The Victorian Protective Data Security Standards (VPDSS) ensure the security of sensitive data within Victorian public sector organisations, as established under the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (PDP Act). The Department of Families, Fairness, and Housing (DFFH) and the Department of Health (DH) must follow these standards to protect public sector information from misuse, unauthorised access, and potential cyber threats.
Part 4 of the PDP Act requires public sector agencies to adhere to the Victorian Protective Data Security Framework (VPDSF). The DFFH states, “Third parties that collect, access, and/or manage the department’s public sector data share the responsibility for its protection,” according to the Service Agreement that outlines the terms of engagement with external entities. External contractors and funded organisations must comply with the required security protocols.
Despite not being considered public sector entities, funded organisations play a crucial role in managing public sector data. According to VPDSS Standard 8, the DFFH must obtain information security assurances from these third parties as stipulated by Standard 8 of the VPDSS. Standard 8 requires any organisation managing, accessing, or interacting with government data to demonstrate that it has established sufficient data protection measures, as detailed in the department’s third-party standard guidance document. All entities, including those not directly bound by the PDP Act, must adhere to the rigorous cybersecurity protocols mandated by this guidance.
This proactive strategy reduces the threat of potential data breaches. The Victorian government strengthens the cybersecurity framework by holding third-party-funded organisations accountable, reinforcing the protection of sensitive information beyond public sector agencies. According to the DFFH, “most funded organisations are not public sector organisations and therefore do not have direct obligations under Part 4 of the PDP Act to attest against the Victorian Protective Data Security Standards (VPDSS). However, as funded organisations are considered the department’s third parties, Standard 8 of the VPDSS applies.”
This system creates a strong framework that supports cybersecurity in the Victorian public sector, ensuring that all stakeholders, both internal and external, manage data with care and responsibility. Australia’s overall cybersecurity environment experiences considerable influence. The Victorian government promotes uniform security standards among all organisations linked to public sector data, enhancing data protection strategies across various sectors. This initiative seeks to reduce vulnerabilities and maintain public trust in the management of government data.
The VPDSS Information Security Assurance framework plays a crucial role in enhancing cybersecurity in Australia’s public sector, providing significant advantages to public sector entities and funded organisations. Regardless of their specific responsibilities under the PDP Act, all organisations must adhere to rigorous security protocols that safeguard sensitive information against external threats. This highlights a shared commitment to achieving high standards for data protection worldwide.