Australia’s newly appointed cybersecurity coordinator, Air Marshal Darren Goldie, warns against the practice of paying ransoms. Highlighting the potential consequences of such actions, he emphasises the importance of developing a robust cybersecurity strategy to safeguard the nation’s digital infrastructure.
Paying ransoms: A risky mistake
Air Marshal Goldie strongly discourages Australian companies from paying ransom in the event of a cyberattack. Despite the immediate desire to retrieve stolen data, paying ransom does not guarantee that the data will be released. This also doesn’t guarantee that future attacks will be prevented.
Furthermore, it inadvertently fuels the criminal model and increases the likelihood of Australia becoming a lucrative target for cybercrime. Artificial intelligence indeed presents new challenges. And companies must adopt proactive cybersecurity measures rather than relying on reactive responses.
Strengthening cybersecurity measures
In response to the growing cyber threat landscape and high-profile hacks experienced by companies like Optus, Medibank, and Latitude Financial, the Australian government established the cybersecurity coordinator role.
Air Marshal Goldie assumes this position, overseeing a coordinated response to cyber-attacks and developing a comprehensive Cyber Security Strategy for 2023-30. The previous $1.7 billion cybersecurity plan implemented by the Coalition government will be replaced, and cyber laws will be rewritten to provide greater options for federal government intervention.
The government aims to revise the definition of critical infrastructure under the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act. This expansion would allow the government to intervene in major breaches compromising customer data and systems. It may impose additional obligations and standards on industries to enhance cybersecurity practices.
By the end of the year, a new Cyber Security Strategy will be finalised, encompassing a comprehensive framework to address evolving cyber threats and protect Australia’s digital landscape.
Air Marshal Goldie acknowledges that the cybersecurity threat has intensified, with attacks becoming more frequent and sophisticated. As the coordinator, his role is to assess the adequacy of the Commonwealth’s response to cyber threats. He is also tasked to identify areas that require improvement. With Australia’s significant wealth and extensive connectivity, the nation enjoys numerous benefits but is also exposed to increased cyber risks. That is why a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy is essential to mitigate these risks effectively.
The government’s initiatives, including developing a new Cyber Security Strategy and the potential expansion of critical infrastructure definitions, demonstrate its commitment to protecting the nation’s digital infrastructure. With the escalating cyber threat landscape, a comprehensive and proactive approach to cybersecurity is crucial to ensure the safety and resilience of Australia’s digital landscape.