Australia edges closer to establishing cybersecurity agency
James Thorpe
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New information is suggesting that Australia could set up its own agency which would oversee government investment in cybersecurity and work to coordinate responses to attacks.
Reuters (via MSN) has suggested that the decision comes following a rise in cyber-attacks since the end of 2022, with businesses and organisations like Medibank Private Ltd and Optus reporting major breaches.
“This is really fast moving. It’s a rapidly evolving threat and for too many years Australia has been off the pace,” said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, adding that existing rules and policies “are simply not at the level that we need them to be.”
The PM made the comments during a meeting with industry leaders and experts.
The government is expected to set up a coordinator for cybersecurity – which will be supported by a national office within the department of home affairs – tasked with making sure that agencies work together during cyber-incidents.
Reuters also reported that the coordinator will oversee the government’s investment strategies and help lead the response when hackers strike.
A discussion paper on a new cybersecurity strategy has been published by the government which could be implemented in 2024.
