A government Expert Advisory Board sought input on how to make Australia a world-leader in cyber security by 2030. We emphasised that our members are at the forefront of digital security with many dealing with sensitive personal records. We highlighted the tools CA ANZ provides its members and our willingness to work with the Government on specific initiatives.

Harmonising regulatory frameworks

We noted that there are 9 Government agencies using 14 different mechanisms to monitor, educate, and respond to matters concerning cyber security. We recommended that the priority should be to develop a single point of entry for Australians seeking help on any matter concerning cyber security. Behind the scenes, the Government can then work to harmonise legislation with the aim of moving to a single instrument to govern cyber security as other instruments are repealed. 

Securing government systems

We sought for the Government to not only be leaders in best practice cyber defence but also make available to Australians the tools they develop. We referred the Government to initiatives in the United Kingdom where cyber defence services developed by and for the government are made available for public use. Such an approach in Australia could lead to a national set of tools that are publicly accessible by 2030.

Community awareness and victim support

We sought for the Government to prioritise raising awareness of the cyber threat and the importance of cyber-aware choices. It has been found that people are only aware of the cyber threat if they, or someone they know, have been directly impacted. To be a world leader, all Australians need to be aware of the cyber threat and build cyber-aware choices in their decision-making.

Raising awareness is best achieved through a paid marketing campaign which must be ongoing with regular updates. This will ensure the owners of more than 400,000 new business each year, and individuals beginning to build a digital profile, are aware of the cyber threat and how to mitigate the threat.

We reiterated that raising awareness, building skills and victim support should be seen to come from a single government source. This single portal to also be the access point to report cyber-attacks, host a library of industry specific case studies and tools such as the United Kingdom’s Verify a Supplier.

Closing comments

We offered to work with the Government on new initiatives noting that our members in public practice can provide a network to assist in raising awareness of the importance of cyber security.