Australia has been ranked first in the world among countries showing the greatest progress and commitment to enhancing cyber security, according to a new index published by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King said the report shows that Australia is “waking up from the cyber-slumber”.
”Since coming to office, the Albanese Government has declared 82 Systems of National Significance under the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018; is working closely with industry to ensure security requirements are fit-for-purpose; and announced the development of a new national cyber security strategy aimed at making Australia the most cyber-secure nation in the world by 2030,” the Minister said.
The MIT Technology Review Insights’ Cyber Defense Index 2022/23 ranked Australia first in 3 of 4 assessment criteria – Critical Infrastructure, Organisational capacity and, importantly, Policy commitment.
The report said Australia’s first-place score reflected the Australian Government’s efforts to make robust digital infrastructure widely available.
“The Australian Government strives to use digital tools and regulations to safeguard personal data and digital transactions. It committed to overhauling cybersecurity laws, pledging to shelve a previous roadmap.”
“The importance of this was underscored by a hack of Optus, its second-largest mobile carrier, in which 2.8 million records were stolen. Its business leaders have high confidence in the Government’s cybersecurity stance,” the MIT report states.
Minister King said the report was great recognition for the thousands of dedicated personnel who were working tirelessly to help keep pace with the constantly evolving cyber threat.
Last week, Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, announced the creation of a National Coordinator for Cybersecurity within the Department of Home Affairs.
”This will ensure that all areas of government working to protect Australians from cyber threats are operating as efficiently as possible, and adds to work already underway to protect our critical infrastructure,” the Prime Minister said.
”The cyber threat we face is massive and grows every day, but strengthening Australia’s cyber security is a fundamental priority for our Government. Cyber security is national security, it is business security, and it is now an essential part of life for 25 million Australians,” he said.
