In response to growing concerns about foreign interference and influence threats, the Australian government is taking decisive steps to safeguard its internet-facing technology. Home Affairs Secretary Stephanie Foster has issued formal directives to Commonwealth agencies, emphasizing risk identification and mitigation. Let’s explore the key aspects of this initiative.

The Directives

1. Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) Risk Assessment:

• Under PSPF Direction 001-2024, government entities are required to assess indicators of FOCI risk related to technology procurement and maintenance.
• The goal is to identify and manage potential risks associated with foreign interference.
• Entities must implement robust processes to address FOCI risks by June 2025.

2. Technology Asset Stocktake:

• Ms. Foster’s second directive mandates a comprehensive stocktake of all internet-facing systems and services managed by or on behalf of Commonwealth entities.
• This inventory will help identify vulnerabilities and enhance security measures.

3. Threat Intelligence Sharing:

• The third directive makes it mandatory for Australian government entities to share cyber threat information with the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD).
• Collaborative threat intelligence sharing strengthens the nation’s overall cybersecurity posture.

Understanding Foreign Interference

• Foreign interference occurs when activities carried out by or on behalf of a foreign power are coercive, corrupting, deceptive, or clandestine.
• Such interference undermines Australia’s sovereignty, values, and national interests.
• The Australian Signals Directorate plays a crucial role in detecting and countering these threats.

The Role of Commonwealth Entities

• Commonwealth agencies, comprising nearly 200 entities and companies, must actively participate in risk management.
• Their technology security risk management plans should align with overall security strategies.
• By sharing threat intelligence, these entities contribute to a collective defence against cyber threats.

Anchoram welcomes these changes and has deep experience in working with both government and private sector organisations to address these risks across cyber, personnel and physical security aspects having an industry-leading integrated security service.

Providing services that reference activities across standards such as the Foreign Investment Review Board, Hosting Certifications Framework, Protective Security Policy Framework, Information Security Manual and others from local and international bodies such as IEC, ISO, NIST etc mean that Anchoram understands the requirements.

In summary, Australia’s commitment to cybersecurity resilience involves collaboration, risk assessment, and proactive measures. By addressing foreign interference risks head-on, the nation reinforces its digital defences and protects its democratic processes.