4 PRINCE2 terms you may not know are agile

 

In the IT world, many agile practitioners believe that PRINCE2 is not flexible enough for the demands of the contemporary workplace. However, for those that have gone through PRINCE2 training, most will be aware how wrong this mentality truly is.

In fact, many terms are inherently agile and can add a level of flexibility to the delivery of any project. To reinforce this claim, here are four terms that are more agile than many believe.

IT project management training starts with PRINCE2 training.

Agile term one – Initiation

When PRINCE2 projects are implemented, they rely on the business case to ensure they are justifiable. There are also the plans that outline what will happen, the budget constraints and the delivery strategies. All of these are identified and decided during the initiation stage.

The business case is the perfect space to articulate an agile perspective and structure the projects requirements and planning to incorporate agile feature sets and product releases. Take for instance the project management and delivery approach, PRINCE2 practitioners can quite easily utilise agile approaches such as Scrum and Kanban.

Additionally, plans could be also be time-boxed rather than flow based, while funding could be based on the releases rather than the traditional technical stages of delivery effort.

By implementing these approaches in the initiation stage, the project can focus on value delivery, decreasing the time-to-market timeframe and allowing end users to utilise valuable components as soon as possible.

Agile term two – Work package

One of the foundational ideas of agile approaches is self-organising teams. For this to be a reality, teams need to be aware of their responsibilities and it must be organised according to understood and communicable boundaries.

PRINCE2’s work package does not preclude these agile fundamentals but can facilitate this form of organisation. For instance, work packages can allow agile practitioners to communicate to stakeholders their roles, responsibilities and authority. This will allow teams to be sure of what they need to do to build and deliver products of value.

How agile is your business?How agile is your business?

Agile term three – Tolerance 

PRINCE2 lumps tolerance control under the Project Manager. Tolerance refers to any variation from the agreed estimates set out by the business case in relation to time, cost, risk, benefit and scope. If these tolerances look like they will be breached, it is the responsibility of the project manager to escalate this to the Project Board to attain formal change control and decision-making ability.

Agile methodologies have the same approaches, although under the guise of prioritisation. For instance, many practitioners will use MoSCoW to re-scope their project if it looks like it is heading off course to ensure the project remains within the set time and budget allocated.

Quality follows a similar vein. Take for example the manufacturing of a car. An agile approach would focus on the minimal viable product – being the engine, chassis and other central concerns, while features such as an air conditioning system and sunroofs included only if time and cost will allow.

PRINCE2 can follow suit. It decided on the tasks required and the budget allocated, which is followed by the scope. This allows projects to be changed on the fly depending on any contingencies in the market or in the scope of the project.

For many, PRINCE2 is still one of the most, if not the most, important project management methodologies available. Attending a PRINCE2 training course is a great way to learn about the inherent agility of this method. It is also a great way to expand your job prospects and enhance your ability to deliver cost-effective and customer-centric projects on time and to a high standard,

If you would like to learn more about PRINCE2 or other project management methods, talk to the experts today – contact ALC Training.

6 reasons to use the PRINCE2 method

There is no disputing the fact the PRINCE2 is one of the world's most powerful project management methodologies. With PRINCE2 training under their belt, people have access to a wide range of employment opportunities all over the globe.

Its power lies in its foundation, which is based on practical and real-life project management experience. With a proven record for success, it is an obvious choice for those looking to expand their reach and make positive employment opportunities accessible.

Training with PRINCE2 is a great way to boost your career options.

To drive home the point, here are six reasons why you should engage with PRINCE2 training courses.

Reason one – Known around the world

PRINCE2 was developed in 1989 by the UK's public sector and since then it has expanded to over 50 different countries around the world. While it is internationally recognised, it is also used both in the private and the public sector.

As PRINCE2 is used throughout the world, and is utilised by organisations of all shapes and sizes, those with training can rest assured they will have plenty of chances to show off their skills. 

Reason two – Fundamental strengths

One of the most important aspects of the PRINCE2 method is that over the years organisations and experienced project management professionals have improved it through insightful input and calculated considerations. As it is used by a number of companies in both the private and public sector, it has been exposed to a range of project types that have aided its development.

Therefore, PRINCE2 incorporates best practices that have been developed and proven based on experiences across hundreds of thousands of projects. 

PRINCE2 has a strong and effective methodological platform.PRINCE2 has a strong and effective methodological platform.

Reason three – Adaptable methodology

Many believe that PRINCE2 is only suited to IT, however this generic project management method is flexible enough that it can be adapted to a number of projects, regardless of size, sector, culture or location. 

Its strengths lie in the fact it separates the specialist duties needed in a project from the management activities PRINCE2 practitioners execute. As each project is unique, being able to apply a generic method can save time and money. 

Reason four – Benefit focused

When a company or organisation implements a project, its sole aim is to find a solution that addresses a customer need. A PRINCE2 Business Case specifically sets out the benefits that a customer requires and practitioners continue to reference it throughout the project's timeline. 

As the criteria for the project is created from the outset, the benefits are set in stone. If the project deviates from the benefits in anyway or they no longer justify the project, it will be terminated to prevent wastage.

With PRINCE2, everyone knows what they are doing.With PRINCE2, everyone knows what they are doing.

Reason five – Stable roles and duties

One of the hardest parts of managing a project is communicating to others their roles and responsibilities. PRINCE2's method can ensure that each role is properly determined and assigned to correct team members.  

Along with each role comes clearly defined obligations and responsibilities. This ensures each member knows what they are required to do, when they need to do it and how they must accomplish it. 

When team members know what they are doing, there is less confusion and the likelihood of errors decreases. It also has the benefit of making each member accountable for their components. 

Reason six – Accredited providers  

Central to effective PRINCE2 implementation is the training an individual receives. Quality PRINCE2 training from an experienced provider can make sure you are correctly trained and understand all the aspects and factors that make it such a powerful method. 

You will need to ensure that you are in contact with an experienced and quality learning provider. Once you are equipped with PRINCE2 training, your next stop will be a new career in project management. 

COBIT Implementation Tips

Tips for COBIT® Implementation

COBIT 5 is the only business framework for the governance and management of enterprise IT. COBIT Version 5 incorporates the latest thinking in enterprise governance and management techniques, and provides globally accepted principles, practices, analytical tools and models to help increase the trust in, and value from, information systems.

There are many different ways to implement COBIT in a business or company. Neil Broadhead, one of ALC’s COBIT trainers, shares his tips and recommendations on how to implement COBIT in your workplace.

Tip 1

It’s more than just processes!

Many frameworks and standards focus on processes for improvement.

Although processes are one area, COBIT also focuses on seven other enablers that are essential for effective governance.

The enablers are

  1. Principles, policies and frameworks
  2. Processes
  3. Organisational structures
  4. Culture, ethics and behaviours
  5. Information
  6. Services, infrastructure and applications
  7. People, skills and competencies

Consider which of these seven enablers will give you the greatest improvement benefits.

 

Tip 2

Do your policies make sense?

Policies should make sense to those that have to use and abide with them. It guarantees the success in implementation.

If you have difficulty answering the question “Why do we have to do this?” then consider if the policy is appropriate and fit for its purpose.

 

Tip 3

Create a Terms of Reference for any new Organisational Structure.

COBIT describes the good practices needed for any organisational structure. These should be embedded within a terms of reference (ToR).

 

Tip 4

As part of the People, Skills and Competencies enabler, job descriptions should be thorough.

When was the last time you reviewed the skill requirement for a job and ensured the job owner had the opportunity to develop the stated skills?

Can PRINCE2® benefit small businesses?

A common misconception among many small business owners is that IT project management training such as PRINCE2 is only beneficial for the projects of large-scale corporations. 

PRINCE2 is the world’s most widely-adopted project management method*, used by people and organisations from wide-ranging industries and sectors.

In actual fact, the exact opposite is true, as the PRINCE2 methodology is extremely scalable and can be adapted to the needs of the company. Smaller businesses rely heavily on cash flow, and PRINCE2 provides a useful way to monitor and control expenditure during the development process. This can help to can give them a competitive edge.

There are ‘themes’ of PRINCE2 that can be tailored for small projects, as these are the areas of project management that need to be constantly addressed throughout the process.

PRINCE2 Themes

PRINCE2 can be easily adapted to benefit smaller companies.

1. The Business Case

The Business Case is the centre of any PRINCE2 project, providing a way to assess how viable it is as an investment. It justifies why the project should be undertaken, how valuable it is, and how it should be approached. This can help to prevent money from being wasted. 

2. Organisation

The organisation of PRINCE2 means that the specific roles for each individual involved in the project have to be clearly established. It allows for everyone to be aware of their responsibilities, and ensures that a structure for accountability is in place, making the team more effective.

3. Quality

The methodology requires that specific standards are laid out to measure the quality of the project in terms of its overall purpose. This can help to promote a good outcome with the right product being created in the end.

4. Plans

The plan is an essential aspect of the PRINCE2 methodology, and outlines the process for developing a product. Planning is useful for setting out requirements for timelines and resource management for the project to adhere to.

ALC Training - 14101662

It’s important to keep track of the plan for a project.

5. Risk

PRINCE2 helps small businesses to identify the risks they may face when undertaking a project, which makes them more likely to be able to cope with difficulties if they arise. They can then minimise the negative impact of difficulties, because they were aware of them beforehand.

6. Change

Although changes can often occur during the development process, PRINCE2 requires that procedures be followed to ensure alterations are appropriately managed and that the project continues to be viable.

7. Progress

Lastly, the PRINCE2 framework involves the meticulous monitoring of the project during all stages of its development. This can help it to stay on track and promote the meeting of the overall objectives.

Each of these themes can be very useful for small businesses in terms of promoting the efficiency of a project and managing its economic feasibility. It is thus apparent that PRINCE 2 training can be very valuable for companies of all sizes, not just large ones.

 

Sources:
AXELOS – What is PRINCE2

*Based on annual global PRINCE2 volumes since 1996.

PRINCE2® is a registered trademark of AXELOS Limited, used under permission of AXELOS Limited. All rights reserved.

Agile vs. PRINCE2: Which one should you choose?

 

When it comes to deciding what project management framework to use, finding the right approach for your business can be a challenge. Two of the most popular frameworks are Agile and its predecessor PRINCE2, and there are different advantages to each. It can be easy to develop a bias to a particular method rather than assessing each one individually, which may mean you aren’t necessarily using the best framework for your project.

Consequently, a key factor in choosing whether to undertake training courses in PRINCE2 or Agile is understanding what each one can bring for businesses.

What are the pros of each framework?

PRINCE2 is a well-established framework with longevity on its side. Although able to be flexible, it is often utilised with a Waterfall delivery framework. This involves a linear approach to project management, in which each aspect of the project is completed in succession and flows sequentially into the next from start to finish.

According to a specialist WordPress agency Wholegrain Digital, there are several benefits to the waterfall framework. It involves an accurate and detailed plan, which makes it quite straightforward to follow, and creates good records to monitor and track progress, meaning fulfilling objectives is easier. This makes it simpler to maintain the continuity of the project regardless of changes to those working on it.

On the other hand, Agile places greater value on contribution and interrelation of individuals, as opposed to the technical processes of the project. More of a focus is placed on regular feedback from the consumer to help drive development, and as a result, it is very adaptable and involves less paperwork. Essentially, it is driven by the notion of creating value for the customer and is scalable to the needs of the company and project.

Want to become qualified in the world’s leading framework and certification for Agile Project Management?

Sign up to our AgilePM® Foundation / Practitioner Combined course

Which framework is right for your company?

As you can see, both of these frameworks have their advantages, and selecting the right one depends on the specific needs of the business.

However, implementing a project management framework is not about simply following the specifications of one method rigidly. Instead, business are free to embrace the aspects that will be most useful, such as the meticulous records of PRINCE2 with the consumer-centric values of Agile.

Luckily, when it comes to undergoing IT project management training, ALC Training offers a course that integrates the two of them, called Agile PM, so businesses will have the best of both worlds. To get more information on selecting the right framework for your project, contact us today.

 

Can ITIL training help to reduce skill shortages?

In today's digitally enabled business environment, having the right IT skills within an organisation is essential for it to run smoothly and keep up with new innovations.

With statistics revealing a skill shortage for IT-related jobs, many businesses may be looking for a way to combat the impending slump in human resources by upskilling their professionals with training courses such as ITIL certification. This will be an important step in ensuring that the market continues to function through their technology infrastructures in the future.

Australia is likely to need around 100,000 new IT workers in the next six years.

What is the impact of an IT skill shortage?

According to a 2015 report by Deloitte Access Economics and the Australian Computer Society (ACS), the IT industry is experiencing expansion at such a rate that there is likely to be a need for another 100,000 technology professionals within the next six years. This high level of future demand suggests that there may be a skill shortage for IT in the future, which could potentially have detrimental effects for businesses.

"The contribution from ICT to Australia's economy, and our successfully meeting our productivity challenges, are at risk if we don't ensure there is an adequate workforce equipped with the necessary ICT skills. We urgently need to boost both awareness and opportunity around ICT skills development," said the Director of Deloitte Access Economics John O'Mahony.

In addition, the report revealed that the nature of IT work is changing, with businesses of all kinds now needing the expertise to cope with evolving technology frameworks. This is demonstrated by that fact that 52 per cent of tech professionals worked in industries outside of IT.

"We need to look beyond stereotypes and see the future ICT professionals with new eyes, with digital disruption creating jobs requiring ICT skills within a diverse range of sectors and professions," said Andrew Johnson, CEO of ACS.

Training can help your businesses gain the expertise it needs.Training can help your businesses gain the expertise it needs.

How can training help?

Consequently, it has become apparent how important it is for businesses to cultivate the skills in their workforce that will enable them to effectively manage IT services.

While there are a number of avenues organisations can pursue to obtain these expertise, a 2015 report by Global Knowledge Training showed that 36 per cent of IT staff survey had participated in instructor-led training to boost their skills, along with 42 per cent of IT decision makers and 56 per cent of non-IT workers.

This trend demonstrates that courses led by an instructor, such as ITIL and IT governance training, are an effective way to boost IT management expertise and promote the continued advancement of a business.

For more information on how training courses can help your company prepare for the future, contact ALC Training today. 

Competition law reforms to help small businesses gain the advantage

Traditionally, it has often been difficult for small business to keep up with larger corporations, as they don't have the same resources available to them to make them competitive.

However, the recent announcement of changes to Australian competition law is likely to give small businesses a much needed boost, allowing them to gain a more prominent position in the market. Subsequently, smaller companies looking to take advantage of the reforms may be looking for ways to bolster their competitiveness by enhancing their use of IT services though training such as ITIL certification.

Small businesses make up 97 per cent of the Australian market.

Australian competition law up for change

With around 97 per cent of all Australian companies being small business, the announcement by the Turnbull government that they will be reforming competition laws is very significant to the Australian market. The changes are intended to prevent large organisations from engaging in activities that give them an unfair advantage, and thereby promote competition and diversity.

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said that this is a welcome change for small businesses around the country. 

"These reforms will address a long-standing weakness in the existing competition rules and will ensure that we have a more transparent and competitive marketplace that treats all supply chain participants fairly," he said

"Importantly, and for the first time in Australia, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will have meaningful provisions to protect businesses that have been subject to misuse of market power."

The reform is set to prove several benefits for small businesses including better access to dispute remedies, a review of competitive neutrality guidelines, an improved bargaining position and a consideration of the results of anti-competitive guidelines. 

With the changes resulting in a positive outlook for small businesses, this creates a prime opportunity to embrace resources like IT to help them to further their level of competitiveness. 

IT provides a number of benefits that can make businesses more competitive. IT provides a number of benefits that can make businesses more competitive.

How can IT skills give small businesses a competitive edge?

According to the Houston Chronicle, IT can help to provide a competitive advantage because companies can use technological developments to make their products more innovative and unique, and they can reduce costs by promoting efficiency and productivity. In addition, workload automation can help small businesses to overcome the boundaries of a limited budget and resources.

However, in order to get the best results from their technology, small businesses should consider giving IT project management training to their professionals. This can help them to be most effective in the implementation and utilisation of technology, and make them more competitive in the long term.

How to achieve happier workers with IT

Employee engagement and satisfaction is constant concern for many businesses. A happier workforce has the potential to be more productive, and can also result in a reduced employee turnover. As such, employers are often searching for new ways improve the satisfaction of their workers.

Research is showing that IT can actually be used to help make employees happier in their jobs, with adoption enhanced through ITIL training. Here are some ways to promote satisfaction by integrating technology into your business, and promoting the success of the company as a result.

Innovative technology is at the top of employees' hierarchy of needs.

1. Adopt advanced technological resources

With technology constantly developing and improving, employees are expecting to be able to use better and better technology while at work.

A 2013 report by Deloitte Access Economics reveals there is "digital hierarchy of needs" that reflects what employees want from their work environment in terms of IT. At the top of the hierarchy is access to innovative technologies, followed by having tech that is reliable, and lastly basic concerns such as pay. This demonstrates the level of importance that employees are placing on the technological resources that are available to them in a job. 

In an interview with SmartCompany, Deloitte Access Economics' Associate Director John O'Mahony said that these days workers have higher expectations of tech and IT and work, and can be discontented when it is not as good as what they have at home.

"When they get to work, they're taking a step back and that's creating frustration, or disappointment," he said.

Consequently, maintaining available technology at a high standard and embracing innovations is key to keeping employees happy.

The cloud can be used to provide flexible work to employees.The cloud can be used to provide flexible work to employees.

2. Use cloud infrastructure for flexibility and mobility

Similarly, the Deloitte report showed that having flexible IT policies significantly impact worker satisfaction. Of employees that reported being happy with their job, over 80 per cent were allowed flexible use of IT, such as using technology to work from home.

"It's not just that people have a good device at home, and at work. People are expecting that working isn't just going to be at a desk with an average computer. There needs to be generally more flexibility within the company's IT as a whole," said Mr O'Mahony.

An integral part of allowing employees flexibility at work is integrating cloud services to make company information mobile and accessible. However, successful cloud adoption is dependent on having the skills in the company to manage the infrastructure. According to a 2016 report by RightScale, a lack of resources or expertise is the most pressing cloud challenge for businesses. Luckily, training courses like TOGAF can be effective in helping professionals use IT resources in their enterprise architecture to improve business efficiency.

The rate of cyber incidents has increased by 38 per cent from 2014-2015.

3. Protect data with security precautions

Lastly, keeping employees happy is affected by giving them assurance that their personal information, as well as that of the company, is secure and being adequately protected. 

A 2016 survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers reported that there was a 38 per cent increase in cyber incidents between 2014 and 2015. This demonstrates that cybersecurity is an increasingly prominent issue for businesses.

Of the businesses surveyed, 53 per cent had an employee training and awareness program, showing that one way to improve both general satisfaction and company data protection is by providing good IT security training for workers. This helps to promote cyber threat awareness, allowing employees to actively participate in security measures. 

Overall, the effective implementation of IT and technology can go a long way to helping employees be more satisfied at work, and consequently help to boost their motivation and efficiency. 

For more information on the types of training to improve the way your business managers its IT, contact ALC Training today.

How can training help managers get the most out of their diverse workforce?

Many aspects of IT project management focus on having the right tools and strategies ready for use. One of the most important tools at a manager's disposal is the team that he or she is working with.

Having top-quality tools to work with is important, but the real key is that managers know how to use those tools to ensure success. Given the growing diversity of the Australian workforce, managers must be able to effectively work in an environment of increasing multiculturalism.

Diversity in Australia is on the rise

More Australians were born overseas now than at any point in the last 120 years.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 28 per cent of Australia's population was born outside of the country. That is a higher percentage than at any other point in the last 120 years.

On top of that milestone, the number of Australians born overseas has risen each year for over a decade, suggesting that future generations entering the workforce will continue to increase the amount of diversity in workplaces across the country.

There is even a great variety among where immigrants to Australia have come from. The ABS's top 10 countries of origin span four continents and include, in ranked order:

The business sense behind fostering diversity

There are a number of reasons why businesses can benefit from multiculturalism in the workplace. According to a report by Deloitte and the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, employees perform more effectively when they feel like they are welcomed in a company that embraces diversity.

This includes a 42 per cent increase in the ability to work together, a 31 per cent increase in fielding customer requirements and a staggering 83 per cent increase in innovative abilities.

The report also indicated that improved work-life balance is a key component of workers feeling that sense of inclusiveness.

According to the Australian government, a diverse workplace also makes it easier for businesses to expand into overseas markets, reach out to a more diverse customer base locally and provide better service to their clients.

Barriers to the benefits of diversity

Though there are a number of reasons to encourage workplace diversity, Australian companies have some work to do. This is particularly evident when it comes to management roles. According to the Diversity Council Australia (DCA), business leadership positions have some catching up to do in order to match current demographics.

A DCA report, Capitalising on Culture, found that 32 per cent of the Australian population comes from a non-Anglo-Celtic background, only 22 per cent of CEOs, 14 per cent of chairs and 20 per cent of senior executives share that heritage.

The numbers are much more dismal when focusing in on specific ethnicities. Australians with an Asian heritage, for instance, make up 10 per cent of the population but only 2 per cent of executive managers.

Training can provide a solution

One of the most effective ways forward for workplace diversity is when management leads the way in promoting an inclusive environment. In order to foster a climate of acceptance, managers need the right tools at their disposal. 

Fostering diversity in the workplace is easier with the right tools.Fostering diversity in the workplace is easier with the right tools.

ALC Training's two-day course Managing and Leading Diverse Teams teaches leaders how to harness the power of diversity to improve employee and business performance while bridging the gaps between cultures in the workplace. 

The training also places a strong emphasis on the process of developing and strengthening bonds between team members, as well as uses case studies to explore how diverse teams have succeeded or succumbed to issues in the real world.

For more information about this training, or other programs such as IT governance training, contact ALC today.

4 apps for the stressed worker

Stress, the six-letter word everyone fears. Whether you are worried about your upcoming ITIL certification or PRINCE2 training, it can have a negative effect on productivity and general health. 

According to the Australian Psychological Society, more and more Australians are turning to self-destructive behaviours to manage stress. Researchers found that people who reported they were severely stressed were 61 per cent more likely to engage in drinking alcohol and 40 per cent more likely to turn to smoking to deal with stress. 

However, there are better ways to manage stress. To help you, here are 4 apps that can help you relax, unwind and better engage when you need to. 

Don't stress, use these digital solutions to help you!

1 – Flipd

Have you ever found yourself pointlessly scrolling through Facebook or Instagram? Passive scrolling is the use of your phone to pass the time when you are bored, feeling down or trying to avoid reading your resources for COBIT 5 training. 

This action can be problematic not only for your social life, but also for your health in general. Flipd is an app that can reduce the time you spend passively scrolling and becoming more bored and disengaged as a result. 

It acts like a screen lock and limits the amount of time you spend on social media apps and others. Working on a timer, it locks you out of your favourite applications for a certain amount of time. 

It is a handy way to unplug before bed so you can ensure a healthy night sleep. 

2 – Pocket

Reading meaningful prose and thought provoking poetry can be the creative spark you need to get the juices flowing. But people can be put off by the amount of ads and attention-sucking click-bait that can be found on the internet.  

With Pocket, you can save an article and then read it later – text only. This app is great for students with an essay hanging over their head, while also essential for those looking to take time out of their work to enjoy an engaging piece of writing!

How can these apps help you relax?How can these apps help you relax?

3 – Breathe2Relax

Breathing is a surefire way to reduce stress and increase concentration. But why trust me? 

The Harvard Medical School found that diaphragmatic breathing or deep breathing can slow a heartbeat and even lower blood pressure. However, it can be hard to know where to start.

Luckily, the National Center for Telehealth and Technology created an app that guides you through a number of breathing exercises. Additionally, you can listen to music during each session you participate in. 

This stress reduction tool is also free, so it will not have your heart pumping over additional costs.

4 – Turn off notifications

Unlike the previous three segments, this is a sneaky little action I like to call turn it off!

Many people are unaware they have the power to deactivate their notifications. By disabling notifications, an individual can reduce the distractions they face on an everyday basis.

Its time to relax, so sit back and use these apps to do so. Its time to relax, so sit back and use these apps to do so.

No longer will your phone buzz, ping or ring for every like, comment or share you receive due to your online existence. 

With a simple swipe of your finger you can turn off the apps that have been nagging you for attention over the course of your digital life. While this may seem like a simple hack, it can have huge effects on your ability to concentrate and focus on individual tasks. 

So instead of checking Instagram when it wants you too, you now have the power to schedule time in your day to check what you want, when you want. 

If you would like to know more about the digital world we live in, or how you can capitalise on the growing role of technology in life, talk to the experts and contact ALC Training today.

3 cyberattacks that simple technology could have prevented

When people think of cybersecurity, they tend to imagine complex systems composed of advanced software and sophisticated hardware. Yet, as those who have attended information security training have shown, sometimes it is the simplest of actions that could have prevented disaster.

To reinforce this point, here are three cyberattacks that could have easily been avoided if the simplest of measures were properly implemented.

Could IT security training have prevented these cyberattacks?

1 – Vtech attack

One of the most important benefits of PRINCE2 training is the systematic implementation of a project rollout. However, in this first breach, cybersecurity personal overlooked one of the most important resources – humans.

Vtech is one of the biggest toy manufacturing companies in the world, which makes it a strange target for a cyberattack. As a result of the hack, millions of people had their information stolen, or at the very least compromised.

CNBC reported that over 6.4 million kids were exposed because of the breach, and according to Cybersecurity Analyst Troy Hunt, the password encryption used was not up to best practice.  

"It's just a straight MD5 hash, not even an attempt at salting or using a decent hashing algorithm," he said.

While simple encryption does have it uses, when it comes to customer data, it is important to ensure that information is unreadable – just in case a breach does occur. 

2 – Ashley Madison hack

Cybersecurity breaches are not only about financial loss, many have the affect of changing the lives of people forever. The Ashley Madison breach is one clear example of this scenario. 

Not only was the breach highly publicised, the very nature of the website made any leak of personal information life-changing for those affected. Additionally, the hack will no doubt have damaged the company's brand, almost irredeemably. 

The Guardian reported the company that ran the site boasted it had over 37 million members worldwide, while the service they offered was anonymous and 100 per cent discreet. 

One of the major reasons for the hack was sloppy password protection. According to Vice , the hackers behind the breach said it was too easy to get access. 

"Nobody was watching. No security. Only thing was segmented network. You could use Pass1234 from the internet to VPN to root on all servers," they said. 

How could simple fixes have stopped these breaches. How could simple fixes have stopped these breaches?

3 – CIA Breach

In 2015, CIA director John Brennan's private account was hacked by a teenager. But how could a top executive's account from one of the world's most advanced security organisations be breached by a teenager? 

As it turned out, the hacker masqueraded as a Verizon worker to trick another employee into revealing the spy chief's personal information. While phishing is a dangerous form of cyberattack, it is also easily preventable. 

Simple cybersecurity hygiene can make a huge difference to the likelihood of a breach. For those who have attended information security training courses, setting up systems that ensure a culture of awareness is an obvious first step in any cybersecurity plan. 

As a result of this oversight, the hacker was able to access the director's AOL account, which was being used to store sensitive documents – including a 47-page SF-86 application that is used to attain high-level government security clearance.

What these hacks and breaches show is that cybersecurity is an important part of the modern world. As the globe continues its push to be completely digital, there will be a number of employment opportunities in the sector. 

If you would like to know more about cybersecurity and how you can take advantage to push your career forward, talk to the experts at ALC Training today. 

How the PRINCE2 principles could have prevented royal blunders: Part 3

When it comes to IT project management training, the lessons learned are applicable to much more than just a business venture. They can provide guidance for many tasks, such as the decision to name an heir to a vast empire. 

Conversely, those lessons can be ignored, and that empire can be torn apart by discord and chaos. Such was the fate of the monumental empire of Alexander the Great – another ruler that should have set aside time for PRINCE2 training courses.

Ending a project with PRINCE2

Missteps in the last leg can completely undo even the most successful project.

Napoleon Bonaparte showed us the importance of organised and controlled management in the middle of a venture, but the ending can be just as important. Missteps in the last leg can completely undo even the most successful project. 

It is hard to argue that Alexander the Great had anything other than an incredibly successful undertaking with the foundation of his Macedonian Empire. In just 10 years, he established a dominion that spread over three continents from Greece to Egypt and India.

While Alexander's empire was formidable, it fell victim to a lack of planning in the end stages. When Alexander died in 323 B.C., his generals – known as the Diadochi, or successors – fought bitterly for control. The great Macedonian Empire was eventually broken up, and control of the provinces went to powerful members of the Diadochi.

Defining roles in PRINCE2

We've seen that one of the key principles in PRINCE2 methodology is the importance of roles and duties. According to Deloitte, if business leaders want to ensure a lasting future and maintain financial success, they must develop a strong succession plan early on.

Whether for a single project or an entire business, it is crucial to know who will take up the mantle of leadership if the current head leaves. Defining this and other key responsibilities is one of the main principles of PRINCE2 training.

No matter what business you're in, it is never a good idea to pass the reins off "to the strongest." According to Greek historian Diodorus Siculus, that was Alexander's response when asked to whom he would leave his kingdom. Without a legitimate heir and no clear successor, Alexander neglected to clearly define project roles at the end of his imperial venture.

PRINCE2 training teaches the importance of defining roles in project management.PRINCE2 training teaches the importance of defining roles in project management.

Alexander's PRINCE2 failure led to the fighting amongst the Diadochi and the dissolution of his once-great empire.

Business leaders can take a lesson from Alexander's blunder by taking lessons from ALC Training. Get in touch today to find out about our PRINCE2 training offerings.

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