Case Study: Strengthening Reliability and Security for the Australian Physiotherapy Association

Executive Summary

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is the national peak body representing more than twenty six thousand physiotherapists across Australia. As membership and digital demands grew, APA required a more reliable and secure technology environment to support staff, members and daily operations.

Zynet was engaged to assess the environment and modernise core systems. The program focused on stabilising the foundations, closing security gaps and establishing a prevention-first operating rhythm. APA now benefits from improved reliability, clearer visibility and a structured approach to managing cyber and operational risk.

Client Snapshot

Organisation: Australian Physiotherapy Association
Sector: Peak Body and Member Association
Members: Twenty six thousand plus nationwide
Engagement: Environment assessment, transition to managed services, cyber led IT management and ongoing advisory

Context

APA had evolved rapidly, but its technology environment did not keep pace. Core systems lacked consistent patching and governance, and legacy on-premise infrastructure was limiting growth. Internal teams were stretched across competing priorities without the capacity to manage infrastructure, security and user support at scale.

APA required a trusted partner to stabilise the environment, reduce risk and deliver a structured approach to proactive IT and cyber management.

Challenges

● Basic hygiene gaps in patching, updates and controls created user friction and elevated risk
● Legacy on-premise servers could not support the organisation’s changing needs
● Limited visibility for leadership and inconsistent reporting for decision support
● Not enough internal capacity to manage infrastructure, security and day to day operations

Objectives

● Reduce cyber and operational risk through structured security hygiene and control improvements
● Modernise and stabilise infrastructure to support performance and future growth
● Establish proactive management with clear governance, reporting and operating rhythms
● Enable timely decisions through structured recommendations and advisory engagement

Zynet’s Approach

● Full discovery and assessment across infrastructure, security and operating processes to establish a clear baseline
● Stabilisation of the core environment by closing patching backlogs, strengthening controls and introducing monitoring and incident response rhythms
● Modernisation roadmap to move away from single points of failure and toward resilient, scalable services
● Governance uplift including documentation, plain English communication and a prioritised living risk register

Solution Overview

● Security hygiene uplift with routine patching, updates and policy enforcement that is consistent and measurable
● Infrastructure modernisation through targeted upgrades that reduce outages and technical debt
● Proactive managed services with defined SLAs, monitoring and escalation rhythms supported by a team that understands the environment
● Strategic advisory with clear reports, recommendations and a roadmap that supports phased investment

Outcomes

● Risk reduced with critical hygiene gaps closed and unknown risks captured and prioritised
● Higher reliability with fewer outages and smoother day to day operations
● Clear visibility and momentum through timely recommendations and structured decision support
● Right-sized support model combining managed services with defined internal responsibilities

Customer Perspective

“We had a lot of pain points… basic processes like patching and security were not being fulfilled. Once Zynet came along, we were proven correct.” — Craig Maltman, APA

“It took time to update processes and patching, but now we can finally move forward. We have dealt with risks and have prioritisation.” — Craig Maltman, APA

“Do not assume a single person can cover everything with the way technology and security needs are evolving.” — Craig Maltman, APA

Why This Worked

● Prevention first operations that address root causes and reduce recurring issues
● Clear sequencing of upgrades that deliver measurable improvements without unnecessary spend
● Plain English communication and transparency that support leadership and governance
● A partnership model where the support team knows the environment and context

At a Glance

Scope: Assessment, stabilisation, managed services and ongoing advisory
Focus: Reliability, security hygiene, governance and proactive management
Benefits: Reduced risk, improved reliability, better visibility and stronger decision support