Australia’s Cyber Security Challenges

On 10th August 2020, the Perth USAsia Centre convened a distinguished live and online “In Conversation” event on Australia’s most pressing cyber security challenges, featuring two of Australia’s eminent cyber security experts.

Ms Danielle Cave, Deputy Director of ASPI’s International Cyber Policy Centre, discussed with former Defence Minister Professor Stephen Smith how a rapidly transforming digital landscape is shaping spycraft and geopolitics, as well as government cyber strategies. Professor Smith, Chairman of two Australian cyber security companies, assessed how resilient Australian industry is to growing cyber threats, and how government and industry can work together to protect the nation’s businesses, intellectual property and critical infrastructure.

In mid-June, Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison provided a Statement on Malicious Cyber Activity Against Australian Networks. Ms Cave and Professor Smith also discussed Australia’s Cyber Security Strategy 2020, released just days prior to the public event.