21 December, 2017
The Victorian Government recently released a cyber security strategy to ensure that government services, infrastructure and information are protected from cyber-attacks. This makes Victoria the first Australian state to have a dedicated cyber security strategy.
The strategy was developed in response to the unprecedented scale of incidents and attempted disruption of cyber-attacks to government networks across the world. The purpose of developing the strategy is to protect sensitive citizen and other data against loss, malicious alteration, and unauthorised use. The strategy aims to shift Victoria from its current agency by agency approach, to a whole of government approach.
Specifically, the strategy will include:
- appointing a Chief Information Security Officer within the Department of Premier and Cabinet to oversee the government response to ongoing cyber threats and coordinate cross government action;
- developing cyber emergency governance arrangements with Emergency Management Victoria;
- strengthening partnerships across all levels of government and the private sector to share best practice, intelligence and insights;
- coordinating the procurement of proven cyber security services; and
- presenting a quarterly cyber security briefing to the Victorian Secretaries Board and the State Crisis and Resilience Committee.
The Victorian Government’s cyber security strategy can be accessed here.
For further information, please contact:
William Hallatt, Partner, Herbert Smith Freehills
William.Hallatt@hsf.com
