Australia releases Cybersecurity Strategy 2020

The Australian Government has released their Cybersecurity Strategy 2020 with a vision of securing the online world for their citizens, businesses, and essential services amidst growing cybersecurity threats, both from state and not state actors. Built on the 2016 Cyberecurity Strategy, the government plans to invest AU$1.67 billion over 10 years to achieve this vision.

Some of the highlights of the strategy include: protecting the critical infrastructure, including cybersecurity obligations for owners and operators; new ways to investigate and shut-down cybercrime, even on the dark web; strengthening government networks and data and enhancing incident response procedures; greater collaboration to build cyber-skills; increased situational awareness and improved sharing of threat information; strengthening partnerships with industry through the Joint Cyber Security Centre Programme; advising small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to increase their cyber resilience; providing clear guidance for businesses and consumers on securing Internet of Things devices; and initiating a 24/7 cybersecurity advice hotline for SMEs and families, and improved community awareness of cybersecurity threats.