Australia Outlines New Cyber Security Strategy
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today welcomed the release of the Kokoda Foundation’s report, Optimising Australia’s Response to the Cyber Challenge.
The report, co-sponsored by the Attorney-General’s Department, examines the evolving global cyber security threat and proposed responses to the challenges it presents.
“The report acknowledges the need for an integrated whole-of-government approach on cyber security and identifies a number of important issues for consideration,” Mr McClelland said.
“The Australian Government has made cyber security a top national security priority and will continue to invest significantly in enhancing Australia’s cyber security capabilities.”
As the report highlights, the cyber threat is not simply an issue for Government alone. The global and interconnected nature of the internet means that the cyber threat extends within and between nations, companies and individuals both here and overseas.
The Report acknowledges work to date by the Australian Government, including the implementation of the 2009 Cyber Security Strategy which outlines a vision for a secure and resilient cyber environment.
“The Cyber Security Strategy is at the heart of the Government’s approach to cyber threats, and recognizes the important contribution of all levels of government, business and industry in securing cyberspace,” Mr McClelland said.
As part of this Strategy, the Government has taken a number of significant steps to address a range of cyber threats, including:
- establishing the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT Australia) which works with the owners and operators of critical infrastructure and systems to ensure that threats and vulnerabilities are detected and mitigated;
- establishing the Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC) in the Defence Signals Directorate (DSD) to coordinate operational responses to cyber events of national importance across government and critical infrastructure;
- creating the ‘Stay Smart Online’ website (www.staysmartonline.gov.au) which provides an alert service and information on the latest cyber threats and vulnerabilities and how to address them;
- moving to accede to the Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime, the only binding international treaty on cybercrime;
- working with State and Territory Governments to ensure a nationally coordinated response to cyber crime, including consideration of a national online reporting portal;
- working with the Internet Industry Association to implement a voluntary ISP Code to help inform, educate and protect customers in relation to cyber security issues;
- partnering with industry, community and consumer groups on cyber security awareness initiatives such as the ‘Protecting Yourself Online – What Everyone Needs to Know’ booklet which provides information and advice to stay secure online; and
- establishing a Cyber Policy Coordinator within the Department of the Prime Minister & Cabinet.
“A secure online environment is more important than ever to the security and prosperity of Australia,” Mr McClelland said.
The Government welcomes this report and the contribution of the Kokoda Foundation in increasing awareness of cyber security issues.
Topics: 2011, Asia-Pacific CERT community, Australia, CERT, CERT Australia, Computer Emergency Response Team, Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime, cyber, cyber awareness, Cyber Challenge, cyber infrastructure, cyber security, Cyber Security Operations Centre, Cyber Security Strategy, cyber threats, cybercrime, cybersecurity, Defence Signals Directorate, Governance, government, hackers, hacking, information, internet, Kokoda Foundation, moniter, monitor, national computer emergency response team, national security, NCSA, news, online, Robert McClelland, security, staysmartonline.gov.au, technology, U.S., United States
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