AUSTRALIAN CYBER SECURITY STRATEGY LAUNCHED
23 November 2009
Joint Media Release
ATTORNEY-GENERAL
HON ROBERT McCLELLAND MP
MINISTER FOR BROADBAND, COMMUNICATIONS AND THE DIGITAL ECONOMY
SENATOR THE HON STEPHEN CONROY
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE
SENATOR THE HON JOHN FAULKNER
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland has today launched Australia’s first ever comprehensive Cyber Security Strategy.
The strategy formalises the roles, responsibilities and policies of Australian intelligence, cyber and policing agencies to protect Australian internet users.
The strategy identifies the priorities for the Australian Government as follows.
- Improve the detection, analysis, mitigation and response to sophisticated cyber threats, with a focus on government, critical infrastructure and other systems of national interest.
- Educate and empower all Australians with the information, confidence and practical tools to protect themselves online.
- Partner with business to promote security and resilience in infrastructure, networks, products and services.
- Model best practice in the protection of government ICT systems, including the systems of those transacting with government online.
- Promote a secure, resilient and trusted global electronic operating environment that supports Australia’s national interests.
- Maintain an effective legal framework and enforcement capabilities to target and prosecute cyber crime.
- Promote the development of a skilled cyber security workforce with access to research and development to develop innovative solutions.
The strategy includes the creation of the new Australian Government Computer Emergency Response Team, CERT Australia, which will commence operation in January 2010.
“Our Cyber Security Strategy details Australian Government arrangements to defend economic institutions, critical infrastructure, government agencies, businesses and home users from cyber threats,” Mr McClelland said.
“CERT Australia will work with other national CERTs around the world, the IT industry and Australian internet service providers to help network operators to identify and respond to cyber security incidents,” Mr McClelland said.
CERT Australia will also work with the Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC), established in the Department of Defence as part of the Defence White Paper.
“The Cyber Security Operations Centre provides the Australian Government with cyber situational awareness and the ability to facilitate operational responses to cyber security incidents of national importance,” Senator Faulkner said.
The Strategy also emphasises the importance of providing everyday Internet users with cyber security information and tools to help protect their identities, privacy and finances online.
The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, welcomed the new cyber security strategy.
“Ensuring consumers and businesses have confidence in online systems will be essential for Australia to reap the full benefits of the digital economy,” Senator Conroy said.
“This strategy will help to make sure that people understand the simple things they can do to stay smart online and become empowered participants in the online environment.”
Also launched was the new identity theft information booklet, Protecting your Identity.
“All Australians need practical advice on how to protect their identities and understand what to do if they’ve been a victim of identity theft,” Mr McClelland said.
Copies of the Cyber Security Strategy and the Protecting Your Identity booklet are available on the Attorney-General's Department website.
Media Contact: Daniel Gleeson 0409 562 425
