Ethical hackers test Australia’s census system

In the lead-up to the census, cybersecurity specialists have been bombarding the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ online systems to probe any vulnerabilities.

Combating nation-state cyber-attacks

Cyber-attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and the range of targets has expanded to include government agencies, the defence industry and critical-infrastructure providers but the most destabilising trend is the surge in cyber operations carried out by nation-states and groups sponsored by governments.

For our own good?

While many users want to be left alone to enjoy the freedom of decentralised internet services, some bodies such as “eSafety” want tighter policing to protect users from what they see as ‘harm’, whether they like it or not.

Securing data to protect Australia’s critical infrastructure

If Australia’s laws and authorities are to help secure and defend Australia’s critical data, it must first be brought within the new security regulatory regime.

Time to make cyber security compulsory

A cyber security compliance program would be financially costly, but would be a worthwhile investment to protect our infrastructure given the societal impact of cyber attacks.

Defending democracies from disinformation and foreign interference

Democracies can take steps to mitigate the risks of cyber-enabled foreign interference, and increase their power by banding together to attribute, raise costs and deter interference by hostile states.

UN steps up on cyber-security

However slow and incomplete the process, the United Nations is making progress on the global fight to protect nations and economies from cyber-attacks.

Microsoft hack could affect US–China relations

The fallout from the Exchange hack will continue over many months, but official statements that hint at or assign responsibility will be key indicators as to how the US government, and the world, will respond.

Strengthening Australia’s cyber-defences

After China launched a series of cyber-attacks on Australian targets and Russia established a beachhead in some Australian networks, the Australian government stands at a crossroads in terms of cyber-security.

Battening down for another solar hurricane

Russia’s hijacking of solarwinds software to penetrate a host of Western governments and companies underlines the need for better cyber-security across the whole of society.

Taming the spy in your kitchen

More and more objects and devices in the home are now connected to the internet, making them potentially at risk of being hacked. However Australia’s new voluntary code of practice to make IoT devices more secure may expose consumers to greater risks.

Why China’s Zhenhua data trove matters

The Zhenhua revelations offer another chance to challenge Beijing to reduce its egregious interference in other societies to shore up the position of the CCP.