NSW FACS creates CISO role

NSW’s Department of Family and Community Services will shortly hire its first-ever chief information security officer to ensure its security posture is up to scratch.

The department has created the role to safeguard its systems, which are used to provide services to some 800,000 people every year.

A spokesperson told iTnews that the role was the result of the department's "increased focus on information and cyber security".

The new CISO will be responsible for “ensur[ing] compliance to deliver secure and reliable systems” across the department, with a particular focus on the development of the ICT security strategy and other frameworks and policies.

The executive will also “manage, measure and monitor information security threats, incidents  and investigations to ensure the timely response and containment of security issues”.

The CISO will report directly to the deputy chief information officer, and provide “strategic and technical advice” advice.

FACS is offering the successful applicant an annual package worth up to $225,056.

NSW agencies were blasted by the state’s auditor-general earlier this year for lacking the capacity to react to cyber security incidents.

Protection of databases containing personal information was thrust into the limelight last week when NSW Family Planning was hit by a ransomware attack that reportedly affected 8000 people.