On Day 1, I introduced the cybersecurity colour wheel, emphasising the central role of the White Team (Bakers) in coordinating efforts and establishing foundational policies. On Day 2, I considered the importance of well-defined security policies as the foundation of cybersecurity resilience. On Day 3, I highlighted how my background in quality assurance (QA) means […]
Author: Maria Birse
Day 3: From QA to Cyber – My Transferable Skills
Just recapping Days 1 and 2: In Day 1, I introduced the cybersecurity colour wheel, focusing on the White Team (Bakers) at its centre. Bakers provide the essential structure for cybersecurity by developing policies, managing risks, and fostering collaboration across Red, Blue, Yellow, and Purple Teams. In Day 2, I looked into the critical role […]
Day 2: Developing Security Policies – A Quality-Driven Approach
In Day 1: Why Cybersecurity Needs “Bakers” – Building the Foundation, I introduced you to the cybersecurity colour wheel, where teams like Red, Blue, Yellow, and Purple come together to defend organisations against cyber threats. At the centre sits the White Team, the “Bakers” like me, who develop the frameworks, policies, and governance strategies that […]
Day 1: Why Cybersecurity Needs “Bakers” – Building the Foundation
When you think of cybersecurity, what’s the first image that comes to mind? For most people, it’s a hacker in a dark hoodie, sitting in a dim room, typing lines of code. This Hollywood portrayal has led many to believe cybersecurity is all about “hacking” – breaking into systems or building defences to keep attackers […]
5 Tips for Businesses & Employers Struggling to Find a Quality Assurance Professional
Introduction The world of quality assurance can often feel like a maze of acronyms: ISO 9001: 2015, ISO/IEC 17025: 2017, ISO/IEC 27001:2022, ISO 13485:2016, ISO/IEC/IEEE 29148:2018, AS9100, AS4801:2001, and AS/NZS ISO 14001:2015. For businesses and employers, it is common to prioritise candidates with experience in specific standards. However, true excellence in quality assurance it is […]
Decoding QA vs. QC: Not Just Answering Questions (Q&A)
Demystifying Quality Assurance (QA) The world relies on countless products to function smoothly. Years ago, I was a research and development chemist in a laboratory producing web offset inks for the newspaper industry. I am going to use this experience as an illustrative example to showcase the concepts of Quality Control (QC), Quality Assurance (QA), […]
Unveiling the ISO 13485: 2016 – Medical Devices Standard
Imagine you are about to get a bandage changed by a nurse. Would you feel better knowing the bandage company has a system in place to make sure it is clean, effective and will not irritate your skin? That’s what ISO 13485 is all about for medical devices! It is an international set of guidelines […]
3 Success Stories: How Technical Writers Can Slash Costs & Boost Brand Image
In this blog post, discover how three successful companies used technical writers to cut costs and enhance their brand. 1. IKEA Assembly Manuals While IKEA isn’t a single success story, it’s a well-known example of how technical writing can impact a business. Their furniture assembly manuals, known for their clear visuals and minimal text, have […]
Tender Opportunities: 5 Different Types of Projects You Should Know About
Are you on the lookout for new business opportunities? Tenders are a great way to secure contracts and expand your business ventures. From government projects to private sector initiatives, there are a multitude of tenders currently available across various industries. Here are five examples of tenders that are currently open for submissions: These tenders present […]
Unleash Your Inner Cyberhero: ISO’s Double Punch for SMEs
In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is no longer an optional add-on for businesses. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are prime targets for cyberattacks due to their perceived lack of resources and understanding. Here’s where leveraging two powerful standards, ISO 9001: 2015 and ISO/IEC 27001:2022, can be a game-changer. What are ISO 9001: 2015 and ISO/IEC […]