To safeguard Northern Territory public sector systems against ever-changing risks, the government is allocating an annual investment of AU$7.5 million to strengthen cybersecurity controls and capabilities.
As the frequency of threats increases and the global cyber security landscape becomes increasingly intricate, the government acknowledges the necessity of ongoing investment to safeguard the data of Territorians held by the Government.
This investment will strengthen the protection of the Government’s essential critical infrastructure by adding 30 new graduate and specialised cyber security positions to the Government’s workforce. Additionally, it will provide additional cyber security tools and enhance the capability for cyber threat monitoring, intelligence, and analysis.
Moreover, this initiative will enable the Northern Territory to align itself with national endeavours aimed at improving cyber security posture, in line with national strategies.
This announcement comes after a collaborative investment by the Federal Government and Charles Darwin University (CDU) to introduce two new vocational education and training (VET) programs in the field of cyber security.
The demand for cyber security professionals is on the rise, as evidenced by the enrolment of 25 students in CDU’s recently launched Certificate IV in Cyber Security program this year.
The Minister for Corporate and Digital Development stated that cybercrime is constantly growing in boldness and sophistication. However, the NT Government remains prepared to defend itself against such attacks.
The government is committed to increasing its investment in safeguarding digital assets and providing necessary resources to the resolute team of cyber professionals responsible for their defence. The introduction of 30 new cyber security positions throughout the NT Government is expected to significantly enhance the protection of critical Territory data and systems.
The establishment of a resilient national cyber ecosystem is considered essential for the future by the Australian government. It emphasises the need for collective efforts as a nation to secure networks and systems, while also supporting the thriving technology industry to capitalise on the increasing global demand for cyber security.
In Australia’s approach to cyber security, it recognises that all stakeholders, including government entities, businesses, and everyday citizens, have a role to play in securing the digital future.
The Department of Home Affairs plays a significant role in supporting the development of cyber security policies for the Australian Government. This includes the implementation of the Australian Cyber Security Strategy from 2023 to 2030. The department focuses on addressing cyber security threats and opportunities, both within Australia and internationally, with a specific focus on securing critical and emerging technologies.
In December, the Minister for Cyber Security of Australia announced the formulation of the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy (the Strategy).
The primary objective of the Strategy is to realise the Australian Government’s vision of establishing Australia as the world’s most cyber secure nation by 2030. To achieve this, the Australian Government will spearhead a nationally coordinated approach to enhance the country’s cyber security and resilience.
Underpinning the Strategy are four key areas that serve as the foundation for cyber security policy and initiatives:
- A secure economy and thriving cyber ecosystem
- A secure and resilient critical infrastructure and government sector
- A sovereign and assured capability to counter cyber threats
- Australia as a trusted and influential global cyber leader, working collaboratively with neigh boring nations to elevate cyber security and cultivate a region resilient to cyber threats