INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Enterprise Security

That’ s why organisations must look beyond tick-box compliance and adopt a security-first mindset, one that delivers precise, fitfor-purpose protection tailored to their specific risk profile and operational needs.

This means taking a proactive approach to security: assessing threat exposure regularly, implementing best-practice frameworks like the Essential Eight and ensuring cybersecurity is integrated into business planning without adding unnecessary complexity. In sectors that rely on shared infrastructure or supply chains, coordinated threat response and collective defence strategies are essential.

Anthony Daniel, Managing Director for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, WatchGuard Technologies, on going beyond compliance.

In financial services, reported cyberattacks have declined for the first time in years, a move largely credited to stronger regulatory frameworks such as Australia’ s CPS 234, the forthcoming Security of Critical Infrastructure( SOCI) reforms and greater alignment with international standards. These measures have certainly bolstered resilience in critical sectors.

As regulated industries strengthen their defences, cybercriminals are turning their attention elsewhere. Less-regulated sectors, with broader attack surfaces and fewer safeguards, are becoming prime targets. The surge in attacks on Australian SMEs and their supply chains makes one thing clear: compliance alone isn’ t enough. True resilience demands adaptive protection that reflects how organisations operate in practice.

Regulation plays a vital role in improving a nation’ s cybersecurity posture. However, in a country as economically diverse as Australia, spanning mining, logistics, education, retail and more, it’ s not always feasible to enforce uniform regulatory compliance across all industries.

MSPs supporting businesses in more vulnerable industries must focus on delivering security that is both robust and operationally aligned. A Unified Security Platform, with its centralised management, real-time visibility and automated threat detection, enables MSPs to protect evolving environments while supporting compliance with APRA, the ACSC, and other standards.

Just as important is building a culture of awareness. Many attacks still succeed not because of tech failure but due to human error. MSPs play a vital role in educating users across all levels of the business. Empowering teams to detect threats within their unique operational workflows not only reduces exposure, but it fosters a sense of shared responsibility that supports Australia’ s broader goals for cyber maturity.

By consolidating tools, automating incident response and providing security that fits the way businesses operate, MSPs can help shift organisations from reactive to truly resilient. Cybersecurity shouldn’ t be bloated or burdensome, it should be sharp, agile and purpose-built.

As attackers grow more coordinated and calculated, our defences must be smarter, leaner and more responsive. In 2025 and beyond, a security-first mindset is no longer a nice-to-have, it’ s essential.

Businesses need to move beyond baseline compliance. What’ s required is real security for the real world: integrated, streamlined and always aligned with the operational realities of modern Australian organisations. That means embracing solutions that can scale with evolving operations, adapt to emerging threats and protect what matters most.

Protecting what matters most requires more than just compliance – it demands solutions that are built for reality and ready for what’ s next. p

68 INTELLIGENTCIO APAC www. intelligentcio. com