Security Industry Adjusts to Direction of Security Policy Blueprint
The Australian Government has taken a significant step forward in enhancing its cybersecurity measures, following the issuance of Direction 002-2024 by the Department of Home Affairs on July 8, 2024. This directive requires Australian Government entities to identify and manage risks associated with vulnerable technologies.
Anthony Daniel, Regional Director at WatchGuard Technologies, has emphasised the importance of this move, suggesting that ongoing staff training, continuous investment in security technologies, and regular third-party security audits are crucial for staying updated on security practices and recognising potential cyber threats.
Wayne Phillips, Field CTO at SentinelOne, has acknowledged the need for secure sovereign cloud services with robust systems that can identify cybersecurity vulnerabilities across the whole of government. He has also highlighted the risks posed by third-party service providers and unpatched internet-facing services, which have been responsible for recent breaches.
In response to these concerns, the Department of Home Affairs is hardening its stance on the risks associated with internet-facing cloud services. Proactive measures are being taken to remediate risks associated with assets most likely to be targeted by attacks.
Pieter Danhieux, Co-Founder and CEO at Secure Code Warrior, believes that this directive could initiate a broader movement towards stronger security programs nationwide. Ashwin Ram, Cyber Security Evangelist at Check Point Software Technologies, supports this initiative, stating it is a step in the right direction for cyber risk management.
The directive also suggests that Australian Government entities should be cautious when procuring assets from manufacturers, suppliers, and providers that consistently produce vulnerable technology assets. This could potentially lead to a higher standard of cybersecurity being demanded from technology providers.
Meanwhile, the New Zealand government has announced its response to the Australian Department of Home Affairs and Security's PSPF Directive 002-2024 on September 15, 2024. The details of this response are yet to be disclosed, but it is expected to further strengthen the cybersecurity measures in both countries.
In the face of evolving cyber threats, it is essential for Australian Government entities to regularly review and update their security policies and procedures to adapt to the changing landscape. By implementing the recommendations from Direction 002-2024, the Australian Government is demonstrating its commitment to protecting its citizens and critical infrastructure from cyber attacks.
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