Importance of Cybersecurity and Sustainability

by Chad Kymal published on December 09, 2024

From the recent Virtual Customer Conference, the session explored the critical importance of cybersecurity and sustainability in today’s business landscape. Chad Kymal, CTO & Founder, Omnex Inc. highlighted the evolving threats in cybersecurity, including supply chain vulnerabilities, phishing, and malware attacks, which cost organizations millions in data breaches and operational disruptions. Strategies like adopting ISO 27001, SCS 9001, and ISO 21434, along with implementing Zero Trust Architecture, were recommended to strengthen organizational defenses.

Sustainability was positioned as equally urgent, with a focus on achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Standards like ISO 50001 and ISO 14064 were emphasized as tools to reduce carbon footprints and validate sustainability claims. Key strategies included decarbonization projects, renewable energy adoption, and circular economy principles to combat climate change effectively.

Key Takeaways:

Cybersecurity: Adopt integrated systems, secure supply chains, and implement ISO standards to mitigate risks.
Sustainability: Leverage decarbonization strategies, energy management standards, and carbon neutrality initiatives to achieve net zero.
Omnex’s Expertise: Tailored solutions for cybersecurity, sustainability, and compliance with global standards.

Author

Chad Kymal

Chad Kymal is the CTO and Founder of Omnex Inc. He is the author of seven books and more than 100 papers including several on integrated management systems. Chad is currently on the writing committees for several standards including TC 22/ SC 32/WG 8 for ISO 26262 (Functional Safety), ISO/TC 176 for ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management), ISO/TC 207 for ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management), and PC283 for ISO 45001 (Health and Safety Management Systems). He founded and was the CEO of an Automotive registrar for over 10 years and is familiar with conducting audits, being witnessed for audits, and also evaluating auditors and assessors. He authored and teaches a course for 3rd Party Auditors for Automotive Registrars on behalf of International Automotive Certification Bodies Association (IACBA). This course explains how 3rd Party Auditors audit IATF 16949 in an environment that includes ASPICE, Functional Safety and Product Cybersecurity. He is currently rolling out the course to global 3rd Party Auditors for IATF 16949. Chad has spent over 20 years in system, hardware and software development in various capacities. He assesses and works in automotive system, hardware and software for Agile, ASPICE, and Functional Safety ISO 26262. Chad is also currently an intacsTM certified Principal Assessor for Automotive SPICE.