Cyber incidents linked to third-party suppliers used by the New South Wales government have more than quadrupled in two years, revealing significant vulnerabilities in the state's digital supply chain. The surge highlights the growing threat of supply chain attacks to government services and data.
Sydney-based real estate firm The Property Business has been hit by the Kairos ransomware group, with 164GB of data reportedly stolen. The attack highlights the growing threat to Australia's property sector, which holds sensitive client financial and personal information.
The U.S. has charged Ukrainian national Volodymyr Tymoshchuk for his role in the LockerGoga, MegaCortex, and Nefilim ransomware attacks that targeted over 250 American companies and hundreds more worldwide. The State Department is offering a $10 million reward for information leading to his arrest.
Australia's 2023-2030 Cyber Security Strategy invests $586.9 million to enhance infrastructure protection, combat ransomware, and ensure AI safety. It focuses on workforce growth, international collaboration, and balancing innovation with regulation to address evolving cyber threats.
The Australian government's 2023-2030 Cyber Security Strategy, released after significant deliberation, seeks to position Australia among the world's most secure cyber nations by 2030. This ambitious target aligns with Australia's ranking as the fifth-most powerful cyber nation, as reported by Harvard University's Kennedy School in 2022.
The strategy prioritises safeguarding critical infrastructure, implementing tools for businesses to increase cyber resilience, and securing consumer products and services.
Notably, a substantial investment of $290.8 million is earmarked for these protections, with an additional $143.6 million for fortifying major telecommunications infrastructure.
It includes initiatives to attract a diverse range of skilled migrants to bolster the cyber security workforce.
The strategy also emphasises collaboration with international partners for sharing threat intelligence and developing new capabilities.
Expansion of cyber awareness programs is a key component, aimed at educating the public on cyber threats and safety measures.
The government has committed $586.9 million towards these goals, supplementing $2.3 billion allocated for existing cyber initiatives.
Investments also target specific sectors, including $9.4 million for a health sector cyber threat sharing platform and $4.8 million for consumer standards in smart devices and software.
The strategy involves expanding the Digital ID program to enhance online service access while reducing personal data sharing requirements.
Efforts to counter ransomware include creating a ransomware playbook and contemplating a ban on ransom payments, despite potential negative impacts.
Aligning with the Bletchley Declaration, the strategy advocates for safe, secure, and responsible AI utilisation, with a focus on security by design.
Initiatives for establishing cyber security standards for consumer-grade smart devices and voluntary schemes for smart device labelling and app store practices are also outlined.
The strategy faces challenges in dealing with the evolving nature of cyber threats and the balance between privacy, security, innovation, and regulation.
A lack of detailed action plans in the strategy raises concerns about its effectiveness and measurable progress.
Dynamic Threat Response: The strategy's focus on evolving threats and the commitment to adapt to new challenges positions Australia to proactively tackle cyber risks.
Balancing Innovation and Regulation: The strategy recognizes the need for a delicate balance between fostering technological innovation and ensuring robust regulatory frameworks.
Emphasising stakeholder engagement and international collaboration, the strategy aims for a comprehensive and unified response to cyber threats.
The editor's view that the Australian Cyber Security Strategy 2023-2030 represents a forward-thinking approach to national cyber security, seeking to safeguard the nation's digital infrastructure, enhance international cooperation, and ensure the responsible use of emerging technologies. However, its success hinges on addressing the complexities of evolving cyber threats, maintaining a balance between innovation and regulation, and executing the outlined initiatives effectively.
Oracle’s $455bn cloud backlog and Google’s $106bn pipeline show AI infrastructure is driving Wall Street’s rally. Microsoft expands with in-house models, while Apple’s iPhone Air underwhelms, raising doubts over its role in an AI-first market dominated by chips, data centres and scale.
Microsoft 365 remains healthcare’s weakest security link, with breaches rising from 43% in 2024 to 52% in mid-2025. Patient data exposure, soaring costs, and AI-driven cyberattacks in Australia highlight urgent gaps. Policymakers face mounting pressure to safeguard data sovereignty.
Artificial Intelligence has become the new battleground of global politics. Washington and Beijing pursue Dual-Carriage Politics, blending economic ambition, military strategy, and social values. From classrooms to trade wars, AI now shapes power, society, and the fragile balance of global order.
The global AI race is no longer confined to the US and China. Emerging hubs like Abu Dhabi, Paris, Singapore, and São Paulo are transforming the landscape with bold strategies, sovereign investments, and rapid innovation, creating a multipolar future for artificial intelligence.
Where cybersecurity meets innovation, the CNC team delivers AI and tech breakthroughs for our digital future. We analyze incidents, data, and insights to keep you informed, secure, and ahead. Sign up for free!
