferencing, instant messaging, and collaborative workspaces bridge the gap between remote teams, allowing real-time collaboration. These tools now offer features like screen sharing and virtual whiteboards, making them indispensable for modern remote work.
Cybersecurity measures have also evolved significantly, with VPN technologies, multi-factor authentication, and advanced encryption protecting sensitive data.
Productivity tracking tools help managers monitor and optimise team performance. High-speed internet and 5G technology have eliminated connectivity barriers, making remote work more accessible and efficient.
As technology advances rapidly, remote work has transitioned from a temporary arrangement to a permanent feature of the modern work environment, continually enhanced by technological innovations.
Achieving top performance in remote settings requires self-discipline, efficient use of technology, and a supportive work culture. A well-equipped home office with ergonomic furniture is essential.
Effective time management and maintaining effective communication through digital check-ins ensure task clarity and team alignment.
Continual professional development is vital, aligning with the digital nomad lifestyle and workplace flexibility.
Prioritising mental and physical wellness contributes to overall performance, resonating with the concept of remote workforce mental health.
Embracing these strategies enables remote workers to maintain high performance while balancing personal well-being and professional achievements.
Securing the Remote Workplace
Adapting to remote work presents unique security challenges, especially data security. Robust cybersecurity measures, including advanced firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems, are crucial.
VPN security safeguards remote connections. Employee education on cybersecurity best practices, including phishing recognition and password management, minimizes breach risks. A zero-trust security model reduces potential security breaches.
IT service providers like BMIT offer specialised security solutions, providing security assessments, continuous monitoring, and rapid response services.
Safeguarding the digital workspace in remote settings requires a synergy of advanced technology, informed employee practices, and strategic IT partnerships, ensuring a secure and efficient remote work environment.
Looking ahead
The future of remote work is influenced by ongoing technological innovation and workforce dynamics. AI and machine learning will automate tasks and enhance remote collaboration tools, streamlining workflows.
IoT integration with remote work technology will transform home offices into interactive spaces, further enhancing productivity.
VR/AR technologies will redefine remote training and meetings, providing immersive virtual environments. Emerging hybrid work models will offer flexibility and face-to-face interaction.
A heightened focus on cybersecurity, especially remote work cybersecurity best practices, will be crucial in defending against cyber threats in distributed settings. The evolution of work-life balance, with companies emphasizing mental health and well-being, reflects the growing trend in remote workforce mental health.
The future of remote work promises enhanced flexibility, technological integration, and a focus on well-being, positioning businesses that embrace these trends for success in the new work era.
Traditional security models based on perimeter defence and implicit trust are no longer effective. The notion that what is inside the organisation’s network is trusted and everything outside as untrusted is no longer supported.
Instead, organisations are adopting a more proactive and holistic security strategy that does not trust any user, device, or application, regardless of location, whether inside or outside the network perimeter. This new approach is called Zero Trust.
The core principle behind Zero Trust is “never trust, always verify”. This means that only those who are authenticated and authorised are given access to resources, systems and data. Simply put, every request must be verified and authenticated.
In a recent survey by Optiv all respondents said Zero Trust is important in reducing their organisation’s risk and consider it to be one of the most effective security practices.
Zero Trust is not a product or a solution, but a philosophy and set of principles and best practices that guide security decisions and policies. Zero Trust aims to reduce the attack surface, limit lateral movement, improve visibility, and simplify security operations.
The Optiv survey found that 44% saw the ability to reduce the attacker’s ability to move laterally as one of the top 3 reasons for building a zero trust strategy.
The principles of Zero Trust
“Never trust, always verify” encapsulates what Zero Trust is all about but there are a set of underlying principles that explain the rationale behind this proactive approach to security.
These are:
Verify explicitly: Every request for access or data must be authenticated, authorised, and encrypted, regardless of where it originates, where it is going, or what resource it is accessing.
Use least-privilege access: Users, devices, and applications should only have the minimum level of access and permissions they need to perform their functions.
Assume breach: Zero Trust assumes that attackers are already inside the network and constantly monitors and audits all activities and transactions for signs of malicious behaviour or anomalies.
Micro-segment: The network should be divided into small, isolated segments that have granular security policies and controls. This prevents lateral movement of attackers and contains the impact of a breach to a limited scope.
Automation: Zero Trust requires a high level of visibility and control over the entire digital environment, which can only be achieved by leveraging automation, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to collect, analyse, and act on security data in real time.
Benefits and challenges
A Zero Trust security strategy offers several significant benefits, such as:
• Improved security posture: Zero Trust ensures a higher level of security, leading to a more robust defence against potential threats.
• Reduced risk of data breaches: Zero Trust minimizes the attack surface and prevents unauthorised access, reducing the likelihood of successful data breaches.
• Enhanced compliance and regulatory adherence: Zero Trust frameworks often align with various compliance standards, providing organisations with a structured approach to meet regulatory requirements and maintain data privacy and security.
• Adaptability to modern IT environments: Zero Trust is designed to accommodate complex and dynamic IT infrastructures, ensuring security remains effective in diverse and evolving technology landscapes.
• Simplified access management: Zero Trust's focus on identity-based access reduces the need for complex network segmentation, making access management more straightforward and user-centric.
However, Zero Trust also poses some challenges:
Implementing a Zero Trust model can be complex and require significant planning and coordination. Organisations may need to redesign their existing network architecture, update security policies, and integrate new security technologies.
Many organizations still use legacy systems or applications that might not be fully compatible with a Zero Trust environment. Integrating these systems without compromising security can be a significant challenge. Adopting Zero Trust might demand additional resources, including financial investments and skilled cybersecurity professionals who are knowledgeable in Zero Trust principles and technologies.
It may also require a shift in the organisation's security culture. Employees and stakeholders might be accustomed to the traditional perimeter-based security model, leading to resistance and scepticism about the new strategy. Furthermore, this approach could introduce additional authentication steps and access controls, potentially impacting user experience and productivity.
The first steps towards Zero Trust
Implementing Zero Trust is not a one-time project, but a journey that requires careful planning and execution. A Zero Trust roadmap is a strategic document that outlines the vision, goals, milestones, and actions for achieving Zero Trust in an organisation and this should be your first step.
The roadmap should always be aligned with the business objectives and priorities of the organisation, as well as the current state of its security posture and maturity. It should also be flexible and adaptable to changing needs and circumstances.
This attestationreinforces BMIT’s commitment to protect customer infrastructures entrusted to the company.
12th February 2024, SmartCity Malta - Leading cloud, infrastructure, and cybersecurity provider BMIT today announced the successful achievement of SOC 2 Type 1 attestation, reflecting the company’s efforts to maintain the highest operational standards of security and availability across its infrastructure, systems and processes.
The SOC 2 (Service Organisation Control 2) or ISAE 3000 report is a widely recognised attestation that organisations work towards to show they securely manage and protect their clients’ infrastructures. The Type 1 designation specifically attests that BMIT has implemented the necessary controls to meet the highly stringent criteria of the SOC 2 framework.
“Obtaining SOC 2 Type 1 validates BMIT’s commitment to safeguarding the infrastructures our customers entrust to us and that the company has undergone rigorous third-party scrutiny and has successfully implemented controls to mitigate the risks associated with information security and availability risks. For our customers, the SOC 2 Type 1 attestation is an added layer of assurance that their infrastructure is handled with the utmost attention,” commented Dione Vella, the Chief Officer responsible for compliance at the publicly listed BMIT Group.
BMIT’s CEO Christian Sammut added: “At BMIT we recognise the importance of securing our clients' infrastructure. We are constantly in pursuit of excellence in information security and to ensure we provide our customers with the highest level of confidence in how we protect their information assets.
“Obtaining SOC 2 attestation not only signifies we have robust measures in place to protect customer assets but for our customers it means that they can have confidence that we adhere to industry best practices in data security, fostering trust and transparency in our relationships. It also gives us a competitive edge in the market,” he concluded.
About BMIT Technologies
BMIT Technologies is a technology company providing infrastructure, hybrid cloud solutions, and advisory, implementation, and management services. The company helps design, build, modernise and manage the systems that clients rely on for growth, security, and success. By applying our extensive expertise, experience, and excellence we enhance customer experience, provide true value, and increase efficiency. Backed by a robust and trusted organisation, best-in-class infrastructure and a talented team of experts across various technology platforms, BMIT Technologies offers an unparalleled technology experience to any business.
