Taskforce report calls for simpler cybersecurity standards

Standards Australia has launched the Recommendations Report of the NSW Cyber Security Standards Harmonisation Taskforce, comprising industry leaders, government and business representatives. The recommendations detailed in the report span key industries, including cloud, health, defence, education and financial services.

The report, compiled in collaboration with the NSW Government and AustCyber, highlights priority areas for standards development and implementation; it also outlines how standards can contribute to building a resilient cyber infrastructure across sectors. The report also delves into seven priority areas across Australian industry, with specific recommendations for each.

Adrian O’Connell, Chief Executive Officer at Standards Australia, noted that while the digital age creates more social and economic opportunities for Australian industry, this increasing reliance also comes with greater security sensitivities and risks.

“With the report complete, we can now begin working collectively toward implementing these key recommendations,” said O’Connell.

Michelle Price, Chief Executive Officer of AustCyber, said standards are not a panacea, noting that if they are used in combination with the latest advances in technology, and embedded across global supply chains, they can help guide the baseline cybersecurity requirements. This in turn will help raise the position of SMEs, organisations and government agencies to compete in the Australian and international markets.

“Ultimately, a globally competitive Australian cybersecurity sector will underpin the future success of every industry in the national economy,” said Price.

The taskforce is developing a publicly accessible list of standards about cybersecurity, spanning the seven priority sectors identified in the report. This will include a website that details the business benefits around the adoption of standards, which will serve as an asset for boards, executives and relevant decision-makers.

“This is not only about creating jobs, it’s about creating an industry and one we must lead. But as we strive towards this goal we must ensure the correct privacy, security and trust settings are built in — all wrapped around with ethics. The standard to which we hold our service delivery demands nothing less,” said Victor Dominello MP, Minister for Customer Service.

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