On September 18, the Australian Financial Review (AFR) held its inaugural Cyber Summit in Sydney. Guest speakers included The Hon Clare O’Neil (Minister for Home Affairs, Minister for Cyber Security) and Air Marshal Darren Goldie (National Cyber Security Coordinator). During the Summit, O’Neil unveiled updates to Australia’s cybersecurity strategy, aiming to make the nation the most cyber-secure by 2030. To achieve this, the government plans to build six cyber shields, creating “…a cohesive, planned national response that builds to a more protected Australia.”
The first shield will educate the public on cyber threats and protective methods, empowering individuals to safeguard themselves. It also ensures victims can recover quickly by providing significant support after attacks.
The second shield focuses on safe technology and clear standards for digital products. This will hold manufacturers accountable for creating secure products and give consumers peace of mind.
The third shield involves “…world-class threat sharing and threat blocking.” By 2030, real-time intelligence sharing between government and businesses will be standard. This approach aims to block threats before they cause harm.
The fourth shield prioritises protecting critical infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted access to essential services. It includes bolstering the government’s cyber defences.
The fifth shield is sovereign capability. It aims to position Australia at the forefront of changing technologies and combat rising cyber threats. The goal is to build a thriving cyber ecosystem, making cybersecurity a sought-after profession.
The sixth shield promotes international collaboration, focusing on regional resilience. Strategic partnerships will help Australia and neighbouring nations tackle shared challenges effectively.
O’Neil outlined a phased approach, completing the strategy in two-year blocks. This ensures each stage undergoes thorough analysis before progressing.
She stressed that a successful strategy won’t eliminate cyber-attacks. Instead, it will ensure “…government is a convenor and a leader and a partner to all…in helping tackle that challenge.” This approach will help organisations and individuals recover quickly from attacks.
O’Neil also acknowledged the need to streamline incident reporting. Boards currently face a complex process, with “…a long list sometimes of 30 or 40 people that they need to call within the government when they come under cyber attack.”
At Step Fwd IT, the comprehensive cybersecurity strategy presented at the AFR’s Cyber Summit resonates deeply with us. The vision of enveloping Australia within six cyber shields not only speaks to national resilience but also to the core of our beliefs and mission.
Education lies at the heart of the first shield. In this regard, we understand that Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) and K-12 schools represent segments that could greatly benefit from targeted cybersecurity education and resources. These institutions often lack the vast resources of larger entities but are equally, if not more, vulnerable to cyber threats. We have always championed the cause of making cyber-awareness and security more accessible to these groups. By delivering tailored cybersecurity solutions and training programs, we aim to empower these institutions with the knowledge and tools they need to defend against and respond to cyber threats.
The emphasis on secure technology, threat sharing, and international collaboration particularly excites us. As the digital landscape continuously evolves, the collaborative approach underscored by the strategy is crucial. SMBs and schools need to be part of a wider, coordinated defence mechanism, and we are proud to facilitate that connection.
In our ongoing work with SMBs and K-12 schools, we witness firsthand the challenges they face in navigating the digital realm securely. This new strategy amplifies the importance of our role in the ecosystem. It's a testament to the fact that while overarching national strategies are vital, their real impact is felt when businesses like ours take the initiative to localise and tailor these strategies to fit the unique needs of specific sectors.
We are fully on board with the government's vision and see ourselves as partners in this journey. Step Fwd IT is steadfast in our commitment to harnessing the best of technology and cybersecurity practices to ensure our clients remain protected, aware, and resilient. By working in tandem with the broader goals of Australia’s cybersecurity strategy, we are eager to pave the way for a more cyber-secure future for SMBs, K-12 schools, and the nation at large.
