Cyber Security News

Australia leads international task force against ransomware

Eliza Sayon Jan 23, 2023

2 min read

The federal government has begun its operations in combating the scourge of ransomware with the International Counter Ransomware Task Force.

Last year, Australia was tasked to create an international counter-ransomware task force, hosting the world’s top cyber chiefs in light of a series of recent high-profile cyber security attacks on critical global infrastructure.

“Ransomware represents a significant global threat, and Australia will continue to play a leading role working with international partners, industry and the community to develop effective responses to combat cyber criminals and protect our people and institutions,” Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security Clare O’Neil said.

“Recent cyber incidents in Australia and around the globe are a stark reminder of the insidious nature of ransomware, and the ability of cyber criminals to cause widespread disruption and harm to broad sections of the community.”

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According to Minister O’Neil, the Task Force will enable sustained and impactful international collaboration, designed to disrupt, combat and defend against the increasing ransomware threat.

As the Task Force sits under the US-led Counter Ransomware Initiative comprised of 37 like-minded governments, Minister O’Neil called on other countries to join the collective effort.

“Ransomware represents a global threat, and Australia calls on other nations to be part of this global initiative to support effective detection, disruption and prosecution of cyber criminals who use ransomware for financial and other gain,” Minister O’Neil said.

“Our new Cyber Security Strategy will be looking at further ways to harden our nation so Australia becomes an unwelcome operating environment for cyber criminals.”

The Task Force is expected to drive international cooperation in tackling ransomware such as information and intelligence exchanges, sharing best practice policy and legal authority frameworks, and collaboration between law enforcement and cyber authorities.

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As the chair and coordinator of the International Counter Ransomware Task Force, the country has opened membership nominations to Counter Ransomware Initiative partner nations.

The members of the Counter Ransomware Initiative are Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Lithuania, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Poland, Republic of Korea, Romania, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Ukraine and the EU.

Members of the Counter Ransomware Initiative agreed to the creation of an International Counter Ransomware Task Force at a meeting in Washington in November.

Source: Minister for Home Affairs media release. Content has been edited for style and length.

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.