HUMAN BEHAVIOUR STILL
SECURITY'S WEAKEST LINK

     

Cliftons Perth's 2nd training centre NOW OPEN!

     
     
Contributed by David Lewis
Fulcrum Management
     
     

As organisations increasingly look to strengthen operational security, we urgently need to move beyond the basics of anti-virus, anti-spam, intrusion detection and firewall protection.

As acknowledged world expert in cryptography, Bruce Schneier, sees it, the mathematics behind most security products is strong. However, poor programming habits and implementation – coupled with our human tendency to want to circumvent security measures – means malicious software and hackers can still penetrate supposedly secure systems.

On the one hand, we tend to avoid security measures if we feel it stands in the way of our working quickly and ‘efficiently’. And on the other, much security fails simply because we don’t implement it correctly – leading to flaws such as programming backdoors.

This is evident in the constant flow of security updates to products like Microsoft's operating systems, and the constant need for virus and malware updates.

Another major security problem arises when trust is abused internally by people with all the appropriate security clearances.

Schneier is emphatic: these problems will never be resolved satisfactorily, and organisations need to instigate policies and procedures for appropriate incident responses to ensure evidence of security breaches and computer-based fraud isn’t lost. They also need to arm themselves with appropriate tools for forensically sound investigation, the results of which must be able to stand up in court if challenged.

Such tools can also be valuable for document retention and eDiscovery compliance. 

Developers such as AccessData (with its recently released FTK 2.0 product), Tableau (with its T35e and T35e R/W SATA & IDE Forensic Bridge), Intelligent Computer Solutions, and others all provide tools and training that allow you to correctly investigate security breaches without losing vital evidence.

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

The brand new training facility is centrally located in Australia Place (Cnr St Georges Terrace and William Street) and is just 4 minutes walk from the current Parmelia House Training Facility. 

Boasting 6 multifunction rooms, Cliftons Australia Place Training Facility can host up to 90 attendees in one room (theatre set-up) and 35 attendees as a computer training room. 

Speak to your Account Manager to arrange your site inspection of the new venue or click here.  

Download facility specifications and floor plan here.

GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION: Tuesday, 15th April 2008. To register your interest to attend this event, email your details to peter.clark@cliftons.com

     
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 

GETTING VALUE FOR YOUR TRAINING DOLLARS

 
 
 

Contributed by Christopher Brooks, First Train Pty Ltd

 
 

In a challenging marketplace, employees are what give companies their market edge. How can companies be confidant that money invested on improving employees’ skills is working or that training programs generate a worthwhile ROI?

In many cases, staff training is obligatory. The 'acceptable' figure for training is about 2% of employment costs (i.e. for an employee on a salary of $60,000 a year, a company should be spending at least $1,200 each year on their training and development).

Companies find the effectiveness of employee and team training difficult to measure. One way that successful employee programs manage this is to look at the difference between training in 'hard' skills and 'soft' skills. 

 
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

Hard skills are easy to measure because they are tangible.  For example, if someone needs to learn web design, they go on a course and then they can design a web page. If they can’t then that indicates that the analysis or process involved in choosing the training course was defunct. 

Soft skills, such as presentation, motivation, managing conflict, can be tested, but this

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

requires greater care. To assess the effectiveness of training, soft skills need to be tested at key stages.   

The first stage is to test what skills need to be acquired.  This can be done through a Training Audit (alternatively known as a Skills and Qualities Profile) which should be designed for a particular individual. 

Next, an Action Plan should be put in place to identify what needs to be achieved.  Then the company must find an appropriate course which clearly meets the desired training outcomes. 

To measure the success of ‘soft’ skills training, companies should conduct after-training meetings where specific goals for soft skills are set and ‘achieve-by’ dates fixed. These need to be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timed. 

Another Training Audit should then be completed in order to measure the change in skill levels.  If the training was successful, then the employee should have demonstrated an improvement in the ‘soft’ skills area and it should have been observed by a manager.  

Action Plans and Training Audits are certainly an administrative burden, but are essential for companies who need to make sure that their employees are giving them the competitive edge they need to succeed.

Make training work for you.

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

About Fulcrum Management

     

Fulcrum Management is dedicated to providing world's best technology, tools and training in forensic computer examination, evidence acquisition and high-speed disk duplication. Its suppliers are recognised and their products used by law enforcement and civil investigators throughout Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia, North America and Europe.  Fulcrum uses Cliftons training and conference / seminar facilities exclusively for all its training courses.

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
www.fulcrum.net.au  
sales@fulcrum.net.au      

ABOUT FIRST TRAIN

T: (02) 9982 9822      

First Train is a Professional Development and Coaching business, offering training in areas of management development and general employee skills.  One-on-one confidential business coaching is offered to owners, directors and managers who wish to grow

       

CLIFTONS BRISBANE HAS EXPANDED!
… LEVEL 24 NOW OPEN FOR BUSINESS

     
     
     
      their business or achieve certain goals.

First Train is the only stop you need to make for all your personnel business development needs.  We can source any training for you, either in-house or through our network of trainers that we are in regular contact with.

For a free 1 hour session to identify your training needs or discuss any training requirements, call 02 8005 1360 or contact Chris directly on
 0405 784071 or at chris@firsttrain.com.au.

     
     
     
     
     
     

On Thursday 28th February, Cliftons Brisbane officially opened its latest addition to the Cliftons fleet; Level 24, comprising 10 of the latest and best, most technologically advanced meeting and seminar rooms in the company. 

Over 100 of Cliftons' valued clients enjoyed some great hospitality, saw the new rooms in their full splendour along with the stunning views of the Brisbane skyline at night. 

Andrew Pierron, QLD & NT State Manager commented "With the Brisbane market so tight on commercial space, this is a very welcome and long awaited requirement, to satisfy the shortage of good quality and well appointed corporate space in Brisbane.'

With above average sized rooms, all with natural light and stunning views of the CBD and beyond, anyone seeing the rooms is booking them almost immediately.

"There is nothing quite like this in Brisbane, with the views, quality of service and high quality product”, said one client.

“In an unprecedented move, we actually had people wanting to book on the night with us,” said Andrew Pierron.

If you didn't get a chance to attend and would like to see the latest of what Cliftons has to offer, please call us on 1800 629 088 to arrange an inspection.

Now there really is more room to learn in Brisbane!

Download facility specifications
 and floor plan here.

     
       
     

Laugh and learn with TWO OF Australia's FUNNIEST PEOPLE!
… Get Happy – Everything you've ever wanted to know about happiness or your money back

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
       
     

The Happiness Institute, in partnership with comedian Anthony Ackroyd and proudly supported by Cliftons, is excited to present "Get Happy – Everything you've ever wanted to know about happiness or your money back!" In this evening seminar you’ll experience the unique combination of Australia’s leading expert in Positive Psychology, Dr. Timothy Sharp of The Happiness Institute, and one of Australia's most successful comedians and a leading speaker on the power of positive energy, Anthony Ackroyd.

Through the marriage of these two wonderful philosophies you’ll learn a range of scientifically proven happiness boosting strategies in a fun and energised atmosphere. 

And because happiness is not just about feeling good, but also doing good, you’ll be able to fully enjoy yourself knowing that all proceeds from the event will be donated to Camp Quality – the wonderful children’s cancer charity where laughter is the best medicine.

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

Date: Thursday, 17th April

     
      Time: 6:00pm
     
     

Venue: Cliftons Sydney Training Facility, Level 6, 190 George Street

       

CLIFTONS MELBOURNE HAS EXPANDED!
… LEVEL 11 NOW OPEN FOR BUSINESS

     

To purchase tickets to this event, please visit  www.thehappinessinstitute.com. Tickets are extremely limited, so get in fast to avoid disappointment!

     
     

On Tuesday, 5th February 2008, Cliftons celebrated 10 years in operation in Melbourne. Over 100 guests joined the festivity and were treated to a tour of Cliftons Melbourne’s latest training venue, level 11, which is currently under construction.

Level 11, 440 Collins St, is now open for business and contains 12 additional conference, seminar and meeting rooms.

Speak to your Account Manager to arrange your site inspection of the new venue or click here.

Download facility specifications and floor plan here.

     
     

This event proudly supports Camp Quality, a non profit organisation that is committed to bringing hope and happiness to every child living with cancer, their families and communities. Visit www.campquality.org.au.

     
     
     
         
     

Come along - laugh, learn, give, and Get Happy!

     
         
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 

CONNECT WITH CLIFTONS AT THESE UPCOMING EVENTS

 
   

QUICK LINKS

 

Future of Insurance and Wealth Management
Date: 26th & 27th March 2008
Location: Hilton Hotel, Sydney
Details: http://www.fst.net.au/conferences.aspx

Young Business Forum / Australian-Israeli Chamber of Commerce Networking Event
Date:
26th March 2008
Location: Cliftons Brisbane Training Facility, 288 Edward Street, Brisbane
Details:
http://www.aicc.org.au/event_list.cfm?region=QLD

Addressing the Healthcare Skills Crisis
Date: 27
th - 28th March 2008
Location: Crowne Plaza Darling Harbour, Sydney
Details: http://
www.informa.com.au/healthcareskills

Electronic Health Record & Data Management Conference
Date: 1st & 2nd April 2008
Location: The Watersedge, Sydney
Details: http://www.iqpc.com.au

The HR Summit 2008
Date: 2nd & 3rd April 2008
Location: Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre
Details: http://www.hrsummit.com.au/

Cliftons Perth Australia Place Grand Opening
Date: 15th April 2008
Location: Cliftons Australia Place, Cnr St Georges Terrace and William Street, Perth
Details: http://www.cliftons.com/page/perth.html

Laugh and learn with two of Australia's funniest people
Date: 17th April 2008
Location: Cliftons Sydney Training Facility
Details: See article

AITD National Conference
Date: 22nd & 23rd April 2008
Location: Australian Technology Park, Sydney
Details: http://www.aitd.com.au/conference

 
 

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