Hosted by Deirdre Caren on Agora Insights’ Blueprints for Success Series – Cybersecurity and Business Analysis.
I recently had the privilege of speaking with Bindu Channaveerappa, a seasoned and astute business analyst, author, and the newly appointed Regional Director for EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) at the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). Bindu has written a book on Cybersecurity with the British Computing Society which will be released on 12 June 2024. Exciting times! Link below.
In this episode, Bindu shares her wealth of experience and insights, shedding light on cybersecurity discovery, why cybersecurity matters to Business Analysis, and what everyone should understand about cybersecurity. Bindu also offers practical advice on bringing ethics to the table by doing the right thing, on using reflection as a tool, and that empathy really does matter.
Let’s get started…
Background:
Bindu is a Business Analysis Consultant (Lead BA), Regional Director IIBA EMEA, Author, and an International Speaker on Business Analysis and Cybersecurity.
During the conversation, Bindu reveals that she has recently taken on a new role as the regional director for EMEA with the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). This is a shift from her previous position with an IIBA chapter. In this new global leadership role, Bindu will be working to drive IIBA's initiatives and priorities across the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region.
“I have been a BA forever” says Bindu. Her association with business analysis certainly spans decades, with her analytical mindset being a constant throughout her career. From her early days as a systems analyst and developer to her current role, she has consistently focused on understanding business requirements and designing effective solutions. Her dedication to the field has culminated in co-authoring a book with the British Computing Society (BCS) on cybersecurity for business analysts, set for release on June 12th, 2024.
3 Key Topics
1. Cybersecurity Discovery
Bindu's cybersecurity journey began with a pivotal moment when she was assigned a project that had been on the backlog for nearly two years. As she reviewed the documents and probed into the problem, she discovered that it involved a data leak that had occurred multiple times, compromising the organization's intellectual property and reputation.
This realization sparked a series of questions in Bindu's mind: Why was such a crucial issue not given the attention it deserved? Who should take responsibility for addressing it? As a business analyst, she recognized that her analysis would be incomplete if she failed to present this critical issue to the stakeholders. She also realized that she had much to learn in terms of security.
"And again, I couldn't get much of the information, so I had to go back to the university to study security management.” - Bindu Channaveerappa
2. Why Cybersecurity Matters to Business Analysis
Bindu emphasizes that cybersecurity is not just a technical issue; it is a business concern that affects an organization's value proposition and overall well-being. As business analysts, it is our responsibility to ensure that the solutions we propose are secure and do not introduce vulnerabilities that could compromise the organization's assets or customers' privacy.
"As part of my analysis, it is my job as a BA to present this as well. If I don't do this aspect, I was thinking that my analysis isn't complete because based on the analysis, the teams make their decisions and they prioritize," Bindu explains.
She now aims to have cybersecurity discussions from the very start of projects by including the security teams as stakeholders. This reinforces her advice about making security an integral part of business analysis. It’s crucial, she believes, that business analysts know where there may be an impact in any area from the start of the project.
3. What Everyone Should Understand about Cybersecurity - Bringing Ethics to the Table
Products and services can potentially impact individuals' lives, Bindu stresses the importance of incorporating an ethical lens into our analyses. She cites the example of Facebook's "like" button, which was initially intended to spread positivity but ultimately had unforeseen consequences on the mental well-being of young adults and teenagers.
As business analysts, we must go beyond simply identifying features and functionalities; we must also consider the potential impacts on society and the ecosystem. This requires courage, leadership skills, and the ability to negotiate with stakeholders to ensure that ethical considerations are factored into decision-making processes.
10 Learning Points:
- Understand the "why" behind becoming a business analyst: It's not just another job; it's a conscious profession that requires bringing your whole self to the work.
- Embrace the journey: There is no ultimate destination in the field of business analysis; it's a continuous journey of learning and growth.
- Incorporate cybersecurity into your analyses: Being aware of the need for security should be an integral part of every project, regardless of the phase or lifecycle stage.
- Collaborate with cybersecurity teams: Include security experts as stakeholders from the outset to identify potential risks and mitigate them proactively.
- Prioritize ethical considerations: Evaluate the potential impacts of your solutions on individuals, society, and the ecosystem to ensure ethical practices.
- Cultivate empathy: In our fast-paced work environments, it's crucial to take the time to understand and empathize with others' situations and perspectives.
- Embrace reflection as a tool: Structured reflection allows you to step back, understand the "why" behind your actions, and make more informed decisions.
- Nurture intellectual capabilities: Amidst the demands of multitasking and constant change, prioritize your mental well-being to maintain sharp analytical skills.
- Promote a culture of reflection: Encourage organizations to create an environment that values reflection and provides dedicated time for it.
- Continuous learning and adaptation: As technology and societal needs evolve, business analysts must remain agile and adaptable, continuously expanding their knowledge and skillsets.
Closing Thoughts
Bindu Channaveerappa's insights remind us that business analysis is more than just a profession; it's a calling that requires a deep understanding of the broader implications of our work. By embracing cybersecurity, ethics, empathy, and reflection, we can elevate our analyses to new heights, ensuring that we not only deliver solutions but also contribute to the well-being of individuals, organizations, and society.
As Bindu embarks on her new role as Regional Director for EMEA at IIBA, her commitment to driving positive change within the business analysis community will undoubtedly inspire and guide professionals worldwide. I wish her well.
Feel free to share in our Blueprints for Success Podcast or comment with any questions!
To get weekly videos and interviews from leaders around the world, subscribe to our Blueprints for Success Newsletter on LinkedIn
Just a reminder that Agora Insights and now Aidon.ai open up a world of learning and AI-Assisted Solutions for Business Architects, Analysts, Strategists, and Business Leaders. Contact us for a demo.
To watch more videos, visit YouTube.
Interested in business architecture and business analysis certification, corporate and AI training? Go to our website www.agorainsights.com
Contact Deirdre Caren on LinkedIn
About Bindu
Bindu Chappaveerappa is a IIBA CBAP and BCS International Diploma certified Business analyst with over 15 years of experience. Consulting with multi-national clients with cross-functional teams on Digital Transformation projects, Bindu has gained a good understanding and demonstrated practical knowledge in all stages of the project lifecycle across a range of domains.
BCS Book Cybersecurity by Bindu Channaveerappa
Post sponsored by Agora Insights Ltd
Post a Comment