Australia to spend almost $1 billion to boost cyber security

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said that the country will spend A$1.35 billion over the next decade to boost its cyber security defences.

The announcement arrives a few weeks after Australia said a ‘sophisticated state-based actor’ has been attacking all levels of the government, political bodies, essential service providers and operators of critical infrastructure.

The package will include A$470 million to hire an extra 500 security experts in the Australian Signals Directorate, the country’s cyber intelligence agency.

Morrison said in a statement: “The federal government’s top priority is protecting our nation’s economy, national security and sovereignty. Malicious cyber activity undermines that.”

Australia’s Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said that the funding is part of a A$15 billion investment in cyber warfare capabilities, a plan that was accelerated after an electronic attack on Australia’s parliament and three largest political parties last year.