Australia's new cyber strategy: Six online 'Shields' to be deployed for enhanced protection
Australia’s new cybersecurity strategy will set up “six cyber defenses” to protect Australians and businesses from cyber criminals, Home Affairs Minister Ms. O’Neil said.
Highlights
- By 2030, Australia will be the most secure country in the world, according to a new cyber security strategy unveiled by Minister Clare O'Neil
- Ms. O'Neil emphasised the need for the government to enhance its cyber defenses this year, citing ownership of critical infrastructure, essential service delivery, and sensitive Australian data protection as top priorities
Australia's updated cybersecurity plan, led by Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil, will establish "six cyber shields" to safeguard citizens and businesses from cyber threats.
She said that these shields will help keep her businesses, organisations and people safe, and that they won't be left to fend for themselves or isolated in there efforts to tackle this issue.
This plan, distinct from previous strategies, will employ two-year intervals to achieve the ambitious goal of becoming the most cyber-secure nation by 2030.
O'Neil disclosed these details at the Australian Financial Review's (AFR) Cyber Summit, marking the first insights into the long-awaited refresh of the 2020 Cyber Security Strategy by a Labor government.
The six shields of cyber defense
The focus of the shields is empowering “strong citizens and businesses”, "safe technology", "threat-sharing and blocking," sustaining essential services, and safeguarding critical infrastructure.
With the advent of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity enhancement is pivotal in order to safeguard users who are still learning the new ways of utilising AI tools.
2023 cybersecurity strategy
O'Neil, believes that if the government worked hard just like the previous year, then by 2023, Australia’s economy would be a world-class cybersecurity nation.
The initial phase, from 2022 to 2025, aims to establish robust foundations, offering a unique perspective compared to government strategies often criticised for lacking detail.
National Cyber Coordinator driving enhanced security
Feedback from consultations highlighted shortcomings in government incident response. The appointment of a National Cyber Coordinator has generated enthusiasm.
However, boards still struggle with long lists, sometimes up to 30 or 40 individuals, to contact during cyberattacks.
Australia’s steadfast approach
Achieving success in these initiatives will not mean a world free of cyberattacks. No government can guarantee that.
But according to Clare, they want to create a place where Australians can rely on the digital world. This is vital for there future success.
A world where citizens and businesses are protected by people in our economy who have the ability to transform this issue for the nation.
