After being targeted in a large-scale state cyberattack, Australia has announced it will spend €926.1 million over the next 10 years to strengthen its cybersecurity defences. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said earlier this month that the threats against Australia were not only sophisticated but targeted "all levels of government, industry, political organisations, education, health, essential service providers and operators of other essential infrastructure." Australia has yet to reveal who it claims was responsible for the recent attacks. However, three sources briefed on the matter told Reuters that China will be the country responsible, although Beijing has denied the accusations. In a statement, Morrison explained why Australia is investing heavily in its cybersecurity defences, saying: "The federal government's top priority is protecting our country's economy, national security and sovereignty. Malicious cyber activity undermines this. ."
Investing in cybersecurity
Of the funds Australia will invest to improve its cybersecurity posture, €324 million will be used to hire an additional 500 security experts to strengthen the country's electronic intelligence agency, the Directorate of Australia. Defense Minister Linda Reynolds says the funding is part of a €10bn investment in cyber warfare capabilities and a plan that was accelerated after a cyber attack on the Australian Parliament and three of the world's largest political parties. big in the country last year. While Australia has not publicly revealed who was responsible for the hack that took place just months before his election, the country's intelligence services have been able to determine that China was responsible for the cyberattack. Again, Beijing denied responsibility for the attack. Cyber attacks and other online threats continue to disrupt businesses and governments, and it makes perfect sense that Australia would want to double down on its cyber defenses before facing another attack.- Keep all your devices protected online with the best antivirus software