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Australia ramping up cybersecurity defense

As cybersecurity threats put increasingly large targets, including national governments, at risk, many countries are taking a more proactive stance on computer security defense systems. In a new white paper, Australia's defense department outlined some of the cybersecurity risks and responses that it will confront in the future. Positioning cybersecurity as a national defense issue reflects the steps that governments worldwide are taking to protect their countries' information, financial structures and citizens.

Australia's first defense-focused white paper in several years highlighted the dangers of cybercrime much more than previous papers had, reported ZDNet. In the 2000 Defence White Paper, ZDNet reported, cybersecurity was still considered a 'non-military' threat, comparable to issues like illegal immigration. The more recent 2009 white paper considered the emergence of cybercrime, but the 2013 one was the first to elevate cybersecurity to a national priority.

"Australia, advantaged by the cyber dimension of our international strategic partnerships, should find that the rise of cyber power has at least as many pluses as minuses. But the net effect on Australia's position will depend on how well we exploit cyber power, including working with partners and integrating cyber power into national strategy and a whole-of-nation effort," the paper stated. 

Protecting against national cybersecurity threats
Australia's effort recognizes that no entity is beyond the threat of cybercrime, and by being proactive in addressing computer security issues. government agencies can diminish national risk. Research shows that they have cause to be alarmed - the most recent Symantec Internet Security Threat Report indicated that Australia was the 21st most targeted nation for cybercrime in 2012, up from 24th in 2011, according to SmartCompany. The report stated that small and medium enterprises, which are vital to Australia's economy, are becoming more common targets for malware and phishing.

Australian government officials are taking some protective steps. The creation of a national cybersecurity task force, the Australian Cyber Security Centre, is one of them, reported ZDNet.

"Cyber capabilities have continued their evolution toward being military capabilities of real value to states. The government has provided substantial investment in new technology and analytical capabilities to protect Australia against cyber threats and preserve our edge in cyberspace," the defense white paper stated.

National information compromised by cyberattacks can lead to diplomatic, financial and legal issues. Like any entity safeguarding sensitive information, it makes sense for Australia to use whatever best practice security options are available.

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