In response to a number of apparently state-sponsored cyberattacks in June, the federal government has announced its largest ever investment in cyber security – with $1.35 billion of funding dedicated over the next ten years
“My government’s record investment in our nation’s cyber security will help ensure we have the tools and capabilities we need to fight back and keep Australians safe,” said Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
The new Cyber Enhanced Situational Awareness and Response (CESAR) package is aimed at detecting cyberattacks, pursuing cyber criminals, and enabling partnerships between the private sector and the public sector to bolster the nation’s online security.
“The package will put our nation on the front foot in combating cyber threats and our investment in a cyber security workforce will help ensure we have the people we need to meet future cyber challenges,” said Minister for Defence, Linda Reynolds.
The package also earmarks $470 million to create over 500 new jobs in the Australian Signals Directorate’s cyber security workforce.
The Australian-headquartered global cyber security company First Wave Cloud Technology has noted an increase in cyber threats since the start of COVID-19, targeting SME’s and local government in particular.
As more staff have been working remotely, and therefore in a less cyber secure environment, hackers gain access to easier targets.
Providing employees with training to avoid suspicious emails and websites along with the necessary technology to detect attacks are crucial to ensuring the cybersecurity of organisations of all sizes, says First Wave Cloud Technology Strategy Director Roger Carvosso.