The white paper, which is expected to be published in the first half of 2012, will outline how government, industry, and the community can cooperate to address the cybersecurity challenges and risks arising from greater digital engagement.
The government explained that the white paper will “complement" its vision for "Australia to become a leading digital economy by 2020 as outlined in the National Digital Economy Strategy”.
The strategy foresees digital technologies driving productivity, innovation, and integration across the economy; increasing the reach of government services and reducing their costs; and connecting Australians to one another and to the world. Central to achieving this vision will be ensuring confidence, trust, resilience, security, and safety in the online environment, the government said.
The white paper will place the government’s existing initiatives and strategies within the context of an integrated framework and will highlight the importance of partnerships with industry and community groups.
This framework builds on the 2008 Cybersafety Plan and 2009 Cyber Security Strategy. It includes the establishment of the national computer emergency response team (CERT Australia) in the Attorney General’s Department, the Cyber Espionage Branch within the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, the Australian Federal Police’s High Tech Crimes Operations portfolio, and the Cyber Security Operations Centre in the Department of Defence.