Michael O'Neil

Michael O'Neil

Michael is a Consulting Analyst — Cybersecurity at Uptime Intelligence. He has 30 years’ experience as a technology analyst and consultant. Prior to joining Uptime, he was cybersecurity research lead for the CISO at Stratascale (an SHI company), where he wrote The executive guide to zero trust.

Latest Research

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Using frameworks to structure data center cybersecurity

Cybersecurity strategies often evolve organically: tools are added, requirements change, and the result is a lack of coherent structure. Cybersecurity professionals can benefit from adopting frameworks to organize these activities

Briefing Reports 9 min read
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Developing data center cybersecurity policies and procedures

Policies and procedures translate cybersecurity management objectives into the activities that protect data centers. But what steps should operators take to establish a comprehensive approach to implement these policies?

Briefing Reports 11 min read
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Risk management in data center cybersecurity

Data center cybersecurity risks need to be managed in line with corporate objectives and across a wide range of cyber adversaries and threats. This means understanding the organizational risk tolerance and being able to identify the best options for

Briefing Reports 9 min read
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Roles and responsibilities in data center cybersecurity governance

Data center cyber governance requires all key tasks to be identified, and that specific individuals are accountable for each task. Effective cybersecurity governance defines how key assets are protected and the roles that hold responsibility.

Briefing Reports 10 min read
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Effective data center governance for cybersecurity

Good data center governance provides a foundation for effective data center cybersecurity. How should data center leaders structure an approach that optimizes the resources needed to safeguard data centers?

Briefing Reports 7 min read
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Identifying and addressing data center cybersecurity threats

Identifying the extent of security requirements is a critical first step in building a viable data center cybersecurity strategy. Data center managers should identify and answer essential questions to implement an effective playbook.

Briefing Reports 6 min read
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Mitigating OT risk from third-party requests

Operators often resist giving third parties access to OT data to limit vulnerabilities. Nevertheless, some colocation customers require this access — as will emerging AI tools — but the OT air-gap should not be bridged lightly.

Intelligence Updates 6 min read
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Complexity versus cybersecurity in the data center: which wins?

Data center managers are squeezed between complexity arising from digital innovation and the need for secure and reliable service delivery. Is it possible to minimize risk while enabling business innovation?

Intelligence Updates 6 min read
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Scoping data center cybersecurity

Identifying the extent of security requirements is a critical first step in building a viable data center cybersecurity strategy. Data center managers should identify and answer essential questions to implement an effective playbook.

Briefing Reports 10 min read
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The threat to data center security from state-sponsored hackers

Most cyberattacks are sudden and target financial gain. Attacks on data centers and critical infrastructure can be very different. State-sponsored hackers use varied and sophisticated tactics in support of geopolitical goals.

Intelligence Updates 9 min read
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OT protection: is air-gapping the answer?

Cyberattacks on operational technology (OT) systems are rising, and OT failure could be catastrophic for data centers. Managers need to understand the nature of the threat and the defense options to protect their critical environments.

Intelligence Updates 8 min read
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Ineffective cyber policies increase corporate risk

Organizations develop strict security policies and practices to reduce exposure to cyberattacks. An ineffective policy only increases the cyber risk both to the data center and across IT in general.

Briefing Reports 15 min read
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