New cyber tzar says deterring ransom payments will be 'central' to new strategy
Australian authorities have always cautioned against paying ransoms to cyber attackers in return for stolen data being returned, but the government has shied away from a total ban.
Businesses will be discouraged from paying ransoms to hackers under an overhaul of the nation’s cyber security laws, as the government finalises a new seven-year cyber strategy.
Australia's newly minted cybersecurity coordinator, Air Marshall Darren Goldie, has revealed that a policy on paying ransoms will be a central feature of the 2023-2030 Cyber Security Strategy, which will be released before the end of the year.
Goldie also confirmed that the government was considering expanding the nation’s critical infrastructure laws to force companies to respond to the fallout of a cyber attack, after the data breaches of Optus and Medibank last year exposed potential gaps in the laws.
The former Air Force commander said the upcoming strategy may further define his role and responsibilities after he was announced as the inaugural appointment by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil in June.
