- enable the minister for cyber security to prescribe mandatory cyber security standards for smart devices to give Australians assurance the devices they purchase aren’t putting them at risk,
- require certain businesses to report ransom payments, so our cyber experts can build a better picture of the threat landscape,
- give effect to a ‘limited use’ obligation for the National Cyber Security Coordinator and the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) to facilitate rapid and open sharing of information during a cyber security incident,
- establish a Cyber Incident Review Board (CIRB) to conduct no-fault, post-incident reviews of significant cyber security incidents in Australia and make concrete recommendations to aid in the prevention, detection, response, and minimisation of cyber incidents in the future.
The Cyber Security Bill 2024 was introduced on 9 October and was later recommended for urgent parliamentary approval on 19 November by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS).
Burke said the package also progresses reforms under the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 (SOCI Act) that will:
- Clarify existing obligations in relation to systems holding business critical data,
- Expand existing last resort powers to enable government assistance to manage the impacts of all hazards incidents on critical infrastructure,
- Simplify information sharing across industry and government’,
- Enable the government to direct entities to address serious deficiencies within their risk management programs
- Integrate regulation for the security of telecommunications into the SOCI Act.
“The Government has passed into law Australia’s first standalone Cyber Security Act, a key pillar in our mission to protect Australians from cyber threats,” Burke said. “This package forms a cohesive legislative toolbox for Australia to move forward with clarity and confidence in the face of an ever changing cyber landscape.
