Cyber laws expanded to allow government intervention during terror attacks and bushfires
An overhaul of the nation's critical infrastructure laws will allow the government to intervene in company networks in a much wider array of circumstances, including a terrorist attack or natural disaster.
Australian authorities will be able to intervene in the networks of critical infrastructure in the wake of terrorist attacks and bushfires — not just cyber attacks — as part of an overhaul of new cybersecurity laws to be introduced within weeks.
Capital Brief can reveal an exposure draft of the new laws proposes expanded powers for the Department of Home Affairs to direct companies to take certain actions following an incident involving critical infrastructure such as ports, electricity and communications.
The draft laws were sent to a select few members of industry on Wednesday night, with companies given until next Wednesday to respond.
Capital Brief revealed earlier on Thursday that the Department of Home Affairs had completed a draft of the laws and sent them to minister Tony Burke’s office.
