The Australian Signals Directorate is so far succeeding in its monitoring of foreign influence operations, but struggling when it comes to domestic cybersecurity.
- Adjunct Professor, Australia-China Relations Institute, University of Technology Sydney
ASIO is effective in defeating threats and being transparent in reporting on them, but its latest annual threat assessment leaves room to question its strategic priorities.
The Australian government has promised to crack down on companies that aren’t prepared to defend themselves against cyber crime, but their proposed new laws may offer those same businesses a reprieve.
Part of the rationale for acquiring nuclear-powered subs is to counter China’s growing military influence. But the US navy still remains much more powerful than China’s.
Contrary to popular belief, cyber security isn’t a strong point for China and this makes it particularly vulnerable to attack in wartime.
As tensions in the disputed waters mount, it’s important to understand how this conflict began and what international law says about freedom of navigation and competing maritime claims.
The Coalition has announced a new package to boost cyber security. But this is not new money and much more needs to be done to ward off cyber threats.
We have not been able to develop an intelligence workforce that can keep up with the speed of advancing technologies and their threat to our national security.
Trump’s new executive order reflects a fear of sabotage, where an enemy such as China or Russia could turn off critical infrastructure like the internet or communications capability.
Scott Morrison has bragged about ‘stopping the boats’, but his government has failed to do anything meaningful to bolster cyber security and stop the malware.
German MPs were outraged they weren’t notified they were targets in a cyber attack, which resulted in the public release of mobile phone numbers and credit card information.
Austraia’s first Cyber Incident Management Arrangements are a good start, but the government needs to better engage with private companies to prevent and manage cyber attacks.
The succession of data access legislation in the Australian parliament is fast becoming a Mad Hatter’s tea party. We need better oversight, and fast.
Universities are uniquely placed to ensure that those who manage security of networks and data work closely with those who research and study the same problem.
The government wants Australia to grow defence exports 800% by 2028. Investing in the cyber industry may be the only way to get there.
The Australian Defence Force’s new Information Warfare Division will require time and political capital to shape a capable workforce.
“It is time for a digital Geneva Convention to protect the internet.”
The prospect of foreign hackers interfering with democracy is not just an American story. It could happen in Australia too, and we need to guard against it.
Many Australians are frightened by the prospect of terrorism on home soil, but statistics show they don’t have much to fear.
It’s no surprise that China represents a cyber threat to Australia. But the government has been reluctant to state this fact and needs to respond more decisively.
There is a real threat from Chinese ownership of electricity networks such as Ausgrid. The Treasurer needs to be more frank about these threats.
The US and the UK realise the urgent need for serious investment in cybersecurity. So why is the Australian government taking the issue so lightly?
Australia has some way to travel before it graduates to a coherent national cyber security strategy.
Counter-radicalisation is only one part of nearly 20 very distinct areas of policy to combat terrorism. It is probably not the most effective by a long shot.
It’s critical the government recognises the link between cybersecurity protection and the strength of our digital economy.
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