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Articles by Mike Franklin
ASD Essentials: Why Australia is moving beyond the Essential Eight.
An organisation can keep its software patched, restrict privileged access and maintain reliable backups, yet remain exposed through a critical technology supplier. Even where technical controls are strong, it may be unclear who should respond to an incident or what a disruption would mean for essential services.
No compliance, no contract: Australia’s sovereign security stack and what it means for you.
If your organisation works with government or defence in Australia (even indirectly), then you are already operating within a compliance framework, whether you realise it or not. This is not a future obligation. It is in force today. It is being audited. And for many organisations, it represents a growing and often unrecognised risk.
Why fragmented cyber programs fail under pressure.
Cyber budgets are rising. Security stacks are expanding. Attacks are increasing year on year. And yet, when incidents hit, many organisations still struggle to answer three basic questions: What’s affected? Who owns the response? What proof do we have? The uncomfortable truth is this: most organisations are not short of cyber controls. They are short of coherence. Tools multiply. Frameworks overlap. Evidence scatters. Ownership blurs. Under pressure, assurance becomes reconstruction.
Diffusé le lundi 22 septembre 2025 à 10:41 Publié le lundi 22 septembre 2025 à 10:41 Ah, les figurants… ces héros de l’ombre censés passer inaperçus. Mais parfois, ce sont eux qui volent la vedette Prenez par exemple "Les Dents de la Mer" de Spielberg. Un figurant traverse l’écran nonchalamment avec un t-shirt écrit « Amity Island Welcomes You ».
MnCEF Welcomes Rachel Stuckey as Program Director
St. Paul, MN – Weber Johnson Public Affairs Group LLC and the Minnesota Conservative Energy Forum (MnCEF) are pleased to welcome Ms. Rachel Stuckey to their teams. Rachel will serve as an Account Director on the Public Affairs team at Weber Johnson where she will organize and consult on behalf of Weber Johnson’s state and national clients. Rachel will also be assuming the role of Program Director with MnCEF, where she will oversee and manage a variety of MnCEF’s lines of programming and advocacy.
Christensen Joins Minnesota Conservative Energy Forum Leadership Council
Former State Legislator and Energy Industry Leader to Advise Free Market Conservative Organization St. Paul, MN – The Board of Directors of the Minnesota Conservative Energy Forum (MnCEF) announced today that former Minnesota State Representative Drew Christensen has been elected to its Leadership Council. “Drew has been an incredible resource to MNCEF during his time in the Legislature and now in the private sector” said Adam Seidel, MNCEF Executive Director.
MnCEF's Testimony in Support of Senator Senjem and Senator Osmek's Legislation on March 14, 2019
On Thursday, March 14, 2019, the Minnesota Senate Energy Committee Chaired by Senator Dave Osmek heard two bills MnCEF was proud to testify in support of. Both Senator Osmek and Senator Senjem showed great leadership with their proposals in the hearing, and MnCEF looks forward to working with them on this and other legislation in the future. Below is MnCEF’s testimony on both bills.
MNCEF Responds to Center of the American Experiment
By Mike Franklin At the Minnesota Conservative Energy Forum (MNCEF), we got a chuckle recently when we saw that our friends at the Center of the American Experiment appeared to be quite literally tilting at windmills. Like some kind of 21st Century Don Quixote, the Center was – unironically – trying to cast wind energy as an enemy that should be slain.
By Mike Franklin Yesterday, the Center of the American Experiment warned its followers to “not be fooled” by the Minnesota Conservative Energy Forum. We’re not sure what they mean by “fooled,” as our message has been particularly clear regarding our mission to inject free market forces into Minnesota’s energy economy. In particular, our wish to achieve our state goal of cleaner and cheaper energy.
Executive Director Adam Seidel's Testimony in House Energy Committee on February 28, 2019 Regarding House File 1683
Thank you Madam Chair and members. My name is Adam Seidel, Executive Director of the Minnesota Conservative Energy Forum. MnCEF promotes and educates on opportunities to modernize our Minnesotan energy economy under strong American principals like free and competitive markets, American innovation, national security, and property rights. MnCEF believes House File 1683 is a good opportunity to discuss these important principles.
Key Changes & Compliance Guide
From threat to impact: Managing cyber risk under the new Cyber Security Bill. The Cyber Security Bill 2024[1] marks a pivotal moment in Australia's cybersecurity landscape, introducing critical reforms aimed at strengthening resilience across businesses and government entities. he legislation incorporates updates to the Limited Use Obligation, IoT security standards, and extends obligations under the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 (SOCI Act).
Managing the web of cybersecurity and control frameworks.
You’ve just ticked the box on that ISO 27000 certification, but before you can celebrate, a major client requests information on your alignment with NIST. Another partner is asking for your SOC2 report. With a sigh, you start the testing process again. Many organisations will have a preferred controls framework to help demonstrate that their operations are secure – but other stakeholders may have other ideas, forcing you to adopt or adapt to multiple control frameworks.
SOCI CIRMP deadlines are looming. Are you ready?
In our interconnected world, the resilience and security of critical infrastructure are crucial. Australia’s Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 (SOCI Act) was established to safeguard the nation’s most vital assets. A key part of this framework is the Critical Infrastructure Risk Management Program (CIRMP), which places obligations on businesses to proactively manage risks across a range of hazard categories.
Growing the NCSC framework
New Zealand’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) Cyber Security Framework[i] is tailored to integrate New Zealand’s specific security needs and cultural values into a comprehensive strategy that spans governance, risk management, and incident response. This strategic approach is critical as it aligns with global best practices while addressing local nuances. However, like any robust system, there is always room for enhancement that could bolster its efficacy.
Future-proofing Australia’s cybersecurity: Expanding the Essential 8.
Australia’s Essential 8 framework, developed by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), provides organisations with a set of foundational cybersecurity measures. However, as cyber threats become more sophisticated, we believe that there are strategic expansions in line with global best practice that would enhance national cyber resilience.
From compliance to competitive edge: Unpacking CPS 230 and CPS 234.
The existing CPS 234 and upcoming CPS 230 Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) standards together represent a huge leap in strengthening the financial service’s industry’s operational and information security risk frameworks. As the clock ticks towards the CPS 230 deadline, understanding and integrating these regulations is not just a matter of compliance but a strategic imperative.
What does the Australian Cyber Security Strategy mean for you? Original
In an era where cyber threats loom larger and more sophisticated, the Australian Government's latest Cyber Security Strategy (2023-2030) has an ambition selection of proactive and inclusive defence mechanisms. In addition to its components, let's consider what its direct implications are for Australian businesses and individuals alike. What does it contain? The Australian Cyber Security Strategy sets forth an ambitious roadmap to safeguard the nation's digital realm.
ACSC and the Australian Cyber Security Strategy: Why they matter to you.
The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC)’s mission is to lead Australia’s public and private sectors into a best practice response to cyber threats. To this end, the ACSC has recently released the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy. This blog explores the key questions about the Cyber Security Strategy and what they mean for Australian organisations’ cyber risk management efforts. What is the ACSC and what impact does it have? What is the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy?
The Essential Eight: understanding Australia’s cyber security approach.
In today's digital age, cybersecurity is paramount. The Australian Signals Directorate, recognising the need for robust cybersecurity measures, has formulated a set of mitigation strategies known as the Strategies to Mitigate Cyber Security Incidents. At the heart of these strategies lies the Essential Eight1, a set of measures designed to fortify an organisation's cyber defences. What do these mean for you as a risk manager, especially if you aren’t someone with a cyber/IT security focus?
Now comes the messy part
“Where there are no oxen, the stalls are clean, but from the strength of the ox comes an abundant harvest.” – Proverbs 14:4-6 My dad grew up plowing with a mule. An ox, like a mule, is a messy… Premium Content is available to subscribers only. Please login to access content or purchase a subscription.
The day I will not forget
I remember the day our first was born. Instinctually, I counted fingers and toes just after I heard our little baby boy’s lungs crying loudly. And all was right with the world, even if it was only for a moment in time. On June 24, Roe v Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court of the United States of America. I was sitting at my desk listening to a lecture. I had little interest in listening when the words scrolled across my computer screen.
Bigger things are yet to come
Excitement is in the air as seniors at every level come to the end of a long enduring educational process. A season of life is ending. But what some don’t know, is we must move forward from here and take the next step. There are many steps in life, and the trick to being successful is taking the next one. Each step of life’s journey leads to the next step we must take. So, what’s your next step? Many of us become nostalgic.
Commentary: This year was one of progress
December is my second favorite month (behind October) and is the understandable time to reflect on the closing year. As families gather for holiday cheer, it is a useful time to take stock of projects — personal, professional, and public — to gain a sense of where we are, and where we need to be. For the city of Jordan, I’m proud to report that this year was one of progress.
Church of MO: OVER Racing Project
Share this Article Print Email a Friend Go Back Print this page We’re still not over the OVER Racing Project, the crazy high-end Japanese racing parts purveyors who were the Bimota of Japan in the ’90s, and probably still are. It was their oval aluminum tube frame that inspired Suzuki’s first SV650 a few years after this 1995 piece. Sadly, Los Angeles’ The Garage Company, OVER’s importer, is no more.
Commentary: We're honored to serve you
For those I have not yet had the chance to meet, I’ve had the privilege of serving as your mayor since January. I am a husband, father, small business owner, and former councilmember. I am honored to serve you in this new role. My “default setting” is to be conservative in philosophy and demeanor. When I vary from that setting, it’s hopefully to creatively solve a problem. “Never let the perfect be the enemy of the good” seems a pretty good yardstick to measure our service to you.
Church of MO: 1995 Triumph Trident 900
Print Email a Friend Go Back Print this page Lest we forget, chilluns, the new Trident on the way from Triumph is not the first time they’ve resurrected that famed monicker from the swingin’ Sixties. Here’s hoping Poseidon’s new weapon will be pointier than the last one 25 years ago, which left Brent – the rock upon which MO was built – pining for a Sportster. OMG. Make no mistake, though, this bike is much better than either of the latter.
Nashville firefighters need a new mayor. This is why John Ray Clemmons is our pick. | Opinion
OPINION Mike Franklin and Floyd Murrell, Guest columnist Published 12:47 p.m. CT June 6, 2019 Our call volume has increased and will continue to do so. The safety of our personnel and residents are at risk. John Ray Clemmons is listening to us. Story Highlights Mike Franklin is a retired fire assistant chief. Floyd Murrell is a retired EMS assistant chief. Nashville is in need of a change. The change we need is with the office of mayor.
Commentary: Jordan needs public servants who lead with pride
I spent my four years on the City Council alongside my colleagues dedicated to promoting and marketing Jordan as a wonderful community to raise a family. We were able to do that despite our political differences. Jordan is a welcoming community, with great schools and a small-town quality of life that is becoming all too rare. Our neighbors live their values. We’re close-knit and celebrate each other’s successes and stand by one another when tragedy strikes or when under attack.
MNCEF supports Xcel Energy’s commitment to carbon free resources
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 7, 2018 MNCEF supports Xcel Energy’s commitment to carbon free resources ST. PAUL, Minnesota– The Minnesota Conservative Energy Forum (MnCEF) commends Xcel Energy for its announcement to obtain 80% of its electricity from carbon-free resources by 2030, and to be 100% carbon free by 2050.Xcel is reacting appropriately to quickly evolving market forces and consumer demands.
Minnesota grid would benefit from a diversified energy portfolio
The Midwest Governors Association recently descended upon St. Paul to hold meetings on grid security and modernization. Decision makers, staff, and stakeholders from across the region discussed how we can best optimize existing grid infrastructure to meet our future energy needs and ensure a secure and reliable grid for years to come.Mike FranklinWe have an antiquated grid that wastes energy, is incredibly expensive and inefficient, and is extremely vulnerable to terrorist attack.
Commentary: NIMBY seeks to deprive property rights
We, the leaders of the Minnesota Conservative Energy Forum, have begun to take an interest in some of the arguments being made regarding solar energy permitting, a frequent debate in Carver County. In addition, we (the undersigned) also hold public office and can understand the quandary posed by applicants for new and disruptive uses of land.
Want to attract Amazon? Try winning the wind race
Last week, Minneapolis-St. Paul signaled its intention to join the race to entice Amazon to locate its new headquarters in the Twin Cities.
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