International Cyber Engagement Strategy

Today we launch a new International Cyber Engagement Strategy outlining our cyber affairs agenda for the next three years, and creating the environment for digital trade to generate economic growth and opportunities for Australia and Australians.

The Strategy is underscored by private sector partnerships and presents a practical plan of action to position Australia to take full advantage of the opportunities of the digital age while mitigating the risks. It also charts a path to use digital technologies to drive sustainable and inclusive development in our region. The International Engagement Strategy on Cyber Security is a key deliverable of the Government's $230 million Cyber Security Strategy.

The Government will allocate $10 million to the Cyber Cooperation Program to support implementation of the Strategy, with a particular focus on the Indo-Pacific region. This is in addition to the $4 million provided last year.

Increasingly, states are testing the boundaries of what is and is not acceptable in cyberspace. The Strategy puts Australia at the forefront of international efforts to promote and protect a peaceful and stable online environment – on which we all depend.

Most cybercrime affecting Australians originates overseas. For this reason, Australia must engage internationally to shut down cybercrime safe havens. The Strategy aims to foster good cyber security practices in our region and improve our collective capacity to respond to global cyber incidents.

We encourage all Australians to read the International Cyber Engagement Strategy and to recognise the breadth of benefits a stable and secure cyberspace can bring to personal, business, community and international well-being.