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.