The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) is providing assistance to ICT managed service providers (MSPs) in the wake of the global cyber security compromise confirmed by the Australian Government.
Alastair MacGibbon, Head of the ACSC and National Cyber Security Adviser, says the incident has affected ICT providers and their customers across the globe, and it demonstrates there is no room for complacency in boardrooms around Australia when it comes to ensuring organisations have better cyber security protections in place.
‘This is a catalytic event for Australia and an opportunity for all parts of our economy to lift the levels of cyber protection for all Australians, to make Australia the safest place to live, work and play online,’ Mr MacGibbon said.
‘What we’ve exposed is an audacious global campaign to steal commercial secrets, and that translates to stealing food from the tables of Australian families.’
‘Businesses need to understand the inherent risks in cyber-enabled technology and to have the appropriate strategies in place to manage those risks.’
‘Cyber security is about risk management. You can’t eliminate risk, but you can strengthen your defences to reduce the likelihood of the risk being realised, and the harm caused when it is.’
The ACSC’s immediate focus is on providing support and advice to affected MSPs and their customers. The Centre has developed guidance for MSPs and customers of MSPs to help safeguard their networks. The Centre is also working with Australian MSPs on a new partner program designed to strengthen their security.
‘Our guides also assist organisations looking to engage MSPs to enable them to assess their suppliers’ readiness for cyber compromises of the type we have just seen.’
‘Taking a responsible approach to safeguarding ICT systems, networks and customer data is an important part of Australian business and governments’ social responsibility to all Australians,’ Mr MacGibbon said.