Sky News given a rare glimpse of cyber operations.
With the increasing threat of cyber attacks, it is crucial for countries to have strong defenses in place to protect their citizens, economy, and national security. Sky News Australia recently had the rare opportunity to gain access to the protected operations area of the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), a key government agency responsible for defending against cyber threats.
In an exclusive interview, Sky News Chief Anchor Kieran Gilbert sat down with ASD Cyber Security Centre Head Abigail Bradshaw and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Executive Director Brandon Wales to discuss the current state of cyber security and the challenges faced by Australia and the international community.
One of the main concerns highlighted by Mr Wales was the threat of attacks against critical infrastructure. He emphasized that these attacks are not just limited to financial institutions or government agencies, but also include the infrastructure that supports our daily lives.
‘Our critical infrastructure enables our economy, our way of life, and our security,’ Mr Wales stated. ‘We know that there are nation states today that are targeting our critical infrastructure.’
This statement is particularly concerning given the recent increase in cyber attacks targeting critical infrastructure worldwide. In May 2021, the Colonial Pipeline in the United States was hit by a ransomware attack, causing disruptions to the fuel supply and highlighting the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyber threats.
In Australia, there have also been several high-profile cyber attacks on critical infrastructure in recent years. These attacks serve as a reminder that no country is immune to the threat of cyber attacks, and critical infrastructure remains a top target for malicious actors.
During the interview, Ms Bradshaw also highlighted the increasing sophistication and frequency of cyber attacks, making it more challenging for governments and organizations to defend against them.
‘The threat is constantly evolving, and the level of sophistication of the attacks we see is increasing,’ Ms Bradshaw stated. ‘We have seen a shift towards nation-state actors conducting cyber espionage, which is a real risk to our nation’s security.’
To combat these threats, the ASD and CISA work closely together to share information and intelligence, as well as provide support and advice to government agencies and critical infrastructure providers. This collaboration is crucial in detecting and responding to cyber attacks in a timely and effective manner.
In addition to government agencies, individuals and businesses also have a crucial role to play in protecting against cyber attacks. Both Ms Bradshaw and Mr Wales emphasized the importance of individuals and organizations implementing strong cyber security practices.
The ASD and CISA also work to raise awareness about cyber security and provide resources and guidance to help individuals and organizations better protect themselves against cyber threats.
In conclusion, the interview with Sky News Australia provides rare insight into the work of the ASD and the ongoing efforts to protect Australia’s critical infrastructure from cyber attacks. With the threat of cyber attacks on the rise, it is crucial for governments, organizations, and individuals to work together to strengthen their cyber defenses, share information and safeguard against potential threats.