The federal government has unveiled the nation’s International Cyber and Critical Technology Engagement Strategy, which has outlined the impact that cyber security will have on both Australia’s domestic and foreign policy.
The strategy was initially launched by Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne to ensure that Australia has a unified cyber security framework to support stability in the region.
“However, the promise of technology comes with new risks. As our reliance on technology increases, new means to misuse it are being developed. This includes unlawful invasive surveillance, malign influence operations using disinformation, and new ways to control populations and conduct foreign interference including political and economic coercion,” Minister Payne wrote in the strategy.
The strategy is currently managed by the Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology, Dr Tobias Feakin, and will be overseen by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). For the purpose of managing the strategy, DFAT will co-ordinate expertise from the Australian Federal Police, Australian Signals Directorate, Department of Defence and Department of Home Affairs among other commonwealth government agencies.
The strategy assessed emerging technologies deemed critical to Australia’s interest including artificial intelligence, quantum computing and synthetic biology.
The strategy has laid out three foundational values for their success: values, security and prosperity.
[Related: Assistant Minister for Defence cautions Australians for safe Microsoft Exchange use]
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