Cybersecurity under Trump 2.0: Implications for Australia
By Adam Dobell
The United States is poised for a significant shift in its cybersecurity policy, which will impact Australia and
the broader Indo Pacific region. While the Trump Administration is yet to release any substantial policies, early presidential executive orders, cabinet nominees’ remarks, and pre-election policy platforms all point to a market-driven approach with fewer regulations.
At the same time, a more aggressive approach to offensive cyber operations is also likely with the National Security Adviser, Mike Waltz, suggesting the US needs to be “taking a different approach to cyber, looking at our doctrine, and starting to impose costs.”1 This rhetoric sets the scene for a return to Trump’s first-term cyber doctrine, albeit this
time with a more emboldened set of cyber adversaries and new technologies in play – with AI top of the list.
Key Messages
- Deregulation and offensive cyber shift. The Trump Administration will likely cut regulations and prioritize offensive cyber operations, reversing some Biden-era policies.
- China as the top cyber threat. Bipartisan consensus sees China as the main cyber adversary, with state-backed attacks threatening US infrastructure and security.
- Uncertainty over US cyber institutions. The Cyber and Infrastructure Security Agency faces downsizing and restructuring under Trump, with efforts to curb its role in countering misinformation.
- Impact on Australia’s cybersecurity. Australia’s efforts to address market failures through cyber regulations may clash with US deregulation, complicating cooperation.
- Uncertain future for global cyber partnerships. While Quad and AUKUS remain strong, US support for initiatives like the Counter Ransomware Initiative is in question.