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Janine Morris, industry engagement and strategy lead at AvePoint, outlines four key areas that Australia’s new Cyber Security Minister needs to address.
As cyber security continues to be a critical concern for Australia and the rest of the world, the appointment of Tony Burke as the new Minister for Cyber Security brings renewed hope to further advance Australia’s cyber security posture and become the most cyber-secure nation by 2030.
The government has made commendable strides in developing a comprehensive approach that can uplift national cyber capabilities through the national cyber security strategy – but the work is far from complete.
The industry’s expectations are high for Minister Burke. It is important to redirect the focus on developing a structure that supports the guidance and guardrails to protect Australia, Australian businesses, and individuals for the foreseeable future. This involves a multifaceted approach that encompasses robust and proactive cyber security measures, vigilant information management, and comprehensive education initiatives.
There are four key areas that we urge Minister Burke to prioritise to create a safer digital environment for all Australians.
Firstly, we believe that organisations of all sizes need to be on the front foot in proactively protecting their information. This involves implementing comprehensive backup solutions to ensure data integrity and availability in the face of cyber threats. Regular and secure backups are a critical defence mechanism that can mitigate the damage from rising ransomware attacks and data breaches.
Secondly, it is essential to apply appropriate security measures across all levels of an organisation. Policies and insights that provide real-time visibility into security posture and compliance status are crucial. By leveraging advanced security protocols and continuously monitoring for vulnerabilities, organisations can create a resilient defence system that adapts to the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape.
Thirdly, responsible content management is imperative. Organisations must not only protect their data but also dispose of it when it is no longer needed. Effective data life cycle management reduces the volume of sensitive information that could be compromised in a hack. By systematically eliminating outdated or unnecessary data, businesses can significantly minimise their risk of exposure.
Lastly, educating users about cyber security is fundamental. Comprehensive training programs that emphasise the importance of cyber hygiene and safe online practices are vital. Users need to understand how to recognise phishing attempts, use strong passwords, and secure their devices. Ensuring that employees are well informed and vigilant creates a robust human firewall against cyber threats.
At AvePoint, we are committed to supporting initiatives that bolster cyber security. We urge Minister Burke to prioritise these areas to establish a more secure digital collaboration environment for all Australians.
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