The global threat landscape has been shaped by the constant risk of high-impacting cyber security incidents, data breaches and ransomware. Although trends in digital transformation, such as big data, the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) have provided global citizens with infinite opportunities, they have also amplified ongoing opportunities for attack.

Experts, citizens and businesses have called on the Federal Government to uplift national cyber security protections, defences and resiliency. Recognising the rapidly evolving risk environment and associated potential impacts on the country, the Federal Government has answered this call by embarking on a journey to steer Australia to becoming a global leader in cyber security by 2030.

A wide and detailed consultation process was opened to the public, considering the views of industry specialists, academia, government and other key stakeholders. The results fed the development of the released 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy.

The Six Shields

Delivery of the Strategy involves a whole of nation effort to achieve its ambitious vision. Six ‘cyber shields’ will be built as layers of defence to protect Australian citizens and businesses:

    Shield 1: Strong businesses and citizens
    Shield 2: Safe technology
    Shield 3: World-class threat sharing and blocking
    Shield 4: Protected critical infrastructure
    Shield 5: Sovereign capabilities
    Shield 6: Resilient region and global leadership

The Strategy’s initiatives, as detailed in the Strategy’s action plan, comprises 20 actions across the 6 shields, which will be implemented over three horizons. Horizon 1 takes place during 2023-2025, and focuses on strengthening foundations and addressing critical gaps in the cyber shields.

Cyber Strategy Actions for Small and Medium Businesses

Shield 1 has actions that include three relevant to small and medium businesses, which require minimal effort and return high value:

• Action #1 – Access cyber health checks which will provide a baseline of their current state, identify the gaps, and supply tailored guidance to close those gaps and mature cyber health over time.

• Action #2 – Expand the national cyber security awareness capability for all audiences to deal with the human element, enacting a ‘human firewall’.

• Action #4 – Provide a ransomware playbook with guidance on how to prepare for, deal with and bounce back from a ransomware attack, breaking costly extortion attempts and minimise costs of crucial data recovery.

The actions laid out by the Strategy for small to medium businesses are heartening. Organisations of this size may not have the resources to undertake their own independent cyber programs from scratch. The planned initiatives also encourage business owners to proactively think about their cyber security and consider what further steps they can take to fortify their own businesses, which will contribute towards stronger cyber resilience for Australia as a whole.

MyEmpire Group supports the vision of the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy, and we’re excited to see the actions for business come to life. We’re playing our part to advise, contribute, partner, and deliver cyber security solutions that shield and support Australian organisations, enabling them to focus on what matters – securely running their businesses.

To learn more about how your business can take advantage of the Australian Cyber Security Strategy’s initiatives, or discuss how to protect your business and brand, reach out to our team of cyber specialists.