Profile IT: ACS Aviation Solutions IT manager Jorge Silveira

Silveria says IT investment needed to stop security threats

Jorge Silveira

Jorge Silveira

Keeping users – and the company – secure is top of mind for ACS Aviation Solutions IT manager Jorge Silveira.

He spoke to Computerworld Australia about the technology projects he is working on at the Melbourne aviation compliance/safety organisation and the challenges he faces in his role.

What does your role as IT manager involve?

It involves overseeing IT operations and solutions which extends to our international offices in Dublin and Tokyo.

What are some of the technology projects you have been working on?

About 50 per cent of our infrastructure is virtualized with Microsoft Hypervisor. We do have some physical devices connected to the network but we have plans to virtualize our entire infrastructure by May 2014.

We faced a challenge with connecting wireless devices to our network, especially iOS devices, so we needed to do mobile device management. That meant we needed to reassess and relearn ways of doing data security leakage prevention.

I recently deployed two WatchGuard XTM 330 unified threat management appliances, one in the Melbourne office and the other in Dublin, Ireland.

In terms of traffic monitoring, I can log into the system and monitor what comes in and out of the network. I can also see what traffic has been blocked and determine whether a packet should be allowed or not. It was crucial to have something reliable and cost effective in place.

We would also like to add a WatchGuard security device for email scanning.

What are some of the challenges you face in your role?

The greatest challenge I face is users of the system. It’s up to me as IT manager to make sure we have a secure environment for business operations while satisfying user requirements. This does not mean we have to welcome every single device to the network. However, if we are unable to provide access for certain devices, we have an obligation to provide alternative solutions for users where they can still work to the best of their ability.

What are the issues facing IT managers today?

IT budgets are limited. However, the day you stop investing in IT is the day you need to start worrying because security threats evolve every day.

What is your favourite gadget?

My iPhone 4S. I can use it for remote desktop access when I’m on the road.

Follow Hamish Barwick on Twitter: @HamishBarwick

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