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The Commonwealth government has launched a multi-agency taskforce charged with thwarting sophisticated cyber crime organisations in Australia and abroad.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has been tasked with leading a new multi-agency operation targeting ransomware, Operation Orcus.
The AFP will work alongside the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), AUSTRAC, state and territory police, and industry stakeholders to:
This new taskforce forms part of the $89.9 million funding boost for the AFP, aimed at enhancing its operational capabilities to identify, disrupt and investigate cyber crime. This includes 100 new police, intelligence officers and technical specialists.
Under the new arrangement, the AFP will expand in-house staff numbers at the ACSC from 13 to 35.
“Time’s up for the organised criminals who prey on our schools, hospitals, businesses, and private citizens with this despicable technology,” Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews said.
“… This strong action should come as no surprise; I’ve said consistently that increasing cybersecurity and cracking down on cyber crime are my top priorities.”
Minister Andrews urged victims of ransomware attacks not to pay cyber criminals, encouraging them to instead contact police and the ACSC.
“Don’t reward criminal behaviour with a payment, especially when there is no guarantee you’ll get anything back,” the minister added.
The launch of Operation Orcus comes just weeks after the federal Labor opposition proposed new cyber security reforms in the House of Representatives.
The Ransomware Payments Bill 2021, introduced by shadow assistant minister for communication and cyber security Tim Watts, would require local organisations to inform the ACSC before making a payment to a cyber criminal.
“There is an urgent need for this bill,” Watts said.
“The Australian Cyber Security Centre has labelled ransomware the 'highest cyber threat' facing Australian businesses.
“Indeed, it’s more than just a threat to business; ransomware is a significant national security threat in its own right.”
News Editor – Defence and Security, Momentum Media
Prior to joining the defence and aerospace team in 2020, Charbel was news editor of The Adviser and Mortgage Business, where he covered developments in the banking and financial services sector for three years. Charbel has a keen interest in geopolitics and international relations, graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a double major in politics and journalism. Charbel has also completed internships with The Australian Department of Communications and the Arts and public relations agency Fifty Acres
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