Release of ASPI Special Report ‘Cyber security: Threats and responses in the information age’

The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) today released a new Special Report on cyber security policy in Australia.

This Special Report, authored by Alastair MacGibbon, explores the issue of cyber security from a risk management perspective.

Noting the release of Australia’s new Cyber Security Strategy in November 2009, this paper argues that the development of Australian cyber security policy has been outstripped by the uptake and use of information and communications technologies by the public, industry and government—and concomitant abuse by criminals and foreign powers.  In no small part this has been because of government over-reliance on industry self regulation in which there was a failed belief that the ‘light touch’ telecommunications regulatory regime would see safety and security solutions rising from the private sector at a rate greater than, or equal to, the threat.  The problem has been further compounded by a narrow policy focus addressing the legal definition of cybercrime, rather than the broader problems stemming from information and communications technologies.

This report argues that there is a widening gap between the cyber security problem and our national ability to deal with it and offers a range of policy suggestions targeting various opportunities for government and the private sector, including establishing an internet crime reporting and analysis centre to assist the public, who are increasingly important from a cyber security perspective. The paper concludes that it is time for decisive national leadership, and a step-change in the policy process.

Alastair MacGibbon notes that current policy measures are, ‘directionally correct, but lacking in scale,’ and says there is a, ‘need to broaden definition and better embrace the public.’

‘In short, cyber security is a growing national security concern for three main reasons: the threat posed to Australia’s economic interests; the integrity of Australian Government information and systems; and the wellbeing of the Australian public,’ said Mr MacGibbon.

Alastair MacGibbon is Managing Partner of Surete Group and founder of the Internet Safety Institute.