TAFE NSW appoints first-ever security chief

TAFE NSW has appointed Rohit Vohra as its first chief information security officer to ensure data within its IT environment is secure.

Rohit Vohra

Vohra took up the newly created position at the agency this week, following a three month search for a security specialist.

TAFE NSW chief information officer David Backley told iTnews the role was created to continue the agency’s “proactive approach” to protecting both its own data and that of its students.

“We identified the need for an information security specialist with responsibility for leadership in security-related strategy, decisions and communication,” he said.

Vohra comes to TAFE NSW with more than 15 year experience in IT and cyber security, most recently as cyber security and risk director at NSW Roads and Maritime Services.

Prior to joining RMS, which was recently absorbed into Transport for NSW as part of this year’s machinery of government changes, he worked as a security and network consultant at Qantas.

Vohra has also spent stints working at Sydney Water, Dell, Ernst & Young, Westfield and QBE Insurance.

Backley said Vohra was “highly regarded” in the cyber security industry and would “provide key insights as TAFE NSW continues to strengthen its internal ICT capabilities”.

“As our new chief information security officer, Rohit will provide TAFE NSW with enhanced capacity to address the growing trend of cyber threats that we are witnessing globally, particularly targeting government.

“His focus will be on helping TAFE NSW safely and securely manage risks to its data, digital environments and maintain compliance with legal and regulatory obligations.”

Vohra’s appointment comes in the same week the agency made the decision to take back the build of its $90 million Oracle-based student management system from DXC-owned integrator Red Rock.

The change of tack will see the agency's IT team deliver the remaining components of the system, which was due to be in place in mid-2019.

This work will include “fine tuning” the system to TAFE NSW’s specifications, as well as integration and configuration.