Technology is now a major part of most of our lives. We depend on it for essential services, information, connection and entertainment. We spend our time online and trust devices with sensitive information.
But it is a space under constant threat.
Victorian Government IT networks face constant threat of cyber-attacks, and a new cybercrime is reported by an Australian every 10 minutes at an estimated annual cost of $29 billion to Australia's economy according to the Australian Cyber Security Centre.
Attacks come from cyber criminals, organised crime groups, foreign governments and organised groups, and online vandals, scammers and trolls.
So, to make sure we can all benefit from technology, we must strengthen our networks, and support industry and the community to reduce the growing risks from cybercrime.
To make it happen, we will pursue three missions:
- Mission 1: The safe and reliable delivery of government services
- Mission 2: A cyber safe place to work, live and learn
- Mission 3: A vibrant cyber economy
Cyber risks know no boundaries and ignore jurisdictions, and so will we. We’ve assembled a network of cross-disciplinary partners to bring the strategy to life. A new set of Mission Delivery Plans will be created and released each year.
This is a dynamic space, so our efforts must be cutting edge and reflect the latest technology underpinned by innovation and jobs growth.
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Foreword
Technology and the internet continue to transform the way Victorians live, work and learn.
The year of 2020 highlighted our reliance on digital solutions – more than any other time in our history and our take-up of technology and devices with internet access is accelerating quickly.
Digital technologies and social media are a global phenomenon of our times and once labour-intensive processes are now handled seamlessly through advancements in automation, artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Although recent advancements in digital technologies have made life easier for Victorians, they also give rise to risks that have potential to harm the very people they were designed to benefit.
The Victorian Government has an important role to play in protecting government systems against cyber-attacks, as well as supporting private industry and the community to be resilient to the challenges of the digital world.
This strategy will serve to protect the safety and data of Victorians and keep safe the critical infrastructure on which we all depend. Support for industry and community in this arena is crucial – leading to improved service delivery and reliability, and an overall reduction in cyber risk.
Keeping citizens safe from cyber dangers is a challenge for nations around the world. But with ever present cyber risk, also comes opportunity.
Global investment in cyber products and services continues to expand and Victoria is well placed to capitalise through its world leading universities, TAFEs, research, telecommunications and financial institutions.
With this strategy, more cyber business and cyber jobs will call Victoria home.
Victoria was the first state in Australia to develop a dedicated whole of government Cyber Strategy and I am delighted to present this important update which affirms our Government’s commitment to building a cyber safe Victoria.
The Hon. Danny Pearson MP
Minister for Government Services
The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly demonstrated that being able to connect to the internet is neither luxury, nor recreation – it has become a necessity. Technology and connectivity has become essential to our ability to navigate daily life and to participate in society and the economy.
The online parts of our lives and our work are advancing rapidly, involving millions of transactions of personal and financial data every second.
With more and more business and personal interactions online, cybercrime is a key risk and will continue to be so in the future. This strategy outlines how we are responding to this – by developing and leveraging the considerable strengths Victoria has in technology, innovation, entrepreneurship and problem solving.
This period of rapid change presents challenges but also opportunities. With this strategy, the Victorian Government recognises that cyber security is not only essential for the operations of our government and our digital economy but also represents a huge industry opportunity, with global spending on cyber security projected to reach US$207 billion by 2024.
Victoria’s world-class tech ecosystem will help us meet this challenge head on. We are focused on accelerating our cyber security capabilities to meet growing demand for services and expertise. We recognise that meeting this demand will enable us to help local businesses grow and create jobs.
This strategy sets out a vision for a Cyber Safe Victoria that supports the accelerating digitalisation of our key industries, while safeguarding the activities of government, businesses and all Victorians. It is a key foundation of our economic recovery and future prosperity.
In Victoria our cyber security industry is poised to thrive. With a strong vision shared by government and industry we will launch even more local innovators and entrepreneurs onto the global stage as we grow our cyber capability and future proof Victoria’s economy.
The Hon. Jaala Pulford
Minister for Employment,
Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy,
Minister for Small Business
Overview
The rapid uptake of digital technology is changing the way Victorians work, live and learn. It is also creating new opportunities for us to connect with government and industry, and within our many communities.
The tremendous benefits brought by digital transformation have been highlighted during the coronavirus (COVID-19) global health pandemic. We have experienced a rapid shift to remote work and online service delivery, with e-commerce proving vital to many people and businesses. Our continued shift online has also allowed us to stay in touch, be entertained and remain informed throughout Victoria’s response to the pandemic.
This change has magnified cyber risks that require a strategic and coordinated response. One in three Australians have fallen victim to cybercrime, with an estimated cost to Australia’s economy of $29 billion annually. The amount of personal and sensitive data at risk of exposure or compromise is growing. And the delivery of our essential services is increasingly vulnerable to malicious actors seeking to threaten the safety and security of Victorians.
It is crucial that we manage any risks that arise with an increased online presence. The Victorian Government acknowledges the opportunities for new thinking presented by the increased global reliance on the internet. We will promote these opportunities, recognising that growth in the state’s cyber sector benefits all Victorians.
Victoria’s Cyber Strategy 2021 sets the Victorian Government’s cyber agenda for the next 5 years. It defines long-term objectives and provides the framework for an annual Mission Delivery Plan.
Victoria’s Cyber Strategy 2021 will be delivered through three core missions:
- The safe and reliable delivery of government services
- A cyber safe place to work, live and learn
- A vibrant cyber economy.
Delivering these outcomes will require input from across government, industry and the community to improve Victoria’s cyber resilience.
We all have a shared responsibility to create a cyber safe Victoria.
Terminology
For the purpose of this strategy, the Victorian Government is focused on a number of online security, crime and safety risks, which we refer to as ’cyber risks’.
We use the term ’cyber risks’ to encompass the following individual concepts:
- Cyber security – protecting the confidentiality, integrity and availability of computer systems and data
- Cyber safety – protecting individuals using computer systems from harm
- Cybercrime – traditional criminal offences committed using (or enabled via) technology, and crimes against technology systems. This strategy brings together key risks and issues associated with all three concepts.
Updated