Joe Craparotta, Vice President Cloud & Service Providers, Pacific, Schneider Electric
[Sydney, 7 April 2025]: Australia is facing unprecedented cybersecurity challenges. According to IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach report, the latest average cost is a record high of AUD $4.26 million, up 27 percent since 2020. This sharp rise makes two things clear: the time to strengthen digital defences is now and businesses and infrastructure providers alike must act decisively to stay ahead of evolving threats.
As critical infrastructure becomes more connected, the importance of security is growing rapidly. This growth is driven by a sharp increase in global digital activity – there are now 5.45 billion internet users, accounting for 67.1 percent of the world’s population. In parallel, the number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices is rising significantly, expected to grow from 18 billion today to nearly 40 billion by 2033.
Adding to the complexity, Cybersecurity Ventures projects that by 2025, global data storage will exceed 200 zettabytes, with around half of that stored in the cloud. These trends are expanding the digital attack surface and heighten the urgency for robust cybersecurity measures.
An increasingly complex AI cybersecurity landscape
Worldwide, cybercrime caused 8 trillion in damage last year and is expected to reach 10.5 trillion dollars by 2025. Artificial intelligence (AI) adds further complexity to the picture. Even individuals with limited technical experience can now use AI tools to carry out cyberattacks, making it easier than ever to target vulnerable systems. Infrastructure that supports AI and machine learning is particularly exposed, and security is now the top concern for businesses in these areas.
We’re seeing this especially play out as it relates to outdated firmware. Despite the risks, updates are often delayed due to concerns about downtime or complexity. However, skipping updates can expose systems to serious threats.
Data centre infrastructure management (DCIM) tools key to strengthening cyber resilience
One of the initial ways we see organisations taking action is by investing in DCIM tools. At Schneider Electric, we’ve seen firsthand how solutions, like our Network Management Card (NMC), can play a crucial role in protecting today’s hybrid digital environments. The NMC enables secure remote monitoring and management of uninterrupted power supply (UPS) systems, offering real-time alerts, data logging, and firmware updates to support IT teams in managing infrastructure. This technology also helps ensure compliance with cybersecurity regulations, many of which businesses may not even realise apply to them.
The NMC simplifies firmware management across environments and ensures systems stay protected with timely updates and compliance with global security standards, including IEC certification.
Expanding attack surfaces demand better visibility
As more devices are connected, the risk surface continues to grow. DCIM solutions such as NMC’s provide the visibility needed to monitor this growing ecosystem. When enhanced with AI, these tools can identify potential issues before they escalate and recommend proactive steps to mitigate risk. Managing a mix of on-premises, cloud and hybrid environments requires this level of control and adaptability.
With breach costs surging and global cyber risks rising, businesses need robust, future-ready cybersecurity strategies, and secure, standards-based DCIM solutions are a key part of the answer when implemented with expert guidance. By investing in trusted, modern infrastructure and working with experienced partners, organisations can reduce risk, protect data, and maintain operational continuity in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.