Cyber tzar says new government powers will only be used after 'catastrophic' attack
There is growing industry concern about a new government power to take control of businesses operating critical infrastructure. But in an interview with Capital Brief, the nation's new cyber tzar says the laws would only be used after a catastrophic hack.
The nation’s new cyber boss says new government powers to take control of businesses in the wake of damaging hacks would not be used lightly but are needed in the event of a catastrophic attack on essential infrastructure.
National Coordinator for Cybersecurity, Michelle McGuinness, also said that cyber attacks against Australia are “growing in number, speed and sophistication”, warning the country is an attractive target for both cyber criminals and state-based actors.
Industry experts and lawyers are growing increasingly concerned about a last resort “consequence management power” the government wants to give federal authorities to force operators of critical infrastructure to comply with their directions after a hack has taken place.
In an interview with Capital Brief, McGuinness emphasised the fact that the current government assistance powers in the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act (SOCI) have never been used. She said she had not been briefed on industry concerns about the newly proposed power, but so far collaboration with businesses had been “excellent”.
