Proactive Cybersecurity: Enhancing Internal Threat Detection for a Resilient Future

Speaker: Jillian Carruthers, Sr. Executive Director, Chief Information Security Officer, Cybersecurity and Digital Trust Branch, BC Ministry of Citizen 

She shares a keynote at the Government Innovation Showcase British Columbia in December, 2024.

Cyber threats are evolving faster than defenses, with global cybercrime costs now hitting $8-9 trillion. Jillian argues the solution isn't just better tech, she reveals why people are the best defense against evolving threats, and how to design systems where safety is the easiest path forward. From airports to agencies: layered security isn't just technical - it's how we sustain public trust in the digital age

The New Security Mindset

• Treat data like airport security: continuous identity verification replaces one-time access

• Design systems where "the safest path is the easiest path" (inspired by BC Parks' ecosystem protection)

• Foster psychological safety so staff report breaches without fear

Building Digital Trust

• Shift from "Zero Trust" to "Conditional Access" frameworks

• Leverage both Microsoft ecosystems and open-source credentials

• Turn incidents into trust-building opportunities through transparency