CSO Group, an Australian-owned cyber security business, has announced the appointment of retired Royal Australian Navy Rear Admiral, Jaimie Hatcher, as its Strategic Advisor. Hatcher, who served in various national security roles during his 36-year career in the Navy, will work closely with CSO Group’s CEO, Michael Simkovic, to enhance security outcomes and identify gaps in government, commercial, and societal cybersecurity systems.
Hatcher is a strong advocate for enhancing cybersecurity in Australia, particularly in response to the increasing proliferation of state-sponsored cyber actors and cyber criminals. He emphasizes that the barrier for entry into cybercrime has significantly lowered, making it crucial for Australia to respond effectively. Hatcher believes that Australia’s governments are already making cyber security a priority across the national security landscape, which sends an important message to all Australians.
The retired Navy Admiral also highlights the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in addressing cyber incidents caused by accidental human error or malicious intent. According to a recent study, 64% of data breaches in Australia last year were due to human error. Hatcher suggests that AI can be an instrumental tool in preventing such incidents.
Hatcher and Simkovic agree that a coherent system-level approach to cybersecurity is necessary for Australian organizations, especially for governments, critical infrastructure providers, and their supply chains, given the threat from nation states. They emphasize the need for a shift in focus from the transaction of security products and services to outcomes and culture.
Hatcher considers his role in CSO Group as an opportunity to contribute to protecting the Australian community and responding to the evolving cyber threats faced by the country. He aims to leverage CSO Group’s expertise and approach to make a positive difference in safeguarding Australia’s economy and institutions.
This appointment reflects the increasing importance placed on cybersecurity in Australia, with a retired Navy Admiral joining forces with a leading cyber security business to address the emerging threats and challenges faced by the nation. The collaboration between Hatcher and CSO Group is expected to provide valuable insights and strategies to enhance Australia’s sovereign security posture.
