The Federal Government has announced it will hold bilateral meetings with the United States to develop a ‘prioritised’ work program’ to further cyber security cooporation.

 

“The new and emerging challenges of a digital economy were the subject of recent talks in Canberra between myself and Secretary Napolitano. And yesterday in Washington we built upon those discussions,” Attorney-General Nicola Roxon said.

 

“Countries everywhere are increasingly reliant on critical infrastructure such as telecommunications, which enables ‘online’ activities that contribute to global commerce and trade and play an increasingly important role in national security.

 

“Both Australia and United States recognise the considerable benefits delivered by these activities, but also the challenges of managing cyber security and resilience to counter malicious activity.

 

“This statement will lead to increased collaboration between the two countries on critical infrastructure, particularly digital control systems.”

 

Ms Roxon outlined the following initiatives and objectives:

  • Enhanced situational awareness and information sharing on operational cyber security issues between, and among national cyber incident response teams.
  • Collaborating and exchanging cyber security best practices for information technology and industrial control systems.
  • The creation of opportunities for training and education, and further cooperation in cyber exercises.