A new report from the MIT Technology Review Insights has revealed that Australia is ranked first in the world in showing the greatest progress and commitment to enhancing cyber security. 

The MIT Technology Review Insights’ Cyber Defense Index 2022/23, which ranked Australia first in assessment criteria such as Critical Infrastructure, Organisational Capacity and Policy Commitment, highlights 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 MIT report states.  

“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.” 

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Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King states that the report shows that Australia is “waking up from the cyber-slumber” with its progress in the cyber security sector. 

”Since coming to office, the Albanese Government has declared 82 Systems of National Significance under the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018,” she said, acknowledging that the results of the report showed the dedication of thousands of personnel to help keep pace with the constantly evolving cyber threat. 

“[The government] 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.” 

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Last week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the creation of a National Coordinator for Cyber Security 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,” he 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.” 

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.

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