Australia has a national cybersecurity strategy for 2023-2030 – what does this mean for organisations and what are their key accountabilities and actions?
Cybersecurity is not an IT issue, it is a government and business issue. Australia has positioned itself at the forefront of cybersecurity, recognising the need for proactive measures just like floods and bushfires. Our National Cybersecurity Strategy 2023-2030, lays out a raft of strategic initiatives and Air Marshal Darren Goldie’s appointment as the National Cybersecurity Coordinator underscores the gravity of the initiative.
Some of the key initiatives include:
- A Whole-of-Government Approach,
- Strengthening Collaboration Across Agencies,
- Meeting Reporting Guidelines and Legislative Requirements,
- Embracing Cyber Literacy and Evolving Roles.
Boards of organisations must prepare for a multi-layered approach, encompassing technical staff, policy, and governance, in addition to end-user awareness and training. Cybersecurity is evolving into a responsibility that extends beyond the Chief Information Security Officer, with leaders in the field becoming integral parts of CEOs’ advisory teams.
Australia is preparing for a more cyber-secure future – supported by the National Cybersecurity Strategy for 2023-2030. In response to the evolving cyber threat landscape, the strategy lays out a comprehensive plan to fortify the nation’s defenses. In this blog post, we will explore the strategy’s implications for organisations, and the key accountabilities and actions it imposes on them. In the second episode of BSI’s – Future Learning Podcast, Damien Cantelo, CEO of Apollo, and Kala Philip, CEO of BSI’s Learning Institute, take the stage to unravel the complexities of modern cybersecurity. Our second question explores the Australian national cyber security strategy for 2023 – 2030 and what it means for organisations.
A Strategic Response to Cyber Challenges:
Australia has positioned itself at the forefront of cybersecurity, recognising the need for proactive measures. The National Cybersecurity Strategy, introduced for the period 2023-20301, reflects a thoughtful response to the numerous threats and vulnerabilities that our increasingly more digital ways of living and working leave Australian society open to. . Air Marshal Darren Goldie’s appointment as the National Cybersecurity Coordinator underscores the gravity of the initiative.
A Whole-of-Government Approach:
This strategy is not merely a collection of isolated actions but a holistic, whole-of-government approach. Air Marshal Darren Goldie’s pivotal role within the Department of Home Affairs demonstrates the government’s commitment to treating cyber threats with the same urgency as natural disasters. This coordinated response mirrors strategies employed in handling emergencies like floods and bush fires.
Strengthening Collaboration Across Agencies:
A key objective of the strategy is to foster collaboration among various government agencies, including the Australian Cyber Security Centre, the Australian Signals Directorate, the Office of National Intelligence, the Australian Federal Police, and the Department of Immigration. This collaborative approach aims to enhance incident preparedness and response capabilities across the government.
Meeting Reporting Guidelines and Legislative Requirements:
In anticipation of more sophisticated cyber attacks, the strategy emphasises the need for reporting guidelines and legislative requirements. Recent announcements, such as the classification of telecommunications as critical infrastructure, signal a significant shift and a deeper understanding of how important telecommunications are to our ability to operate in our communities and workplaces. Boards of organisations will now face reporting obligations similar to those in sectors like healthcare and energy.
Embracing Cyber Literacy and Evolving Roles:
With the heightened focus on cybersecurity, there is a growing realisation that cyber literacy is not confined to IT professionals. Boards of organisations must prepare for a multi-layered approach, encompassing technical staff, policy, and governance, in addition to end-user awareness and training. Cybersecurity is evolving into a responsibility that extends beyond the Chief Information Security Officer, with leaders in the field becoming integral parts of CEOs’ advisory teams.
Conclusion:
The National Cybersecurity Strategy for 2023-2030, calls on organisations to adapt and fortify their cybersecurity strategies. It outlines new accountabilities and actions, emphasising collaboration, preparedness, and a holistic approach to cybersecurity. Boards and leaders must recognise the evolving nature of cyber threats, ensuring a comprehensive response that aligns with the nation’s strategic goals. In embracing this strategy, organisations contribute to a cyber-secure future for both themselves and the nation as a whole.
In our next section of the BSI Future Learning Podcast:
We throw to Damian Cantelom CEO of Apollo who will delve into a case study and highlight the most common breaches/incidents that customers face.
Join us on this journey as we navigate the challenge of modern cyber readiness and empower organisations to stay ahead. Thank you for tuning in to The Future Learning Podcast!
Watch in the video below or listen/follow along on Spotify or Apple podcasts.
