Looking back to move forward: thirty years of experience guiding the way

MARTY MOLLOY

By Marty Molloy, Events, Marketing and Communications Coordinator at AusCERT

It is common today to hear, or be told, not to look back too often or to ponder what may have been if different choices had been made. Conversely, age-old wisdom suggests ignoring past experiences, be they good or bad, could mean overlooking important lessons.

As in so many matters, the wisdom of Star Wars provides guidance. To quote that wise little green creature, Yoda, “Mind what you have learned. Save you it can.”

Understanding the consequences of past choices and resolving any lingering issues can facilitate personal and professional growth and development. Retaining what one has learned can smooth the path to success and reduce the time needed to achieve it.

As AusCERT approaches its 30th birthday in 2023 our team has discussed the value and importance of looking back to see our way forward. First is the capacity to predict trends. This may seem to be of little value in an ever-evolving industry such as cyber where many attack techniques appear to have been discontinued. However, many have merely lain dormant. Opportunistic attackers will look for the right moment to deploy a proven method to further their aims.

Understanding what led to the original incursion—the weaknesses of a system, human error, an oversight in the firewall—can reduce the potential for a new breach or ransomware attack.

Knowledge of past incursions and attack techniques can produce another benefit: increased speed of learning. Insight gained from past endeavours can enable future outcomes to be achieved faster and with less effort. Security measures based on the evaluation of previous results will help guide staff in their decision-making, shorten the learning process and create more efficient and proficient staff.

However, mistakes will continue to be made. Everyone makes mistakes. The adage that we learn from our mistakes is highly pertinent to this article. Mistakes enable us to become stronger. They prepare us to deal with what is to come, today and tomorrow.

And this knowledge can be shared. Whether it comes from a predecessor in your current role or someone in another department within your organisation, chances are that people close to you have already walked the path you tread. So, seek their advice and guidance to help improve your chances of success.

Collaboration does not guarantee success, but it does provide insight and knowledge and helps identify the skills and abilities needed to undertake the task in hand.

With AusCERT’s 30th birthday approaching we are looking back to see how far we have come, with particular focus on our achievements and successes. Whilst it is pertinent to learn from our mistakes and seek improvement, celebrating our accomplishments emboldens individuals and teams to undertake new challenges with enthusiasm and positivity.

Opportunity and preparation are often identified as key success factors. Learning and innovating also increase the likelihood of a positive outcome.

Whilst not everything is under the control of an individual or organisation, the ability to create opportunities, plan, learn and innovate is greatly enhanced with the benefit of reflection.

Yoda also said, “Impossible to see, the future is.” However, by understanding and referencing previous experiences we can better equip ourselves to make insightful decisions, move forward adroitly and embrace the potential of the present.

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