Indo-Pacific Insight Series Vol 23
Cybersecurity under Trump 2.0: Implications for Australia
March 2025
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.
About Adam Dobell
Adam Dobell has extensive experience in national security and international policy, principally in the Indo-Pacific. Prior to joining Venable, Adam served as the first secretary for the department of home affairs at the Embassy of Australia in Washington DC, where he engaged with officials at the White House and congressional and industry stakeholders to further Australia’s national security interests. He also represented the Australian Government in multilateral groupings including the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, the International Counter Ransomware Initiative, and the Quad.
Key Messages
1. Deregulation and offensive cyber shift. The Trump administration will likely cut regulations and prioritize offensive cyber operations, reversing some Biden-era policies.
2. China as the top cyber threat. Bipartisan consensus sees China as the main cyber adversary, with state-backed attacks threatening US infrastructure and security.
3. 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.
4. Impact on Australia’s cybersecurity. Australia’s efforts to address market failures through cyber regulations may clash with US deregulation, complicating cooperation.
5. Uncertain future for global cyber partnerships. While Quad and AUKUS remain strong, US support for initiatives like the Counter Ransomware Initiative is in question.
Read Vol 23 of the Indo-Pacific Insight Series
Indo-Pacific Insight Series
The Indo-Pacific Insight series features concise, expert-driven publications on key and often contentious issues shaping the region.
